TORONTO – The United Steelworkers (USW) union is praising the New Democratic Party for securing a commitment from the federal government to ensure two weeks of paid sick leave for workers across Canada.
“For months our union and other groups have been urging the federal government to provide guaranteed, paid sick leave, as well as other support and protections to workers in these challenging times,” said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.
“The commitment secured today by the federal NDP, to ensure two weeks of paid sick leave for Canadian workers, is overdue and welcomed,” Neumann said.
“It is now incumbent on the federal government to do everything in its power to make good on this commitment and quickly bring all provinces and territories on board to ensure paid sick leave for all workers in our country,” he added.
“With so many workers putting their health and safety on the line very day, greater support from government is essential to limit the spread of the virus,” Neumann said.
“For too long, far too many workers have had little or no access to paid sick leave. All workers must be assured that they will not have to worry about economic hardship if they need to take time away from work to stop the spread of the virus.”
The USW continues to advocate for further government measures and for long-term reforms to government programs to support workers and to strengthen Canada’s economy post-pandemic.
The union is calling for reforms to Employment Insurance and other income supports; regulations on banks, credit card companies and financial institutions; long-term care for the elderly; universal public pharmacare and child-care programs; and a national industrial strategy.
Ken Neumann, USW National Director, 416-544-5951
Bob Gallagher, USW Communications, 416-434-2221, bgallagher@usw.ca
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