Frontline Staff To Receive Temporary Pandemic Pay

Saturday, 25 April 2020 14:51

Frontline staff will receive $4.00 per hour worked on top of their existing hourly wages, and employees who work over 100 hours per month will receive a lump sum of $250.00 a month for each of the next four months.

ONTARIO - The Province is providing frontline staff with a temporary pandemic pay.

This comes in recognition of the dedication, long hours and increased risk of working to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.

The increase will be $4.00 per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee's hourly wage. Also, employees who work over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250.00 per month for each of the next four months.

This means that employees who are eligible, working an average of 40 hours per week would receive $3,560 in additional compensation.

Among those who are eligible will be staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities. Also, those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals will be eligible.

Premier Doug Ford made the announcement today.

"During these dark days, the Ontario spirit continues to shine through with everyday acts of heroism, courage, and compassion by our frontline workers. These people put themselves in harm's way to care for our sick and vulnerable citizens. 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."

President of the Treasury Board, Peter Bethlenfalvy, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health Christine Elliott and Minister of Long-Term Care Dr. Merrilee Fullerton were on hand as well.

Staff providing frontline clinical services, along with those providing support services, such as cleaning and meal preparation, will also be eligible. The additional compensation is temporary and would start immediately and continue for 16 weeks.

Bethlenfalvy says the critical work being delivered by all workers supports everyone in the province.

"The pandemic payment recognizes the valiant efforts of our frontline workers in the fight against COVID-19. These heroic workers are delivering critical services that support all Ontarians, including the most vulnerable members of our communities, often putting themselves or their loved ones at risk. They are saving lives and we owe them an incredible debt of gratitude."

Elliott says this is to ensure frontline healthcare workers are supported.

"It is vital that we retain our frontline health care workers as we continue our fight to stop the spread of COVID-19. We are taking further actions to continue to ensure that our healthcare workers are supported, and the health care sector maintains a safe staffing level, especially in places where it is needed the most."

These measures are among the many steps the Province has taken to support frontline workers, including providing free emergency child care and securing necessary medical equipment and supplies.

The Ontario government remains committed to using every resource it has to support frontline workers as they work to stop the spread of COVID-19.