Temporary paid sick days set to expire during peak winter season

With the Legislative Assembly of Ontario resuming today, I can’t help but think of all the conversations I’ve had with community members worried about getting sick. Our patients are saving their three temporary paid sick days in anticipation of grave illnesses during the fourth wave. As a public health nurse tasked with mitigating the spread of the virus, it is astonishing to me that we still do not have permanent paid sick days -- a basic protection that can help keep our communities safe. 

Moreover, with schools now open and people returning to in-person work, I am concerned about the approaching seasonal illnesses. Ontario’s three temporary paid sick days are not only inadequate to prevent future outbreaks, they also expire during the peak winter season when diseases can spread more quickly. It is clear to me that we need an effective policy for permanent paid sick days. This should be a priority for our governments on every level.

This is our latest petition calling for 10 permanent paid sick days for all workers - if you could take a quick minute to add your name, we would really appreciate that.

Ontario minimum wage up 10 cents

Workers in Ontario won a cost of living adjustment to their paycheck! Starting October 1, 2021, the minimum wage will be $14.35. But this is still $1.40 an hour less than what it would have been if Premier Doug Ford hadn’t cancelled the $15 minimum wage in 2019.

I remember clearly how much of a set back that was for our patients. I also know that this new raise is still not enough. 1.7 million workers in Ontario are minimum wage earners and they deserve better than this. We need to commit to fighting to improve working conditions for our patients and push for a $20 minimum wage. 

Learn more about the Justice for Workers campaign and the fight for $20 minimum wage here.  

Upcoming Health Workers Organizing Meeting

Thanks to our collective efforts, the federal government has realized the importance of 10 permanent paid sick days and promised to legislate it for federally regulated workers within 100 days of re-election. They also pledged to meet with provinces about closing the paid sick days gap across the country! 

This means that now is the time to ramp up our collective pressure and demand paid sick days for all workers! We need your support to make it a reality by holding the federal government accountable.

I hope to see you at the upcoming Justice for Workers meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 p.m. EDT (Click here to RSVP), where we will discuss strategies to win paid sick days.

The Decent Work and Health Network is also hosting a Health Workers Organizing Meeting on Thursday, October 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. EDT. If you know health workers in your network, please share details of the event with them.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we can make our communities healthier and safer.

In solidarity,

Stephanie Sarmiento, RN
DWHN Member