Alberta’s NDP are calling on the UCP government to address the inadequate support for workers who may need to isolate for up to 24 days if exposed to new COVID-19 variants.
“Workers need to know that they won’t lose their job or miss bill payments if they have to isolate for up to 24 days,” said Edmonton-Millwoods MLA Christina Gray.
“It is not acceptable to force workers to choose between following public health advice and putting food on the table.”
Alberta’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena Hinshaw said this week that household contacts of those who test positive for COVID-19 variants may have to isolate for up to 24 days. This is due to the highly-contagious behaviour of new COVID-19 variants.
Last spring, the UCP government implemented 14-day job protected leave but did not provide paid leave for workers forced to isolate due to COVID-19. Instead, the UCP directed Albertans to financial support programs offered by the federal government.
“This time, (Premier) Jason Kenney and the UCP have an opportunity to do the right thing and provide paid job protected leave for workers who need to isolate,” said Gray. “There’s really no excuse for failing workers a second time.”