Unifor takes paid sick leave message to the sky

Unifor has taken to the skies to get Premier Doug Ford’s attention about paid sick leave.

An airplane pulled a banner that read “PAID SICK DAYS NOW” above the Greater Toronto Area today.

It flew over Oshawa, Toronto, Brampton and Etobicoke North.

The union’s goal is to get employer-paid sick leave that will be reliable both during and beyond the pandemic.

Unifor National President Jerry Dias says they have run out of ways to get their message across and hopes this will be too hard to ignore.

Unifor also says three days of sick leave does not meet the needs of workers who need testing, become ill, or need to self-isolate.

“As new variants rip through workplaces and communities, Doug Ford’s government stalled and then delivered a new benefit that is not adequate, and brings new gaps that may leave some workers even worse off,” said Unifor Ontario Regional Director, Naureen Rizvi.

The union says it will continue to escalate its call for paid sick leave this week with its member-driven digital campaign and “phone zap” calling actions.