Premier François Legault declared on April 28th, 2020 that retail stores in the province of Québec, featuring their own entrance will be re-opening for business on May 11th, 2020.

In order to qualify for CERB and EI, workers must, of course, be willing to return to work as soon as they are able. The rules were written to keep people from deciding not ever to return to work and simply keep on collecting government cheques.

Unfortunately, this means that thousands of workers will forced to resume work during these dangerous and unprecedented times or risk going hungry without financial support.

Yes, many of us can physically work. But, out of our sense of honour and respect for our families, communities, and hospital staff, we call for the right to refuse to work during this pandemic but still receive our CERB or EI benefits, so that we and our loved ones may survive both this virus and it's financial downfall. We plead that this extremely reasonable and downright responsible request be granted.

We, unlike our employers and sadly, our Premier Mr. François Legault, recognize that we cannot safely return to work at this time. And that if we are forced to work, it will only result in a spike of COVID-19 cases and therefore deaths from the disease as well, all over our province.

If you yourself would not be willing to work in a non-essential retail environment at this time, please sign and help protect workers and their families in these difficult times.