November 3, 2023
FREDERICTON – Today in the Legislature, Green Party Leader David Coon presented a motion calling on the government to take action to ensure that all New Brunswick workers are entitled to a minimum of 10 paid sick days per year.
“A significant number of New Brunswickers do not have access to paid sick days and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of paid sick leave in protecting public health and minimizing the spread of contagious diseases,” stated Coon. “No worker should continue to fear losing their job as a result of getting ill or having to take care of a family member.”
In reviewing the experience of other countries, the cost increases for business for providing paid sick days were less than expected, while there were multiple benefits: productivity increased, it was easier to retain trained staff, workplace injuries declined and morale was increased.
“Since instituting paid sick days, British Columbia has reported multiple benefits including increased productivity, better staff retention, a decline in workplace injuries and an increase in morale,” Coon added.