Employment Rights for Dofasco Workers During COVID-19 – Hamilton Spectator

On Tuesday, steelmaker ArcelorMittal Dofasco confirmed to the Hamilton Spectator that a third employee had tested positive for COVID-19.

Dofasco remains operational, employing a greater number of people than any other steel manufacturer in Canada. Given that employees work in clusters of three to six people, and numerous third-party contractors constantly move freely from control rooms to machines, workers continue to worry about their safety during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s very difficult, even with the best hygienic practices, to ensure that everyone is protected and nothing is brought in from the outside. It’s virtually impossible,” Lior Samfiru, an employment lawyer in Toronto, told the Hamilton Spectator. “Especially with this virus, all it takes is one person.”

READ MORE:
• Severance packages at ArcelorMittal Dofasco
• WATCH: Can I refuse work during the coronavirus pandemic?
• Right to refuse unsafe work due to COVID-19

Ontario’s Ministry of Labour investigated a work refusal due to COVID-19 fears as recently as April 2, but ultimately determined that the workplace was safe.

“If the ministry assesses the (workplace) and determines it’s appropriate, that ties the employee’s hands. An employee in this situation has to work unless their doctor stipulates that they must be off work,” said Samfiru.

Read the full article in the Hamilton Spectator.