Advisory

Before it’s Too Late: Health experts, teachers, frontline workers sound the alarm for paid sick days

Wednesday, August 19 at 10:00am EST - Online Press Conference

For a safe return to schools and to protect against a devastating second wave of COVID-19, doctors, teachers and frontline workers are joining together to call for paid sick days and expose gaps in the recently announced federal sick leave program that jeopardize public health. They will launch a groundbreaking report written by health providers that reveals how Canada’s paid sick day policy lags behind globally, leaving low-income, racialized, and women workers especially vulnerable. 

Speakers at Wednesday’s virtual press conference will present evidence from the new report to make recommendations for effective paid sick leave legislation across Canada.

- Dr. Monika Dutt, family physician and public health specialist
- Sarah Vance, teacher
- Kyle Hoskin, sanitation worker
- Veronica Zaragoza, former cleaner
- Carolina Jimenez, registered nurse and coordinator of the Decent Work and Health Network

Presenters will join wearing scrubs, stethoscopes, and other work attire as appropriate to their profession. Workers will offer first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work during the COVID-19 crisis without paid sick days. 

Contact [email protected] for the zoom link to access the press conference.

Press release & full report “Before it’s Too Late: How to Close the Paid Sick Day Gap During COVID-19 and Beyond” will be made available at 10am, August 19 here: www.decentworkandhealth.org/beforetoolate 

For details or to arrange an interview, contact:
Rana Hamadeh | Communications Organizer, Decent Work & Health Network
[email protected]  | 647-803-8961