Paid time off for vaccines shows need for paid sick leave: SFL

March 18, 2021

Paid time off for vaccines shows need for paid sick leave: SFL

The provincial government’s announcement today of paid time off for workers to get their vaccines highlights the importance of workers being healthy and safe in their workplaces and proves the need for paid sick leave for all workers in Saskatchewan, especially while workers wait for their turn to get vaccinated, according to the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL).

“Having paid time off to be able to get vaccinated is a small victory for workers, and is something that the SFL and our affiliate unions have been pushing for,” said SFL President Lori Johb. “Workers shouldn’t have to make the choice to either take unpaid time off work or receive a life-saving vaccination.”

Johb said that while the government’s decision to provide paid time off for workers to get vaccinated will make workplaces safer in the long run, more needs to be done immediately to prevent workplace outbreaks. Recent numbers from the Saskatchewan Health Authority show that 40 per cent of all COVID-19 outbreaks in the province have occurred in workplaces.

“The reality is that many workers will still have to wait a few months to get their vaccine, and in the meantime they are continuing to put themselves at risk of contracting COVID-19 when they go to work,” Johb said.

“Too many workers continue to go to work sick because they can’t afford to miss their shift. The government needs to take action immediately to ensure permanent, paid sick leave for all workers in Saskatchewan now. We can’t afford to wait any longer.”