According to the Canadian government, "Essential workers are considered critical to preserving life, health and basic societal functioning. This includes, but is not limited to, first responders, health care workers, critical infrastructure workers, hydro and natural gas, and workers who are essential to supply society by critical goods such as food and medicines.

Just recently, grocery store employees for Loblaws, No Frills and Shoppers Drug Mart received a $2 pay increase amounting to almost a 15% raise in pay during these unprecedented times. Metro and Empire Co. announced a 2$ pay increase for any employee after they have worked more than 20 hours per week. This would mean the workers have an average regular pay of around $14.00 (current provincial minimum wage).

If we are able to create stimulus packages to support the population that is facing financial impact due to the pandemic, why are we only improving the pay and compensation for essential workers by 15%? With all other businesses asked to shut down and attempt to work from home; grocery store workers leave their homes every day to go and support the public should be compensated appropriately.

It seems unfair that those who put their lives at risk by servicing the public on a daily basis, and provide essential services are not compensated more than they should be. A 15% increase is not sufficient for all their hard work, and commitment to helping run the communities. Companies should reevaluate their wage increases, and the government should also consider stepping in to support these essential workers in a 50% wage increase in these unprecedented times. 

As it has become very clear over the past few weeks, essential workers have always been essential, and thus must be treated as so. We should not just see the value in their work during a time of crisis, then forget about them later on, but instead ensure that they are compensated better in the future as well. Thank you to everyone who has put their health and safety on the line in order to support their community, and to help serve the public.

Please sign this petition to help support, and give a voice to those who are working to support the rest of the population!