A new program that will pay some frontline workers $1,200 for risking their health during the COVID-19 pandemic is leaving some employees and unions frustrated as they puzzle over who is eligible for the cash. However, there was confusion among some workers as they tried to understand if they were eligible. Guy Smith, president of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees, says the Alberta government was in such a rush to announce the critical worker benefit program, they weren't prepared to provide details on who would qualify. This would include workers who interacted with people throughout the pandemic, including correctional officers, social workers, sheriffs, court and unemployment program workers. To be eligible for the benefit, workers must have logged at least 300 hours on the job between Oct. 12 and Jan. 31.

Source: CBC News February 12, 2021 12:00 UTC