Our provincial government has announced that effective Jan. 1, 2022, all workers in B.C. are eligible for five days of sick pay, where businesses will be legally required to provide the days to their employees.

“We welcome this new permanent paid sick leave program for B.C. workers, even though it falls short on what community and labour organizations were campaigning for, which is 10 days” commented Local President, Dan Goodman.

Our members may recall the #10days campaign organized by The BC Federation of Labour where we supported and advocated for 10 days of paid sick leave for all workers. Through this campaign, we learnt that other countries like Australia, New Zealand and Sweden have not only met this bar but some have also surpassed it.

One of the many side-effects of the current Covid-19 pandemic was the predicament and stress many workers were succumbed to by not having access to paid sick days. It simply amplified what has always been a missing piece in Employment Standards.

UFCW Local 247 will continue to work towards and support initiatives that will lead to making 10 days of paid sick leave a reality for all workers.

As always, if members have any questions regarding this or any other work issues, they are asked to contact their union rep.