A union leader is hailing the B.C. government’s decision to mandate three hours of paid leave for all workers to get a Covid-19 vaccination.
The province made the announcement Monday, which was warmly welcomed by UFCW 1518 president, Kim Novak, who has been calling on the government for several weeks to make the move.
As such, workers will be able to take a three-hour paid leave to attend vaccination appointments, including the first and second dose.
“Today’s announcement means a critical barrier has been removed for workers,” said Novak.
“They no longer have to choose between getting paid at work or getting their life-saving vaccinations.
“This is a big step in the right direction and a big win for workers, especially those who have been working on the front lines throughout this pandemic.
“They have been hard hit and no longer have to worry about having their pay cheque deducted for getting their vaccines.”
UFCW 1518 thanked Labour Minister Harry Bains and the B.C. government for “acting swiftly on this legislation” and said it will “continue to advocate for workers to be given every protection against Covid-19.”
UFCW Local 1518 represents more than 25,000 members working in the community health, hospitality, retail, cannabis, industrial, and professional sectors across the province.
