Ford limits workers to three sick days in 16 months

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP Labour critic Peggy Sattler (London West) released the following statement in response to the Ford government extending its paid sick day program, but adding no additional days, leaving workers with only three sick days for 16 months:

“Workers should not be forced to choose between dragging themselves into work sick and putting their coworkers at risk — or losing pay. No one with a cough should be going to work. Ford’s meager three paid sick days were never enough to help anyone through COVID, which lasts at least two weeks. But now, he’s not topping up people’s paid sick days allowance, leaving people with three days to cover 16 months. As we head into flu season, workers who have already used their three sick days have nothing to fall back on. Workers who used their sick days to get themselves and their kids vaccinated are out of luck — left to drag themselves into work, or lose pay.

We need a permanent and expanded paid sick days program — it’s a critical part of preventing outbreaks. The Ontario NDP’sStay Home If You Are Sick Act would provide workers 10 sick or personal emergency days, plus an additional 14 days during a public health emergency like a pandemic.”