I’ll cut straight to the chase – Ontario still does not have permanent paid sick days. Zero. After a devastating pandemic with thousands of deaths,…
One of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s first actions in his first term was to cut paid sick days, which fuelled the spread of COVID-19. Ford then promised “the best paid sick days in North America” but only provided three temporary days. Now one of his first actions during his second term is to let these days expire at the end of this month, which amounts to cutting paid sick days a second time.
Growing up, I could not remember my mother taking time off work when she was sick as a labourer in the manufacturing industry. As the…
As we enter the 6th wave of COVID, the Ford government has lifted restrictions, watched infections rise and provided no protections for workers. This has…
I saw an ad by the federal government this morning that said, “Omicron is a superspreader. Stay home if you are sick.” With little action…
Not only has the Ontario government provided paid sick days that are less than adequate in number and only temporary in duration, but they have…
Entering year three of the pandemic, case counts have exploded, admissions to hospitals are rising, ICUs are filling up and our public services are at…
Casual workers at the University of Toronto, represented by United Steelworkers local 1998, recently won two paid sick days. Spring Magazine spoke with Colleen Burke…
In Ontario the Conservatives declared themselves to be “working for workers” while yet again voting against paid sick days. While in BC, workers have won 5 permanent and employer-paid sick days, but the NDP government refused to provide 10. Both are signs of the movement pushing governments to provide rhetorical support or partial gains for workers, and the movement can continue towards winning 10 paid sick days for all.
Paid sick days have been a central issue during the pandemic, with labour advocates and health experts calling for at least 10 paid sick days…
Ontario’s three temporary paid sick days are running out at the end of the year. Bill 8 would ensure workers would have access to 10 permanent paid sick days.
The Liberals were re-elected on this promise, and this can’t wait. Justin Trudeau needs to translate words into action: immediately mandate 10 paid sick days for federally regulated workers, and convene the provinces and territories to develop a national action plan for similar legislation across the country. And provincial governments, from BC and Ontario to the rest of provinces and territories, need to follow.
