Health providers know that we need better sick day policies in Ontario. Every day, they see the consequences of Ontario’s outdated laws in their clinics and emergency rooms.

Health workers and advocates organized during November, the start of the flu season, to call attention to the need for legislated paid sick days. And what a month it was! Together with $15 & Fairness supporters, health workers held a press conference, gave media interviews, launched a video, led an on-line action targeting elected officials as well as a street leaflet.

The response we heard through all of these actions was consistent. People are frustrated about the lack of meaningful paid sick leave policies in our province. They know that Ontarians deserve better! The number of people joining the Fight for $15 & Fairness Campaign is increasing every day. As the Ministry of Labour reviews employment and labour laws, we have a unique opportunity to win paid sick days legislation and much more!

Let’s Push This Agenda Forward
Through your support and hard work, we are getting responses from our elected officials about paid sick days. We will not stop until this policy as well as other decent work recommendations are adopted at Queen’s Park. Last Friday we were at the Minister of Health and Long-term Care Dr. Eric Hoskins’ constituency office to talk to his staff about the need for improved paid sick day policies. Later in December we will be meeting his senior advisers. We’re also continuing our efforts to meet the minister in person to deliver him the 900+ health provider signatures we’ve collected.

The beginning of December does not mark the end of the paid sick days campaign. Increasing number of health organizations, providers and advocates are reaching out to join this fight. Help us reach 1000 providers by the end of 2015.

Celebrating Retail and Service Sector Workers
With the start of the holiday season in December the Campaing for $15 & Fairness will champion the rights of Ontario’s retail and service sector workers. We will mobilize to ensure respect at work as well as predictable hours and schedules. Make sure to follow us on Twitter and like us on Facebook to find out about future actions!