COVID-19; How are workers protected?

BY JONELL PANTLITZ

So here we go again. I feel like everywhere we turn there’s something about the Coronavirus.

In the news and on social media, all I have been seeing is the damage this virus is causing and theories on how to prevent it and cure it. Let’s talk about what is being done by the government to help Ontarians cope with this pandemic.

On March 16^th, 2020, Premier Doug Ford and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, declared publicly their intentions to introduce legislation that, if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day-care closures.

This legislation may be coming into effect because according to Premier Ford, “While everyone’s concerns about their health and safety is top of mind, the last thing we need is anyone worrying about job security as the COVID-19 situation evolves.” This is the reason why he directed the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development to draft legislation that will protect workers and their families during this difficult period.

Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, Monte McNaughton also said, “Mothers and fathers who need to care for children or dependants shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job”. She also noted, “The same goes for people who receive medical or public health advice and are required to take precautions as a result. They shouldn’t have to worry about losing their job. In this time of uncertainty, we need to support employees who must isolate or quarantine themselves, or who need to care for a loved one.”

•  This proposed legislation if passed would provide job protection for employees unable to work if:
• The employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19.
• The employee is acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.
• The employee is in isolation or quarantine.
• The employee is acting in accordance with public health information or direction.
• The employer directs the employee not to work.
• The employee needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such as a school or day-care closure.

The legislation also makes it clear that an employee will not be required to provide a medical note if they take the leave. The measures would be retroactive to January 25^th, 2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.

Many workers will be eligible for Employment Insurance sickness benefits. They are reviewing current access and eligibility for emergency assistance which is available through the Ontario Works Program to support individuals who are impacted by the coronavirus and who are not able to meet their basic living expenses.

“The health and well-being of Ontarians continue to be our government’s number one priority,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

“These job protections could also contribute significantly to limiting the spread of COVID-19,” said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. “We are giving everyone the tools they need to put their health and the health of others first, without fear of losing their jobs.”

We are in a time where, according to Simone Smith (Chief Reporter, Toronto Caribbean Newspaper) “We can either choose to let panic feed on our mind and body, and let it grow stronger at the expense of our life, or, we can choose to see our situation in perspective, stay positive, and end the panic then and there.” 

 Stay safe everyone, remember to disinfect surfaces around your work and home, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds and when you sneeze, or cough do it into your sleeve!