Workers in B.C. will soon have access to a paid sick leave program that will support workers to stay home when they are sick during and after the pandemic, the legislation was tabled today.
Amendments to the Employment Standards Act will bring in three days of paid sick leave related to Covid-19. This includes those having symptoms, self-isolating and waiting on a test result. Employers will be required to pay workers their full wages and the Province will reimburse employers without an existing sick leave program up to $200 a day for each worker to cover costs.
The legislation will also create a permanent paid sick leave for workers who cannot work due to any illness or injury beginning January 1, 2022. The number of paid sick days and other supports will be determined following consultations with the business community, labour organizations, Indigenous partners and other stake holders.
To support this, WorkSafeBC will set up and, beginning next month, administer the employer reimbursement program on behalf of the Province.
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