Precarious work is a health hazard

July 4: Status for All

July 4th is the cross-country day of action for Status for All. Migrant farmworkers have been facing dangerous working and living conditions for years, but without full immigration status, they cannot challenge the violation of their fundamental rights without threats of deportation. 

To date, a dangerous COVID-19 outbreak on Ontario farms has infected over 600 migrant farm workers and already claimed the lives of three: Juan López Chaparro, Bonifacio Eugenio Romero, and Rogelio Santos Muñoz. They died away from their families and communities, under conditions that were preventable. Rather than address the risks facing migrant workers, in an appalling new decision, Ontario decreed that migrant workers who test positive for COVID-19 but are asymptomatic will continue to work.

“The lack of understanding and humanity that underpins this public health guidance is atrocious,” said Dr. David Fisman, an epidemiologist at the University of Toronto. Without status, workers are pressured into working and living in unsafe conditions that threaten their everyday health. Under the current pandemic, these conditions are more dangerous than ever.

Join us this Saturday, July 4 in calling for status for all: undocumented migrants, temporary foreign workers, careworkers, international students, and refugees. Check out the Migrant Rights Network for details, resources, and to find events in your city.

Precarious work is a health hazard

We already know that precarious work is a health hazard. Income and working conditions are leading determinants of health in Canada and it is no coincidence that under the current pandemic, we have seen COVID-19 hotspots occur in some of the most precarious workplaces. 

From recent outbreaks in nail salons in Kingston and farms in Windsor-Essex and Niagara, to the widespread tragedy in long-term care homes across the province - going to work should never be dangerous and staying home sick should always be freely accessible. 

Low wage workers, women, and racialized workers are less likely than other workers to have the protection of paid sick days. Closing the gap on paid sick days is thus a key step in addressing income, racial, and gender justice. As health workers, we must continue to use our voices to push for decent work as a public health issue.

July 18: Day of Action for Paid Sick Days

July 18 is the next pan-Canadian day of action for paid sick days. Mark your calendars to take action, and help us spread the word by asking friends, coworkers, and those in your network to register here.

The federal government has said it would work with the provinces to ensure all workers have paid sick days. Yet there has been no movement, even as provinces allow workplaces and businesses to re-open. This is a public health disaster. Join us in calling for immediate and permanent paid sick days for all.

On July 18, regardless of where you are, we want to hear from why you support paid sick days for all. Take a selfie, post a video, make a sign, or contact your local elected provincial representative. Use the hashtag #PaidSickLeaveSavesLives.

Learn more about how you can participate here.