The Province of British Columbia announced that it is mandating paid time off for all workers to get COVID-19 vaccinations.

Workers will be able to take a 3-hour paid leave to attend vaccination appointments. This paid leave applies to all doses of the vaccine, not just the first.

UFCW 1518 has been calling on the government to create paid leave for vaccines for several weeks. After granting workers job-protected leave to receive COVID-19 vaccines, paid time off to receive their vaccinations is the next big step in ensuring that workers are protected, and their wages are safeguarded.

“Today’s announcement means a critical barrier has been removed for workers; they no longer have to choose between getting paid at work or getting their life-saving vaccinations,” said UFCW 1518 President, Kim Novak. “This is a big step in the right direction and a big win for workers, especially those who have been working on the front lines throughout this pandemic. They have been hard hit and no longer have to worry about having their pay cheque deducted for getting their vaccines.”

UFCW 1518 thanks BC Labour Minister Harry Bains and the BC Government for acting swiftly on this legislation. UFCW 1518 will continue to advocate for workers to be given every protection against COVID-19.