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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

Current Events Blog 1:

How would you feel if the company you worked for did not acknowledge you as an employee? How would you feel if they did not guarantee you a minimum wage? How would you feel if they could fire you without giving you any notice? When all your efforts, commitment and loyalty was taken for granted?

These are just some of the issues faced by Uber drivers across Canada and elsewhere. It is evident that what is happening with them is unjust and like employees of other organizations, they too deserve to be treated with respect under legal labour laws. They too deserve benefits, job security and a sense of stability to keep them grounded.  

So, what exactly is happening to change that?

The Current Situation:

Currently, the drivers are considered as independent contractors, with the company being able to “surpass” labour laws. These include a minimum wage, overtime pay, vacation pay, pregnancy and parental leave, among many others. As a result of being treated as inferiors compared to the rest of the working class, Uber drivers of Toronto have decided to file motion to unionize with the Ontario Labour Board. This also acts a step to ensure that other app employers are unable to circumvent labour laws set in place to protect the citizens of Canada. 

The purpose of the union drive is to create some sort of due process for drivers, provide them rights as employees, and most importantly give them the respect they deserve. If their motion is granted, it will impact a variety of stakeholders, including the Uber company, the drivers, and the customers. 

The Company

The most significant impact would be on the company. This impact would mainly surround the financial costs incurred by the company as they would be forced to abide by labour rules and give their employees a minimum wage, benefits such as vacation pay, insurance, and access to resources available to any normal employee. All in all, with the increasing competition from similar offerings, as well as the traditional taxis, it is clear that Uber will do anything in their power to stop the unionization of their drivers. 

The Drivers 

Being classified as permanent employees of Uber, rather than independent contractors, works both against and in the favour of drivers. 

The drivers would be classified as employees of Uber, and may not be able to pursue other job opportunities like working in parallel with competitors such as Lyft, Skip the Dishes, etc. under their contract. 

But on the other hand, they would be working a secure job, with a guaranteed minimum wage, rights as employees, and due process for hiring and termination. 

The Customers

For the customers, it could mean a premium in prices since Uber would have to cover the financial costs incurred due to the unionization. It could mean less drivers available since the company would put a cap on drivers at a certain time for the obvious costs reasons, but also to ensure enough shifts/hours were available to each driver. 

Conclusion 

It is evident that the impact of the unionization would be drastic, but it is much needed as the drivers too deserve the same rights given to fellow citizens of Canada, especially in the 21^stcentury. 

What are your thoughts? Is their reason for unionization valid? Or do you have any other creative solutions for them?

Sources

Mojtehedzadeh, S. (2020, January 13). ‘We will win the vote.’ Uber Black drivers file motion to unionize with Ontario labour board. Retrieved from https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/01/13/uber-black-drivers-file-motion-to-unionize-with-ontario-labour-board.html