As calls ramp up for 10 days of employer-paid sick leave, the B.C. Federation of Labour will be collecting signatures in Burnaby this afternoon (Oct. 25) as part of its Day of Action for paid sick leave.
Two other events are taking place this afternoon in Victoria and Surrey.
The federation, along with 70 organizations, signed an open letter to Premier John Horgan that was released on Oct. 22. The letter calls for the province to implement 10 employer-paid sick days.
In September, the province began asking British Columbians how many days of paid sick leave workers should have access to as it prepares new regulations set to come into effect Jan. 1.
The goal is to provide paid sick leave to just over one million people in B.C. who do not have that benefit. Options include three, five or 10 days of paid leave.
An online survey was launched, with today (Oct. 25) being the last day for participants to take part.
“There are many small and medium-size employers in BC that support 10 days of employer-paid sick leave,' Organizer for Living Wage for Families BC Anastasia French said in a news release.
“They know that paid sick leave means a healthy workplace and community, peace of mind for clients and customers, and a safeguard against the spread of illness. When introduced in other jurisdictions, there have been negligible impacts on the bottom line of small businesses.”
A study that was conducted by Research Co. for the federation showed nine out of 10 British Columbians polled agreed that businesses have a responsibility to provide paid sick leave, with 58% strongly agreeing.
Data also showed by the report says four-in-five British Columbians supported the proposal for 10 employer-paid sick days compared to three or five.
Research Co. conducted an online study from Aug. 28 to 20, 2021, among 800 B.C. residents. Data was statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region.
“In addition to helping avoid the economic devastation from large-scale shutdowns during pandemics, research shows that paid sick days reduce employee turnover and workplace injuries and increase worker productivity," President of BC Federation of Labour Laird Cronk added.
“There’s a reason employer-paid sick leave is the norm across the OECD, in countries like New Zealand, Australia, Germany and Sweden.”
Supporters will be collecting digital signatures from commuters in Burnaby from 4 to 5:30 p.m. outside the Metrotown SkyTrain entrance across from the bus loop on Central Boulevard.
