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Ontario Employers Say These Workers Are ‘Essential.’ But The Employees Disagree.
A family employed by a carpet business without mandatory mask policies. A retail employee questioning if the “stretchy black pants” they sell are necessary. Those working on film and TV crews, in car dealerships, and dozens with jobs done solely on laptops.
These are just some of the anonymous Ontarians whom Dr. Yoni Freedhoff has featured in a viral Twitter thread, united by a common problem: Their employers say they’re “essential” workers who need to be onsite to do their jobs, but the employees themselves disagree.
Are you in Ontario and working a job that you don't think is essential but you've been told by your employer to physically go to in to work because they've deemed it essential you be there in person? My DMs are open if you'd like me to anonymously share your experiences.
— Yoni Freedhoff, MD (@YoniFreedhoff) January 14, 2021
As of Thursday, Ontario’s latest lockdown rules restrict trips outside to those done for essential purposes, like work and buying food. The provincial definition of what qualifies as essential work were expanded in a guidance document sent by premier Doug Ford’s office.
This wording of “essential work” is different from prior government-mandated designations of essential service workers. The latter are defined by the national government as workers who “are considered critical to preserving life, health and basic societal functioning.” Health-care workers and people who work for utilities like hydro and gas are essential service workers.
“Employers of these workers should take all possible steps to protect their health and safety by implementing practices and procedures recommended by public health authorities and providing appropriate protective equipment and products,” Public Safety Canada states in a guidance document. What’s more, it urges employers to let essential workers stay home and work remotely when possible.
Each province and territory treats these workers differently and may...
