Ontario retailer offering workers paid time off to get COVID-19 vaccine

Mar 18 2021, 8:43 pm

An Ontario retailer is giving its employees paid time off in order to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Urban Nature Store said it will give each worker who chooses to get immunized a full day’s pay so that there are no financial barriers discouraging them from getting vaccinated.

In a release, the store said the incentive will be available to all 47 of its full- and part-time staff members, even if their vaccination appointment occurs outside of work hours.

“The health and well-being of our employees is our top priority,” said Paul Oliver, the founder of Urban Nature Store.

“While the decision ultimately lies with individual staff members, we want to support those who choose to get vaccinated by alleviating any potential concern they may have surrounding time off and loss of pay.”

Billed as “Canada’s Birding Store,” Urban Nature operates seven stores across southern Ontario, two of which are in Toronto.

The store encouraged other businesses to follow suit, particularly large, multi-national retailers that have continued to operate throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Over the past year, we have received tremendous support from our dedicated employees and this plan is one meaningful way we can support them in return,” Oliver said.

To date, Ontario has seen 323,509 COVID-19 cases and 7,202 virus-related deaths.

Zoe DemarcoZoe Demarco

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