Province temporarily increasing pay for frontline workers
Published April 25, 2020 at 6:20 pm
The Ontario government is introducing a temporary “pandemic payment” for frontline staff who are still working during COVID-19.
In effect now and continuing for the next 16 weeks, eligible staff will be paid an additional four dollars per hour on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the employee’s hourly wage.
Additionally, employees working over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months, with eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week to receive $3,560 in additional compensation, the government says.
“During these dark days, the Ontario spirit continues to shine through with everyday acts of heroism, courage, and compassion by our frontline workers,” said Premier Doug Ford in a recent statement.
Those eligible to receive the payment include staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, those providing home and community care, and some hospital staff.
That includes staff providing frontline clinical services or support services, such as cleaning and meal preparation.
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“These people put themselves in harm’s way to care for our sick and vulnerable citizens,” Ford continued. “I am truly grateful, as are the people of Ontario, for their service, and it’s time we give something back to those who sacrifice so much day in and day out.”
A full list of eligible workplaces and workers is listed on the province’s website.
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