As pandemic risk grows, Ford must restore basic workplace protections

February 26, 2020

TORONTO — Mike Schreiner released the following statement after health officials warned that the risk of a coronavirus outbreak is growing:

“The Deputy Premier brushed off my question about employer sick leave policy last week, and since that time the threat of Coronavirus has escalated.

Health officials are telling governments to prepare for a possible global pandemic as it becomes more and more difficult to contain the spread of the virus.

In addition to giving public health agencies every resource they need to prepare, the Premier must backtrack on his repeal of basic workplace protections.

Revoking paid sick days and bringing back routine sick notes only increases the risk of spreading viruses.

8 in 10 Ontarians said they would go to work sick if their employer required a note.

If the Premier is serious about preparing for coronavirus, he must restore labour laws that are in line with evidence-based health policy.”

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