ADVISORY

State of Emergency Won’t Protect Essential Workers: Health providers and frontline workers “die-in” at Queen’s Park for paid sick days

(TORONTO, 12pm Jan 13) - Doctors, nurses, public health professionals and frontline workers will be gathering in front of Queen’s Park on Wednesday for a “die-in” demanding that the Ford government respond to calls from health experts to implement paid sick days. 

As COVID-19 cases reach an all-time high, Toronto’s top doctor Eileen de Villa on Monday called on the provincial government to ensure that all workers have access to 10 paid sick days. Yet despite grim case projections, the Ford government’s briefing Tuesday failed again to introduce paid sick days to protect Ontario workers and the public.

Speakers at Wednesday’s “die-in” will offer first-hand accounts of what it’s like to work during the COVID-19 crisis without paid sick days. All participants will be following public health advice, including wearing masks and socially distancing.

Visuals: Workers will be “dying” in front of Queen’s Park, and health providers will cover them in sheets. Health providers and frontline workers will wear work attire as appropriate to their profession. Supporters will hold posters and placards. 
Where: In front of main entrance to Queen’s Park legislature
Where: Wednesday, January 13 at 12pm EST

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