February 24th, 2021

Hatfield says workers in Windsor-Essex need paid sick days

QUEEN’S PARK – NDP MPP Percy Hatfield (Windsor—Tecumseh) has urged the Ford Government to listen to public health experts, including the local health unit in Windsor-Essex, and pass the NDP’s legislation to provide paid sick days for workers in Ontario.

“The premier has said numerous times he respects and listens to the medical experts, including those who run our public health units. My health unit in Windsor and Essex County has joined 16 others already on record in support of paid sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic. In fact – a letter to the premier this week calls on the premier to support Bill 239 – the Stay Home if You Are Sick Act,” said Hatfield during question period Wednesday at the Ontario legislature.

“Will the premier listen to the medical experts – and accept their modelling projections – that Ontario will not be able to control the virus without the safety of paid sick days?,” asked Hatfield.

NDP MPP Peggy Sattler has tabled the Stay Home if You Are Sick Act that would guarantee 10 personal emergency leave days per year for every worker, seven of which are paid, but the Ford government has blocked the legislation.

In the letter to the premier, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit says more than half of Canadian workers do not have access to paid sick leave through their employers.

“70 per cent of those earning less than $25,000 don’t have paid time off when they’re ill – and those earning less than $30,000 are twice as likely to contract COVID-19 – and nearly three times more likely to end up in the hospital with it,” said Hatfield.

“We all want an end to this pandemic – Bill 239 helps us to do that. Why can’t the premier see the need to augment any federal contribution with a Made in Ontario solution for paid sick leave during this global pandemic?”