JOBS FOR THE UNVACCINATED

The job board helping unvaccinated people find work; with one opening in Prince George

Dec 17, 2021 | 6:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—Following multiple proof-of-vaccination mandates in B.C. across different sectors, many lost their jobs. Now, one man in Vancouver has created a website aimed to get those people back to work.

Jabless Jobs was created in August by George Douklias. He says he was previously in a position at his old job that was going to implement the mandate and did not want to follow through.

The website allows employers and job seekers find one another regardless of vaccination status. Applicants can upload their own resume and filter by province.

B.C. has over 50 positions opened right now, including a carpenter position in Prince George.

“We’re broader than the vaccinated, the unvaccinated, we allow the unvaccinated to come and find work for us too. It’s a matter of ethics, not personal choice.” said Douklias.

Douklias says since he started the site, he’s helped at least 100 people find a job, and has garnered more than 150,000 views since November.

“A non-discriminatory employment service is needed more than ever. I don’t understand why it could be considered controversial because it’s non-discriminatory. That’s it, it shouldn’t be controversial.” said Douklias.

UNBC ethics professor Dr. Alexander Lautensach says he understands that financial security can be a driving factor for people to flock to websites like Jabless Jobs. However, if there is work where the employee poses a health risk to the public, then considerations should be made.

“What kind of sacrifice are you incurring by becoming vaccinated? I had my booster yesterday and it was a matter of ten minutes. Is that a big sacrifice? Compared to the safety of the people at work or otherwise?” said Lautensach.

Much of the work found on the site involves trade work such as electricans and mechanics. There are other jobs that place workers inside office environments and work with at-risk groups such as the elderly.

When it comes to potentially more vaccine mandates in the future involving the private sector, Vancouver-based lawyer Paul Jaffe believe that the province doesn’t have a strong enough case to implement one yet.

“I think they’re on slightly higher ground when they’re controlling their own activities, their own institutions, than interfering in the private sector.” said Jaffe.

Another feature of the website that draws visitors is its anonymity. Douklias says the website can serve as a middleman for both employers and applicants. He says they can communicate between both parties before introducing to one another.

CKPG-TV tried to reach out to the B.C. Carpenter’s Union for a comment on the open carpenter position, but did not respond.

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