B.C. workers will continue to get paid if they need to take time off to get vaccinated against COVID-19, says the province’s labour minister.
Harry Bains said Monday the government will introduce legislation that will protect workers from being fired or disciplined for taking time to get vaccinated, as well as ensure they are paid in full during the time required to get to and from a clinic.
“Many workers we understand are on paycheque to paycheque and they cannot afford to lose pay to get vaccinated,” said Bains. “People shouldn’t have to make this decision.
“When a worker needs time off from their shift to get vaccinated they will not lose their pay or their job.”
Bains said exact details on how the program will work will be revealed with the legislation later Monday.
He said the cost to employers who will have to pay staff time away from the worksite to get vaccinated is justified.
“The basic principle is whether you are a part-time worker or full-time worker if you need to take time off during your shift your job will be protected and you will not lose pay,” he said.
“I think employers understand once all their workers are vaccinated it is good for their business because the risk of them being shut down or taking time off is reduced. It is going to be a win-win situation.”
Rob Shaw
