鈥淲e are at a critical stage of a second wave in this pandemic,鈥� said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan.
鈥淭he government must urgently expand the wage supplement program to the many other caregivers and workers on the frontline facing increasing workload demands, while caring for Saskatchewan鈥檚 most vulnerable during the pandemic,鈥� she continued. 鈥淔ar too many frontline workers are left facing this pandemic with low pay and far too little provincial government support and the need to expand this program is now without delay.鈥�
CUPE said many frontline care workers in community-based group homes, along with employees in program supports for those living with disabilities, childcare workers, crisis and transition services workers and others once covered by the previous program, were abandoned in the program鈥檚 succeeding phase.
Many frontline workers remain unrecognized by any form or phase of the provincial/federal program,听.听
The union said the provincial government鈥檚 share of the program was only $3 million, with the federal government providing the majority of funding.
鈥淣ow is the time for the provincial government to invest in the frontline of this pandemic, to ensure we can meet this second wave and deliver the care Saskatchewan people need,鈥� Henley said. 鈥淭hose working on the frontline have shown incredible dedication, commitment and courage. It鈥檚 time for the provincial government to step up for them.鈥�
听became effective on November 19.
The program will provide eligible workers with $400 per month for two months, regardless of income level.
The program is targeted to workers in long-term care facilities, personal care homes, integrated healthcare facilities (include both long-term and short-term care) and for home care workers who are providing care to seniors in their own homes.
Application details, eligibility and more program information will be published by the government in the coming days听at:听.
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