Government announces agreement on wage boost for essential workers

The federal government has reached an agreement with provinces and territories regarding wage boost for essential workers during this pandemic.

In his news briefing today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized that essential workers providing service during this crisis ‘deserve to be properly paid.’ The government will be sending a federal fund of $4 billion across the country to increase workers’ pay.

The decision on which workers are considered ‘essential’ will be up to provincial governments and territories. However, the PM proposes personal support workers, frontline health workers, and personnel on long-term care facilities should be on top of the list as it has been a hard target for outbreaks.

The provincial government in Ontario has already announced a $4-per-hour increase for frontline workers not only at long-term care homes but also at retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, group homes, correctional institutions and youth facilities, those providing home and community care, and for other hospital staff. Frontline employees in the province who work more than 100 hours a month will also get bonus payments of $250 per month for four months.