Publish date: Tuesday, April 21, 2020
COVID-19
Health and safety
Politics & Government
Put Patients First
Dear members,
Thousands of nurses have joined us in calling for better access to PPE for all health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, I’m asking for your help on another pressing matter.
SEND A LETTER calling for presumptive Workers Compensation Board (WCB) coverage for all symptomatic health care workers who are exposed to COVID-19.
The provincial government’s decision to expand 14-day paid administrative leave to all asymptomatic health care workers required to self-isolate due to COVID-19 exposure is a step in the right direction. However, by exempting symptomatic health care workers, it inexplicably penalizes those who fall ill due to the disease.
As it stands, symptomatic health care workers are still required to use sick time or vacation while they recover from illness.
At a time when we face increased risk, it’s simply not fair to further penalize health care workers who fall ill due to COVID-19.
Together our collective voices are much louder. Join us in calling for presumptive WCB coverage today.
In solidarity,
Darlene Jackson
President
Manitoba Nurses Unio