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Health and safety remain key concerns for BC Federation of Labour this May Day

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VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — As B.C. marks its second May Day amid a pandemic, the BC Federation of Labour’s president says workers’ health remains top-of-mind.

Laird Cronk tells NEWS 1130, COVID-19 has continued to shed a light on the importance of frontline and essential workers who are often undervalued.

“This is a time to recognize that it’s workers that are truly getting us through this pandemic … Some have had such a difficult year … where they’ve been unemployed or underemployed because of the shutdowns because of the effect on the economy. Others have never been busier.”

While health and safety protocols have been beefed up in this province since the pandemic began, Cronk says there is always room for improvement. This includes paid sick leave, which he says the Horgan government is on track toward creating.

“We do have a strong workers compensation system in British Columbia, but it’s in need of revision, it’s in need of being more worker-centred,” he says.

“It’s really important workers have the knowledge and training to know that right now, today, they have rights in the workplace — that they can have health and safety committees jointly with their employer and bring their valuable expertise to the table to ensure safety in the workplace.”

Among the changes, the BC Federation of Labour has been pressing for is paid sick leave.

“Today’s the day to celebrate their amazing achievements for all of us, keep us safe, keep us being able to stay home. And it’s also a day to celebrate the struggles and recognize we need to improve constantly work on health and safety, and good working conditions for all workers.”

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