Sask. Federation of Labour says workers ‘anxious’ to get off CERB

The voice for workers in Saskatchewan doesn’t believe people are purposely staying home and living off pandemic programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

On Wednesday, Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve McLellan told Saskatchewan Afternoon’s David Kirton that some businesses rehiring workers are receiving “illegitimate excuses” for workers not returning.

The president of the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour takes issue with that.

“I can’t believe that would be a problem here. What I hear from workers is that they are very anxious to get back to work, ” said Saskatchewan Federation of Labour President Lori Johb.

She said the pandemic has shown the need to increase Saskatchewan’s minimum wage, which is currently the lowest in the country at $11.32/hr, but is slated to increase to $11.45 on October 1st.

“We have to remember we are in the midst of a pandemic and it still is here in Saskatchewan. “There’s lots of decisions that come into play when folks are returning work.”

Access to childcare or a family member with a health risk are just some of the barriers workers face returning to work, Johb said. She adds, businesses need to do a better job of being sensitive to those concerns.

“I think there are some businesses that are really doing all they can. But I also believe there are a whole bunch of employers and businesses who don’t take the pandemic seriously. They’re not supplying the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or discouraging workers from using it.”