OTTAWA, June 5, 2020 – The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada (PIPSC), is calling on the Ontario government to fix the glaring errors with their pandemic pay plan, and include front-line Radiation Therapists treating vulnerable patients in Ontario’s Cancer Centres throughout the pandemic.
“We are extremely proud of our radiation therapists working on the front lines during this pandemic,” said President Debi Daviau. They have been exposed to COVID-19 in their workplaces. They’re risking their lives — and the lives of their families.”
Just like other healthcare workers deemed eligible for pandemic pay, radiation therapists are subject to the same requirements of the Ontario state of emergency. They are essential workers who cannot refuse to treat patients who are suspected or confirmed to have contracted COVID-19. They are taking all precautions possible including constant use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The Ontario Hospital Association, many hospital CEOs, and employer and employee organizations have called for the pandemic pay to be expanded to all front-line hospital workers, but those pleas to the Ford government have gone unanswered.
“This isn’t just about the pay,” said Daviau. “It’s also a matter of respect and recognition for the critical services provided by these workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Cancer patients are a vulnerable population during this pandemic. The decision is beyond disappointing and upsetting for our members who have continued to treat at risk patients throughout this crisis. They deserve the same recognition as the other professionals in the hospitals who have been granted the pay.”
The Professional Institute of the Public Service of Canada represents 60,000 public service professionals across Canada, including radiation therapists at Juravinski Cancer Centre, Walker Family Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook, Thunder Bay and Windsor facilities. Follow us on Facebook and on Twitter.
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For further information: Johanne Fillion, 613-883-4900 (cell), jfillion@pipsc.ca