NDP CALL FOR PAID JOB PROTECTED LEAVE FOR ALBERTANS WHO MAY HAVE TO ISOLATE FOR UP TO 24 DAYS

EDMONTON - 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, by providing paid job protected leave for those Albertans 

“Workers need to know that they won’t lose their job or miss bill payments if they have to isolate for up to twenty four days,” said MLA Christina Gray. “It is not acceptable to force workers to choose between following public health advice and putting food on the table.”

On Tuesday, Dr. Deena Hinshaw stated 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, at the urging of Alberta’s NDP, the UCP government implemented 14-day job protected leave but broke a promise to 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, 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.”