The Government of British Columbia has initiated a public consultation process regarding what BC’s paid sick leave program should look like.
We encourage workers to complete the online survey and make your voice heard for a permanent sick leave plan that is universal, fully paid, adequate and accessible.
For months our Labour Council has called for a paid sick days which meet the following conditions:
- Universal: Available to all workers regardless of workplace size, work status or FTE, type of work, or immigration status. Legislated, with no exemptions.
- Paid: Fully paid to ensure workers are not financially penalized for following public health advice.
- Adequate: At least ten (10) paid sick days provided on a permanent basis, with additional paid sick days as required during public health emergencies.
- Permanent: Available during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.
- Accessible: No barriers to access. Prohibit employers from requiring sick notes; ensure no disruption of income or unnecessary applications; and provide sufficiently flexible leave that reflects the reality of workers’ lives, healthcare needs, and caregiving responsibilities.
We have also opposed further public subsidies for corporations like Amazon, Walmart, and Loblaws that are profiting from the pandemic and who should be implementing employer-paid sick days and raising wages.
You can respond to the survey here (https://engage.gov.bc.ca/paidsickleave/)