Kelowna long-term care home employee rights: Global BC

A recent outbreak at a long-term care facility in Kelowna B.C has led to discussions regarding employee rights in regards to health and safety and vaccinations. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak, 35% of staff refuse to be vaccinated. What can an employer in this situation mandate?

A Vancouver employment lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP spoke with Global BC about the issue at Cottonwoods Care Center and vaccinations in the workplace.

“Employers will have to keep the staff members who refuse vaccinations employed but move them to a position where they are not interacting with the vulnerable population,” the lawyer said.

The long-term care home has long since hired and kept un-vaccinated employees during the flu season as they simply would not have enough staff to maintain the facility.