April 17, 2020

Thank frontline heroes by protecting frontline heroes

Both Premier Ford and Prime Minister Trudeau love calling frontline workers superheroes. But when it comes to protecting them by providing paid sick days, we get radio silence.

Too many workers who keep us clean, fed and healthy, have NO paid sick days or health benefits. Nurses, cleaners, paramedics, garbage and grocery store workers put their lives on the line every day, with no financial ability to stay home if they have symptoms.

Make some noise for frontline workers:
Take action on April 21 to demand paid sick days for ALL! (Sign up here)

We're stepping up our demands: time for 21 days of paid emergency leave! We've long called for at least 7 paid sick days as a basic, permanent right for all workers (federal and provincial). But it's crystal clear now that during outbreaks -- which are becoming increasingly common -- workers need an additional 14 paid days to be able to follow the advice of health professionals.

We all need paid sick days
Sign up to take action (click here) -- Spread the word on Facebook (click here)

On April 21, help us amplify the demand for 21 paid emergency leave days as an essential part of the government's response to the COVID-19 crisis. Here's how:

  1. Help spread the word that on April 21, we are calling for 21 paid emergency leave days for everyone. Click here to sign up or click here to spread the word on Facebook.
  2. Sign and share this petition at 15andFairness.org to win paid emergency leave and decent work for everyone.
  3. Make some noise in the evening of April 21 along with your neighbours! Download this window sign (click here) or make your own! Snap a selfie or video to capture your support - then share them on social media using the hashtags #PaidSickLeaveSavesLives #COVID19Canada #15andFairness

Every evening across Canada, communities clap, drum, sing, and bang pots and pans to show their appreciation for frontline staff, from health workers to garbage collectors, and from grocery store employees to delivery workers. These are the people making it possible for others to stay home.

Isn't it time for them - for all of us - to count on an adequate number of paid emergency leave days each and every year? 

Ask your Qs: Weekly Workers' Rights Webinars 

Just a reminder that we have partnered with the Workers' Action Centre to provide weekly workers' rights webinars every Thursday evening at 7:00 pm (you can join online or dial-in).

The next webinar will take place on April 23 at 7:00 pm, click here to register now. You can also share the event on Facebook here to invite friends, family, and co-workers, or forward this email to them.

We're organizing #online 

Missed our first $15 and Fairness online organizing meeting last week? Don't worry! We're meeting every two weeks on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm. And the great news is that you can join online or by phone.

Register for the next meeting on Tuesday, April 28: (Click here to sign up right now). You can also spread the word on Facebook

For your calendar: Following $15 and Fairness organizing meetings are scheduled at 7:00 pm for May 12 and May 26.