‘We want to reassure Manitobans they won’t lose their job for taking leave to comply with public health orders’
The Manitoba government will provide a 14-day paid administrative leave for health-care workers who are required to self-isolate for two weeks due to possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace.
“Our government recognizes front-line health-care providers are facing extraordinary challenges during this unprecedented time,” said Premier Brian Pallister. “This change will give workers peace of mind knowing they can take the necessary time to protect themselves, their patients, coworkers and the broader community.”
During self-isolation, the concerned workers will be compensated by sick leave benefits, pursuant to their collective agreement, the premier added.
The province is also proposing new provisions to the Employment Standards Code that would allow employees to be away from work for specified reasons related to COVID-19.
Manitoba is moving forward with changes that would allow employees protected leave for eligible purposes after consulting with the Labour Management Review Committee, which made a consensus recommendation to provide job protection for employees affected by COVID-19.
Employees would be also able to take as much unpaid time off work as needed to be in isolation or quarantine or take any other control measure following information or directions related to COVID-19 by health professionals, health officers, Health Links–Info Santé, the government of Manitoba or the Government of Canada, a municipal council or a board of health.
They will also be allowed to do so to obtain medical examination, supervision or treatment; comply with an order made under The Emergency Measures Act or The Public Health Act; provide care or support to a family member as a result of COVID-19, including but not limited to, school and daycare closures; or comply with travel restrictions.
The new provisions would apply to any leave that started between March 1, 2020, and a date will be prescribed in the regulation, specified once the pandemic is over.
“We want to reassure Manitobans they won’t lose their job for taking leave to comply with public health orders to self-isolate or to seek medical attention or care for a loved one because of COVID-19,” said Pallister. “We all have a role to play in flattening COVID curve and we are committed to helping Manitobans navigate this challenging and unprecedented time.”
The provisions also allow for other communicable diseases to be added by regulation to allow the new leave provisions to be reinstated in cases of future epidemics or pandemics, said the government.
