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Australian employers must consult on vaccine policies, after BHP mandate ruled unlawful
07/12/2021
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Covid-19 Vaccination centre signs in Australia
iStock.com/Christle Cooper
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Shani Alexander
Shani Alexander, Senior reporter

In a warning to employers introducing covid-19 vaccine mandates, Australia’s Fair Work Commission has ruled that a vaccination policy from BHP was unlawful because the mining giant did not consult adequately with workers.

Dozens of workers at BHP’s Mt Arthur coal mine were “stood down” without pay after refusing to provide their vaccination status, following the introduction of a mandatory vaccination policy in November.

The mandate was challenged by the Construction, Forestry Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), which represents workers at the mine.