Workers in B.C. who have no sick benefits at their place of employment are now given three days of sick pay by the province (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

B.C. SICK PAY

Kamloops & District Labour Council says three-day sick pay is a start, more days needed

May 12, 2021 | 3:51 PM

KAMLOOPS — The president of the Kamloops and District Labour Council says the province’s decision to grant three days of sick pay is a start, but Lois Rugg feels more can be done to protect workers who may have COVID-19 symptoms and need significant amounts of time off.

The labour council has been advocating for the sick pay for the last year with the onset of the pandemic, and Rugg feels it comes a little too late. She says three days, which only covers someone to receive a COVID test, plus a couple days to find out the result, is not nearly enough before federal benefits kick in, especially if the person tests positive and needs to quarantine for 14 days.

“I was happy to hear that something’s been put in place, but disappointed that it’s such a short period of time,” noted Rugg. “But it is something and will make a huge difference, so we’re happy about that.”

Rugg says the Kamloops and District Labour Council, as well as other labour advocates across the province, want the sick pay extended, even beyond the pandemic.

“When the consultation comes, we really will be pushing for a lot longer period — at least 10 days would be much better,” she said. “And a 10-day sick paid leave beyond the pandemic, so not just pandemic-related, because it makes a huge difference when people have the option of staying home, getting better, being able to still put food on the table. Otherwise, it’s a no-go for many people. They just can’t stay home.”

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Rugg notes that only about half of B.C. residents enjoy sick time through their work.

“Even worse, some of us have enough money that we can afford to be off for a few days, but there are many others who are low-wage income earners that are actually primary women and primarily racialized workers,” she noted.