However, Border industry and union leaders have raised concerns about the move which was announced by the fruit and vegetable processor on Thursday.

Wangaratta solicitor John Suta said under the Fair Work Act employers were able to give directives to staff as long as they "reasonable and proper".

He said SPC could argue it has a duty of care to other employees and if a worker declined a vaccination that would be put in jeopardy.

"Anything is arguable from a legal perspective, but I think SPC is standing on solid ground," Mr Suta said.

"Given the situation in Victoria it's not unreasonable to require people to be vaccinated and it's their choice."

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Mr Suta likened the optional aspect to Jehovah's Witnesses who decline blood transfusions as it conflicts with their religious belief.

Albury-based Australian Industry Group director Tim Farrah said companies had been speaking to him about compulsory vaccinations since last October.

He said his advice to companies was to be wary, noting there may be challenges to such a measure on privacy and discrimination grounds.

"A public health order would need to be in place or an employer would need to demonstrate that it would it be 'lawful and reasonable' for the employer to direct an employee to have the vaccine," Mr Farrah said.

"Public health orders making COVID-19 vaccinations mandatory are unlikely to be issued beyond areas such as quarantine, residential aged care and certain front-line health workers and so employers would need to prove their circumstances were such that mandated vaccinations would be lawful and reasonable.

"This will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the employer and employee, the nature of the industry and the duties of the employees."

North East Trades and Labour Council secretary Chip Eling said his organisation believed people should be immunised against COVID, but he had some "deep concerns" about making it binding for workers.

He noted some people may be immuno-compromised or conscientious objectors and a "one-size-fits-all brutal rule" is not appropriate for everyone.

Mr Eling also queried if casuals would have the same entitlements as full-timers obtaining the vaccine.

Under the SPC plan all employees would be immunised by November 30 and have paid time off to receive vaccines and two days leave if they have side effects.

The AMWU, which covers SPC workers at Shepparton, believes the timing for coverage is "unrealistic" considering not all staff are yet eligible for jabs.