Vaccine hesitancy may pose hurdles in auto hub

Unions, managements have together launched intensive awareness campaign among workers

Companies in the automobile hub near Chennai are conducting vaccination drives for their employees, following a State government directive amid the second wave of COVID-19. However, there is hesitancy from a section of the workers in taking the vaccines. The State government in its order of May 29 asked the industries (including automobile units) to vaccinate all employees within a month. “There is hesitancy among workers to take the jab. A lot of misinformation is being spread on Facebook and WhatsApp about the vaccines, which is making some workers sceptical. Both the unions and managements are creating awareness,” G. Vinayagam, president, United Union of Hyundai Employees (UUHE), said. “We have conducted 10 vaccination camps, in association with the district health authorities (Sriperumbudur health centre officials) and private hospitals. We have covered around 10.73% [1,685 employees of 15,700] of our employees and we will continue this to cover everyone,” Stephen Sudhakar J., senior vice-president & unit head – people strategy and business support, Hyundai Motor India Ltd., said.