More financial support should be given to Saskatchewan’s essential workers according to the Saskatchewan Federation of Labour.

The federation is calling  on the Saskatchewan Party government to allocate the remainder of the money made available by the federal government to ensure money goes to workers who are putting their health and safety at risk.

President Lori Johb said it’s time the province’s frontline heroes be recognized with extra pay, adding that the money would also go a long way to encourage employees to continue their work.

“It’s very easy to get discouraged,” suggested Johb. “You’re going to work day after day, often there is no break in between and you’re putting yourself and your family at risk every time you go.”

Johb mentioned how the provincial government has spent just over half of the $120 million given by the federal government, according to information originally obtained by the Alberta Federation of Labour.

She said that’s the second lowest among the provinces and territories.

“I find it interesting that some provinces that have been in this fight maybe a lot longer than we have, in terms of numbers, have stepped up and used 100 per cent of the allocation to go to these workers.”

The SFL said Monday that three Saskatchewan unions representing health care workers have started a petition calling on the province to provide a wage top up for all health care workers. The petition can be viewed here.