One of the many calls for paid sick days by OPSEU/SEFPO President Warren (Smokey) Thomas is featured prominently in the Toronto Sun’s coverage of the Ford government’s paid sick days announcement on April 28.
“When a worker experiences symptoms, they should not have to deal with two levels of government, sort through programs, or file complicated forms online,” Thomas is quoted as saying in the Sun. “They should inform their employer and stay home, taking care of themselves and keeping us all safer. The employer should pay upfront and get expeditiously reimbursed by the provincial government.”
Thomas’s quotation in the Sun was drawn from an open letter the OPSEU/SEFPO President wrote to Premier Doug Ford before the paid sick day announcement.
“At the time the pandemic began, we had many questions but no answers. Now, more than a year later, we have some clear answers; we know that masks, social distancing and vaccines work. And so will paid sick days,” Thomas wrote in the letter.
“The time for talk is over. We need a program for workers that starts in Ontario. Your government can set the national standard with a plan that is simple, seamless, and speedy.”