Global Crisis
Open up your phone, go an any news website, what do you see? It is likely an update on the crisis humanity is facing. COVID 19 or infamously known as the Corona Virus has taken over the world by a storm. Over 700,000 individuals have been infected with over 33,000 deaths all over the world. Many economies are in a recession. Companies are going bankrupt. Employees are getting laid off. This is an extremely narrow list of the impacts this deadly virus has had on society. It is a global pandemic and the end is nowhere near.
In Ontario, the government recently decided to shut down all non-essential businesses and services to control the spread of the virus. Apart from the obvious hospitals, banks, and food services allowed to operate, they also permitted construction work and labelled it as an essential service. This sparked quite the debate with many against this decision. Was this the right decision? It is my belief that without construction work, the impact of this virus could be magnified and have a detrimental effect on the wellbeing of the Canadian population with the government making the appropriate decision. This idea is based on the fact that Canadians will continue to need a roof over their head, more unemployed workers means additional pressure on the government, and lastly if the situation gets worse, it ensures we are prepared. Having said that, employers need to account for proper health and safety for their workers and the government should compensate employees for added risk to their jobs.
The World does NOT Stop
Even with society facing a global crisis and thousands of deaths due to the virus, global population continues to grow at a staggering rate. The need to provide housing is still here, and without construction workers, the real estate market comes to a standstill. No one knows when the current crisis will pass. If construction of residential housing comes to a stop, and population continues to grow, people would soon be without a roof over their head.
Money does not grow on Trees
Construction work in Canada employs hundreds and thousands of workers, and without jobs, them and their families would face significant financial trouble. The government has already pledged millions towards helping those that have lost jobs, and another disrupted industry is additional pressure that they currently do not want or need.
Preparing for the Worst
As previously mentioned, the number of infected individuals continue to grow with hospitals struggling to keep up with patients. Currently, Canada has a fraction of cases compared to other countries who are worst off. But there is possibility it could get worse, and we need to be prepared. The first line of defense against the virus is proper health care, and without enough hospitals, it will be impossible to care for the sick. Construction workers are the backbone behind an emergency response if the country needs more hospitals at a short notice making it essential that they continue to work during this time of crisis.
The Role of Employers, Unions and the Government
Those opposed to the government’s decision on continuing construction work come from an area of concern that is very much valid. They want the safety and well-being of construction workers to be protected, but fail to consider the broader picture as shutting down is not the answer.
Construction work is very hands on, with many working in a close proximity while sharing machinery and tools with co-workers. Hygiene has been a problem in construction even before the pandemic, but with the current situation, it is an issue that cannot be overlooked. It is the employer’s responsibility to keep workers safe and free of hazards under Ontario Law with the Occupational Health and Safety Act protecting employees from hazardous work. Employers need to do their part in ensuring they are taking all necessary precautions to protect their employees by playing an active role during this time. This includes adequate training for employees, effective communication on guidelines set out by the Ministry of Health, appropriate protective equipment, offering assistance to those in need, and meeting all necessary requirements to make the job of their employees as safe as possible. Employers should access the OHSA which sets out their rights and duties as well as procedures on tacking hazards in the workplace and ensuring employee compliance. Lastly, employers need to show consideration, respect, and gratitude for those that continue to work and give them the support they need to do their jobs.
Unions in the field of construction need to communicate rights of their members and provide assistance for those who chose to not work or cannot due to illness. This includes providing assistance in applying for EI, temporary financial support, counselling services, other job opportunities, etc.
The government has dedicated millions of dollars to businesses and families that have been affected by the virus, but have failed to consider many other stakeholders. Even though their approach is a step in the right direction, they have failed to consider the added risk of workers that continue to work. Construction workers are amongst those that are at a high risk of getting infected, and should deserve compensation for their sacrifice. An additional budget should be set out to compensate those who continue to work and assist in tackling this emergency. This will not only show the gratitude, but also has added benefits such as increased productivity, decreased turnover, higher retention rates, better job satisfaction etc.
United We Stand, Divided We Fall
In the end, now is the time to come together as a human race, work together, and end this war against us once and for all.
Dunne, J. (2020, March 27). ‘We had to put a foot down’: Some construction workers in Ontario halt work despite being ‘essential service’ . Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/ontario-essential-contruction-1.5510516
Ontario. (n.d.). Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-occupational-health-and-safety-act
Faiz Momin : EMPR200 