Frontline workers still waiting for wage top-up

HALIFAX -- Two months after announcing a joint federal-provincial program to support health care workers, the Liberal government has yet to follow through or provide details.

The Essential Health Care Workers Program is meant to provide financial support to recognize health care employees’ role on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible recipients are supposed to receive up to $2,000.

“Frontline workers have been pushed to their limits in order to protect our health and safety,” said NDP Labour spokesperson Kendra Coombes. “It is completely unacceptable to leave them wondering who is included and when support is coming from the government.”

Intended recipients include NSHA and IWK workers in long-term care, home care, in-home support and emergency health services. Many questions remain about who specifically will get the money and how the program will roll out.

“We have thousands of health care workers who have spent the last four months keeping things going during the pandemic. They should not be stuck with uncertainty around a program that’s supposed to address the scope of their contribution,” said NDP Leader Gary Burrill. “We know that all workers need better wages, especially those who have continued to work with the public during this time of heightened risk.”

During the pandemic, the work done by grocery store workers, cleaners, janitors, food service workers, and other people in low-wage jobs has also been essential. The NDP continues to call for a $15 minimum wage for all workers.

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