Byron Bay worker claims she was sacked for getting COVID-19 vaccine
A Byron Bay worker who says she was sacked for getting a COVID-19 vaccination is taking her former employer to the Fair Work Commission.
But the Church of Ubuntu, where she had been working since October 2020, said she was just a contractor. They have so far failed to meet for conciliation.
Lainie Chait says it was important she get the COVID-19 vaccine, as she has been living with epilepsy for 30 years. But she didn't think that would mean losing her job.
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Lainie Chait says it was important she get the COVID-19 vaccine, as she has been living with epilepsy for 30 years. 9News
"I knew their stance on health, and I aligned with all of that, but I didn't realise the political agenda that they had about this kind of thing," she told NBN News.
The Byron Bay resident was employed by Newcastle-based wellness business the Church of Ubuntu last year when she claims she was unfairly dismissed.
She said she was sacked when her boss discovered her vaccination status. She is now seeking damages.
"The unfair dismissal stems from a simple argument that the employer sacked Lainie when she chose to be vaccinated," Ms Chait's lawyer, Mark Swivel, said.
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The Byron Bay resident was employed by Newcastle-based wellness business the Church of Ubuntu last year. 9News
The Church of Ubuntu claims to be a "religious order" helping people and animals struggling with health issues.
Ms Chait worked for the church's wellness clinic remotely for 12 months.
"Their constitution states they support all health habits and things people do to support their own health, so they've gone against their own constitution," Ms Chait said.
In a letter to Ms Chait, the church wrote: "It is the position of the COU that to receive the COVID-19/Sars Cov 2 injection consciously and deliberately with intent is in contradiction with our Constitution and contrary to our position on what is required of us by our Lord God and Creator."
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Mr Swivel said Ms Chait didn't see herself as a member of the church, "she was actually simply doing a job for the church".
It comes amid a debate over the government's proposed Religious Discrimination Bill and the power of religious organisations to hire and fire based on belief.
"When I was hired for the job there was nothing I was talked through to tell me this was a potential outcome," Ms Chait said.
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