Algoma Steel employees who are required to self-isolate because of novel coronavirus concerns aren't receiving company sick benefits, SooToday has learned.
Neither the company nor United Steelworkers Local 2251 are saying much about the issue, but Local 2251's president Mike Da Prat tells SooToday that the number of local employees affected "isn't that many yet."
The company's position is that it will only provide sick benefits to self-isolating workers if required by legislation, Da Prat told us.
An individual with knowledge of the situation tells SooToday that workers are being forced to seek federal employment insurance benefits or to use their vacation time.
Ken Neumann, United Steelworkers' national director, wants the provincial and federal governments to protect and support workers during the COVID-19 emergency.
“Measures announced so far by governments are not enough," Neumann said in a written statement issued Wednesday.
"Time away from work to stop the spread of the virus should not mean loss of income, regardless of job or workplace. Unpaid job-protected leave doesn’t pay the bills,” Neumann said.
"We are reminding our union’s members to stay current with and follow advice from local public health authorities. Many members of our union have powers through our collective agreements to demand action from employers to ensure the health and safety of our members in their workplaces.”
In a news release on Thursday, Ontario Federation of Labour president Patty Coates called on the provincial government to guarantee workers 21 paid emergency leave days.
“Job-protected leave is no good if workers can’t afford to use it. The government must make it possible for workers to follow the advice of the chief medical officer, and practice social distancing and self-isolation to slow the spread of this virus. Unless all workers have paid emergency leave and other supports so they can take recommended precautions without financial hardship, Ontario’s ability to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic will be impeded,” Coates said.
"The premier continues to say that workers should stay home when they are sick when he knows very well that it is impossible for workers to follow that directive if they do not have paid leave and other supports. Ontario is only as healthy as the most vulnerable person in our province."
Brenda Stenta, Algoma Steel's manager of communications and branding, says the company doesn't publicly discuss employee compensation or benefits.
Stenta did tell us the steelmakers introduced these measures to protect employee health and safety, limit the impact of the COVID-19 and protect its business:- discontinued business travel
- introduced work from home and social distancing protocols
- heightened hygiene and sanitation practices
- ensured security of supply chain
- restricted visitors to Algoma Steel site
- implemented a policy in accordance with public health directives for employees and contractor personnel who are either returning from international travel or who fall under a self-isolation scenario
"There has been no impact to production at this time," Stenta tells SooToday. "We are closely monitoring the situation and will continue to adjust our response accordingly."
