By forcing workers to get sick, it’s clear the Sask Party has learned nothing after five waves of COVID-19

As Saskatchewan enters a fifth wave of COVID-19, it’s clear that the Sask. Party has learned nothing from their disastrous handling of the previous four waves of the virus, and are once again forcing workers to get sick while offering no protections or supports during the most contagious variant of COVID-19 yet.

“Once again, the Sask. Party is being reckless and choosing to delay taking action until it is too late,” said SFL President Lori Johb. “While other provinces are listening to health experts and putting protective measures in place, the Sask. Party is actually watering down public health measures and fudging COVID case count numbers. Their total failure at an attempt to even try to stop the virus from getting out of control all but guarantees that workers will get sick and our health care system will once again be brought to the brink of collapse.”

The SFL is demanding the Sask. Party government:

• Follow the advice of public health experts in all provinces and enact measures to protect workers across all sectors, including those in health care, education and public-facing jobs who are at high risk of exposure to the virus
• Ensure that all workers have access to proper PPE, including N-95 masks
• Call an emergency session of the legislature as soon as possible and pass the NDP’s bill to provide all workers with paid sick days to ensure that those who are sick will be able to stay home without having to worry about losing their pay

“We have been making these demands to protect workers since the start of the pandemic, and have continually been ignored by the Sask. Party, while time and time again they let the pandemic get out of control. “As hospitalizations increase across the country, it’s time for our government to stop burying their heads in the sand and take immediate action to keep workers safe and protect our health care system.”