CUPE is calling on the Manitoba provincial government to provide clarity to health authorities and staff on the 14 days paid leave for isolation promised by the Pallister government on April 14.
“CUPE has been asking health authorities how to apply for the 14-day paid leave for self-isolation in health care, and we have not been getting any information back,” said Debbie Boissonneault, President of CUPE Local 204. “We have health care workers who are waiting for the support the government promised and are being turned away.”
On April 14, Premier Pallister and health officials promised a 14-day paid leave for health care workers who come in contact with COVID-19 to self-isolate. To date, no information on how to apply for this program has been provided. Many staff who would be on this program are currently without pay, and using their sick leave provisions, vacation time, or unpaid leave.
“In health care these days, one day feels like twenty. We are all working incredibly hard for patients, clients, and residents,” said Boissonneault. “We need to make sure we care for health workers too, and part of that is delivering on a promise to support them and not leaving them to wonder what is going on.”