TORONTO – Ontario will enact laws that would require businesses to allow delivery people to use their washrooms.
Labor Secretary Monte McNaughton said it was a common sense change that would preserve the dignity of these workers.
“These workers were there for us all during the pandemic,” McNaughton said. “We should be there for them. It’s time we gave these drivers a break. ”
Some companies have put up signs like “No drivers beyond this point” or “Washrooms for team members only,” but McNaughton said truckers and gig staff are team members.
“You answered the call when we needed you most,” he said.
“They rose as the demand for delivery increased, more people were shopping online when we were out of stores, and more families were ordering food in their favorite restaurants when we couldn’t go out. You should be treated as a hero for everything you do. “
The legislation would apply to businesses where workers such as truck drivers, couriers and grocery deliveries pick up or deliver food or other items.
The Ontario Trucking Association welcomed the announcement.
“Our province’s truck drivers deserve our respect, support, thanks, and our best to help them with their job so that Ontarians put food on our tables and have access to the goods we need,” said President and CEO Stephen Laskowski in a statement.
“We are encouraged that this announcement gives truckers access to the necessary facilities wherever they work.”
At the beginning of the pandemic, the government made sure that rest stops were open to truck drivers to use washrooms when they were closed to the public.
McNaughton said the law will apply to more than 200,000 workers.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on October 20, 2021.
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