Provincial government must mandate presumptive WCB coverage for workers with COVID-19
Released April 2, 2020
NEWS RELEASE April 2, 2020
Provincial government must mandate presumptive WCB coverage for workers with COVID-19
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is calling on the provincial government to mandate presumptive WCB coverage for workers with COVID-19.
“Workers are on the frontlines of this pandemic. From nurses and pharmacists, to grocery store clerks and delivery truck drivers, working people are bravely putting themselves at risk to provide critical services to the people of Saskatchewan,” said SFL President Lori Johb, “an increased exposure to COVID-19 is one such risk,” she added.
Confirming that the Saskatchewan WCB will provide presumptive workers compensation coverage for all workers who contract COVID-19 during the course of their employment will alleviate much stress and anxiety that families are feeling.
The Saskatchewan WCB’s current guidelines on covering COVID-19 cases are applicable to a too narrow group of occupations, and put too much onus on sick workers to prove they got COVID-19 at work.
“On March 24th, I wrote a letter to the Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety – Don Morgan – asking him to confirm presumptive coverage for workers who contract COVID-19,” said Johb, “I have received no formal confirmation from him that presumptive coverage will take place. Waiting over a week for such an important decision, in times like these, is just too long,” she added.
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For more information, contact:
Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL)
1 (306) 570-1855
k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca
