Discussions

My younger sister works at a local business, and interacts with many customers daily. The business has decided to stay open (while it may technically count as essential, it is in no way genuinely essential) and has dramatically cut the hours of many employees there. Because she is still employed she does not qualify for EI. On top of this the business is not taking proper precautions and is putting all of their employees at risk by continuing to operate.  
 
Does anyone have any advice about this?  
 
Thank you

the Health Department.

I personally know a couple people who have contacted the Brandon Police as well as Manitoba Health (I believe) in regards to similar concerns.  
 
I would say it's always worth making a call to either of them and taking their advice. The social distancing protocol has gotten much stricter in the past few days and there might be a chance that there will be less leniency for businesses. Good luck!

Tell her not to quit if she needs the income. If she feels she has to, she could probably argue just cause to get regular EI, assuming she has enough hours. But she wouldn't be able to get the cerb thing starting this week.  
 
I'd start with a phone call to manitoba health or bps as already mentioned.

I believe if you don’t feel safe that an employer can’t not make you come to work however that doesn’t soluthe problem with the other not doing things to protect others.  
 
Edited by 19pointbuck, 2020-04-04 17:00:24

As with most things, there are likely at least 2 sides to this.  
 
If things are going on that are not to code or current recommended procedure, definitely follow the advice above.  
 
If things are done to current specification but not to your standard or liking, you may need to rethink your views. The only reason I say this is because you have given your opinion that it is not an essential service when those in charge of that decision have decided it is. Your emotional concern for a family member is admirable but calmly assess if there is a public issue or just your issue. Good luck.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong..  
but I believe your sister can apply to the emergency fund that qualifies for 16 weeks. It’s for anyone who’s been financially impacted by COVID19, due to lack of child care, self isolation etc etc. She doesn’t necessarily need to be laid off to qualify for a type of assistance during this time.  
That being said, being laid off she can obviously have income for much longer than 16 weeks if this decides to go that longer than that.

She basically would need to be laid off or not getting any hours (or expecting to get any). You need absolutely zero income to get it, and you aren't eligible if you quit your job. Even if they cut her hours back to 1 shift a pay period, she wouldn't qualify.  
 
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

Get a hold of workers comp board they will get involved .ask them if you are covered due to employer not following guide lines. THATS WHAT THERE FOR

Employees are not following protcal set by their employers?