CUPE Saskatchewan is renewing its calls for immediate access to the COVID-19 vaccine for essential workers, especially those in our education sector, service industry, and people working within vulnerable communities.

“The latest eligibility expansion finally includes many health care workers, but education workers, childcare workers, and many service industry positions are still left waiting,” said Judy Henley, president of CUPE Saskatchewan. “Delayed access to vaccination is risking the lives of essential workers and contributing to the further spread of COVID-19.”

Other jurisdictions, like British Columbia, included education and childcare workers in early phases of the vaccine rollout because of recorded outbreaks and the vital role they play in the workforce.

“Essential workers have been putting themselves at risk for over a year to keep life running smoothly for the rest of us. It is time for the government to reset and take immediate steps to protect these workers,” added Henley.

CUPE Saskatchewan is the largest union in the province, representing more than 30,000 workers across the public sector.

RELATED ARTICLES:

• Saskatchewan government is failing to protect students and staff in K-12 schools
• CUPE education workers left out of latest changes to Saskatchewan vaccine plans

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