On April 28, we are encouraging all CUPE members across the province to observe a moment of silence in recognition of workers who have been killed or injured on the job and in protest of the government’s failure to protect them from COVID-19.

We are demanding paid sick days for all workers, vaccinations for all frontline workers, paid time off from work for vaccination, an immediate end to any enhanced police powers, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Fill out the form below and pledge to take the following actions on the Day of Mourning—April 28:

• • Observe a moment of silence;
  • Wear black (for example, by wearing a black mask, using a black mask as an impromptu armband, or wearing all black—whatever you can do);
  • Send a message to Premier Doug Ford and your MPP below;
  • Download the poster, print it, and send a photo of yourself with it to 1-866-821-7273, and post it to social media with the hashtag #PaidSickDays;
  • Call your MPP and Premier Ford’s office at 416-745-2859 and demand paid sick days, vaccinations for all frontline workers and an end to enhanced police powers.

Day of Mourning E-Action

Dear Premier Doug Ford,

With workplace transmissions making up a bulk of the rise in COVID-19 cases, there’s a growing consensus that ensuring paid sick days for all workers is absolutely necessary to slow the virus’ spread.

Front-line workers have been put in the impossible position of having to choose between paycheque and the health and safety of themselves and others. We can’t allow that any longer.

If a worker is sick, they should be able to stay at home – and they should be supported in doing so. Far too many people won’t stay at home when they are feeling sick because they won’t be able to pay for food, rent, and other essentials if they do so.

Healthcare professionals, front-line workers, mayors, and politicians of all stripes, including former leaders of your Conservative Party, have called for your government to institute paid sick days immediately. Medical Officers of Health have specifically called for a minimum of 10 paid sick days for workers.

It’s time to listen to the experts. It’s time to stop the deaths and the unnecessary infections. We urge you to immediately act on the following demands:

• Implement paid sick days for all workers;
• Ensure vaccinations for all frontline workers;
• Provide paid time off from work for vaccination;
• Immediately end any enhanced police powers;
• Make sure there is appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for all workers.

Workers needed paid sick days before this crisis. But now, more than ever, all Ontarians need access to paid sick leave if we are going to prevent more deaths from COVID-19.

Sincerely,

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