The Canadian Union of Public Employees is calling on provincial MPP’s to return to Queen’s Park.
CUPE President Fred Hahn says COVID-19 numbers continue to hit record rates, people aren’t being vaccinated and have no idea when they will be and many are being left without fundamental supports, like paid sick time.
Hahn is calling on Premier Doug Ford to recall the legislature immediately and spend the roughly $12 billion the Conservatives have sitting in reserves to:
-Develop a real, comprehensive, and detailed vaccine rollout plan that’s communicated clearly to the public
-Ensure that the rollout is backed up with resources for local Public Health Units and community organizations
-Ensure robust contact tracing and testing
-Finally take action with supports needed to address the growing crisis in Long-Term Care
-Actually listen to Education workers and put in the supports needed, like smaller class sizes, to ensure a safe return to school as soon as possible
-Legislate paid sick time for all workers
-And develop a comprehensive action plan to address the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on racialized communities.
Hahn stresses this is the time for real leadership.
CUPE represents 280,000 workers in the public sector.
The call for the return of the legislature is also being made by the Ontario Federation of Labour.
