Provincial budget must include COVID-19 economic plan for workers and the public

NEWS RELEASE

March 16, 2020

Provincial budget must include COVID-19 economic plan for workers and the public

The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) is calling on the provincial government to deliver a budget on Wednesday that includes a COVID-19 economic plan for workers and the public.

“Our public sector working members are on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic, and all workers are feeling anxiety and pressure in this time of uncertainty,” said SFL President Lori Johb, “the provincial budget on Wednesday simply must include an economic plan for workers, their families, and our communities,” she added.

Specifically, the provincial budget must:

• Guarantee paid leave for workers who must self-isolate;
• Legislate at least 14 days of paid sick days for all workers;
• Ensure all workers are compensated for lost wages if their workplaces have closed due to COVID-19;
• Inject funding into all public services and facilities to ensure workers are well-equipped to tackle increased demands from COVID-19;
• Cease all late payment and interest charges on utility bills for people self-isolating;
• Immediately cease all internet and phone cut-offs for people self-isolating;
• Develop, and provide funding for, a plan to ensure workers are compensated for lost wages that could come from caring for children in the event of childcare and school closures.

“Now is the time for a bold and immediate economic plan to address concerns that workers have during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Johb, “these are a few measures the provincial government can take in Wednesday’s budget to relieve some uncertainty,” she added.

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For additional information, contact:

Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
1 (306) 570-1855

k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca