RFNSW joins calls for transport workers to be prioritised for vaccination
Industry body Road Freight NSW (RFNSW) is calling for truck drivers to be prioritised to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, given their crucial role in securing supply chains and ensuring the delivery of the country’s critical vaccination distribution program.
RFNSW points out that truck-drivers working on the frontline delivering freight across the community were exposed to high numbers of people as part of their daily operations – and needed to be protected from contracting the virus.
“Whilst we rightfully acknowledge that healthcare workers, aged care residents and other vulnerable members of the community will be among the first to receive the jab, the essential role that truckies will be playing in the national roll-out of the vaccine must also be taken into account,” chief executive Simon O’Hara says.
“Our members will soon be called-upon to commence the delivery of the vaccine across the country and they’ll be an essential part of the national supply chain.
“It’s therefore crucial that truckies have prioritised access to the vaccine so they can stay healthy and keep working, minimising potential disruptions to the national distribution program.
“Ensuring that truckies remain Covid-free will help secure supply chains and safeguard the community.”
Read the ALC’s call for transport workers to prioritise jabs for T&L workers, here
RFNSW says it is supporting calls from transport, freight and logistics bodies for the federal government to consult with industry over the national vaccination roll-out.
The Australian Logistics Council (ALC) and Transport Workers’ Union (TWU) have already called for transport and logistics workers to be amongst the first to receive the vaccinations, given their strategic economic position and high social interactivity.