Business

Singapore’s Major Airlines Mandate Vaccination for Front‑Line Staff

Singapore’s Skies Get a Vaccination Boost

Why the big three airlines are going all in on Covid shots

A trio of local carriers – Singapore Airlines (SIA), Scoot and Jetstar Asia – are tightening the reins to make sure their front‑line teams are fully vaccinated by year‑end. One airline even wants everyone, from flight crew to office staff, to be shot up before October.

SIA: 99% of pilots and cabin crew already in the safe zone

All pilot & cabin crew based in Singapore must be fully vaccinated by September 1.
Ground staff? 100% vaccinated.
The group says the policy lines up with a July 2 government advisory that lets employers require shots in high‑risk jobs.
“Vaccines add layers of protection on top of the strict safety measures we already have,” the airline notes.
They’re reaching out to the handful who haven’t been shot, listening to their concerns, and helping them find new roles if needed.

Scoot follows suit, but a bit later

Front‑line crew in Singapore must be fully vaccinated by December 1.
Like SIA, Scoot sits under the same government guidance and is on board with the strategy.

Jetstar Asia rolls out the red carpet for all staff

From flight crews to office workers at Changi Airport, everyone has to be fully vaccinated by October 1.
The airline proudly claims “almost 100%” of its employees have had their shots.
Chief executive Bara Pasupathi says a fully vaccinated team is the best shield against the pandemic’s dark side and key to reopening international travel.

Handling the non‑vaccinated

If someone can’t get the shot for medical reasons, Jetstar will consider alternative arrangements, as guided by the Ministry of Manpower.
Office staff mingle with front‑line crew, so a unified policy protects everyone in the same tight‑rope environment.

With nearly all employees already boosted, the trio’s move nails down not just employee safety but also peace of mind for passengers and the larger community. The aim: keep the skies open, passengers smiling, and the risk of Covid in the lowest possible orbit.

When Employers Want Vaccines, But Not for All Staff

What the Government and Unions Are Saying

The Ministry of Manpower, together with the National Trades Union Congress and the Singapore National Employers Federation, issued a clear‑cut message on July 2: employers cannot turn COVID‑19 vaccination into an absolute rule for every worker. However, they can choose to make it a requirement for those working in “higher‑risk” environments.

Recruitment or Job Ads: For roles that expose staff to tougher infection risks, companies can stipulate that candidates must be vaccinated when they apply or accept the position.
No Firing for Non‑Vaccinated Current Staff: Existing employees who decide not to get the jab can’t be let go solely on that basis.

What Employers Can Do if a Worker Turns Down the Vaccine

Advisory guidelines outline a couple of “soft‑tactics” for managers:

Redeploy the employee to a role that carries lower infection risk.
Negotiate redeployment terms and conditions together, especially if your company doesn’t yet have a formal policy in place.

Real‑World Examples Across the Aviation World

Airlines are quite pro-active on this front. Below is the scoop from the skies:

Qantas Group (Jetstar Asia): Front‑line staff—including cabin crew and pilots—must be fully vaccinated by 15 Nov. All other staff need the same badge of health by 31 Mar next year.
United Airlines: Pioneered the move in the U.S., insisting on vaccines for all domestic flight crew. Hawaiian Airlines followed suit shortly after.
Cathay Pacific: In Hong Kong, all pilots and flight attendants were told to be vaccinated by 31 Aug or risk job loss.
Virgin Australia: Still weighing whether a blanket mandate for all—or just some—workers will be feasible.

Bottom Line

If your workplace is deemed high‑risk, you’re welcome to set vaccination as a hiring filter. But for the staff that’s already in the huddle, think of smart reassignment rather than the old‑school sack‑and‑replace approach. The goal? A healthier workforce without stifling job security.

— Original article by Straits Times – adapted for a fresh, conversational take.