B.C. workers are now eligible for five paid sick days

January 3, 2022

Workers in British Columbia are now eligible for five paid sick days as the provincial government brings in changes to the policy affecting workers.

The government says eligible employees will be guaranteed those sick days, provided they’ve worked for their employer for at least 90 days.

Jobs Minister Harry Bains said the change will help lower-paid workers who can least afford to miss a day of paid work.

The province says more than one million workers in B.C. did not have access to any paid sick leave before the new policy went into effect on Saturday.

The paid sick leave protection will apply to all workers covered by the Employment Standards Act, including part-time employees.

The decision to set the amount of leave at five days has been criticized by some labour groups.

Source: Vancouver Sun