Pandemic pay: BCCPA asks Finance Minister to include staff deemed ineligible
“The only fair approach would be to provide one-time payment to ALL eligible workers on the front-line, not just the ones in government-subsidized positions.” – Mike Klassen, BCCPA/EngAge BC Acting CEO
From the moment it became apparent that the novel coronavirus would threaten the well-being of seniors, front-line workers stepped up to ensure that their clients and residents would be cared for in a safe and compassionate way. For many, this has meant long hours, personal sacrifice and significant stress – regardless of whether their residents or clients pay out of pocket or receive government subsidization.
BCCPA and EngAge BC have been strongly advocating for all front-line workers to receive a pandemic pay lift, in order to acknowledge their heroic efforts in the face of COVID-19.
On May 19th, the government of B.C. announced that they would be providing a $4/hour 16-week pay bump supported by funding from the federal government. At that time, it was BCCPA and EngAge BC’s understanding that this lift excluded employees working for privately funded home health and independent living operators. The Association’s position was that these groups should be included, and this was communicated to senior staff at the Ministry of Health.
On June 1st, further information was released as to pandemic pay eligibility. Specifically, the Ministry of Health released additional information clarifying that only workers delivering publicly subsidized long-term care and assisted living will be eligible for the $4 per hour lift. This decision meant that the following groups are presently excluded:
- front-line employees working at exclusively private-pay long-term care and assisted living homes;
- front-line employees who work primarily with private pay clients at long-term care and assisted living homes that offer both private pay and publicly subsidized care;
- independent living employees working on the front-lines, such as housekeeping and food services;
- non-government home health workers who support private pay clients;
- sub-contracted staffing agencies that supply workers to care providers;
- all management positions.
Upon receiving this news, Mike Klassen, Acting CEO, issued the following tweet:
By going on the public record, BCCPA was contacted immediately by a senior government representative, and a subsequent discussion was arranged with Ministry of Finance to provide them with more information and asked for more of these front-line staff to be eligible for the pandemic pay.
BCCPA communicated that the exclusion criteria were unfair and appeared to penalize front line staff who work for private providers. It was expressed that this decision will have a destabilizing effect on workplaces already challenged by staffing shortages, and ultimately impact the cost of services for seniors themselves.
This meeting was followed by a formal letter addressed to the Minister of Finance, Hon. Carol James. Members can read the letter here.
BCCPA and EngAge BC will continue to be steadfast in our advocacy on this issue, as to ensure that all workers who deserve this pay receive it.