Telstra also giving paid leave on vaccine days
Telecommunications company Telstra will be handing out AU$200 to employees who already received and will be getting their Covid-19 vaccinations.
The AU$200 falls under the company's internal "Appreciate points" rewards programme, where every point is equal to AU$1.
The incentive is part Telstra's push to get its staff vaccinated against the coronavirus, besides the paid leave employees are entitled to when they get the vaccines and/or experience side effects, The New Daily reported.
"Now is the time to act – to roll-up our sleeves and get vaccinated, or make an informed decision so you are ready when supplies are available to you," said Telstra chief executive officer Andy Penn in a message to employees.
"I’ve had the jab and I know many of you have as well, but it is something I urge all of you to do, as soon as you can," he added.
According to Penn, those who already got the jabs will get their points, while those who have yet to receive theirs will have until December 31 before the incentive ends.
The Telstra boss also encouraged those who remain hesitant to seek a doctor's medical advice for their individual concerns.
Meanwhile, on the topic of requiring the shots for specific workers, Penn said it has not ruled out the possibility and will inform employees should it happen.
"We will continue to consider relevant government and health advice, particularly for our people working in high-risk locations and with vulnerable people, such as aged care, hospitals and Indigenous communities," said Penn.
However, the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) on Monday warned in its Employer Guide that bosses run the risk of being liable should they offer incentives in exchange for vaccinations.
According to the ACCI, employees could be entitled for compensation claim should they suffer from adverse effects of the vaccines.
"Where an employer encourages their employees to get vaccinated through incentive or reward, then an adverse reaction may be compensable as the incentive scheme creates a link to employment," the ACCI said in its guide.
