Originally Posted by
airoli
Curious to hear people's thoughts on a situation a YUL-based friend is in.
He is a Canadian citizen and works for a Canadian organization. His job has always required extensive intl. travel, typically several week long tours visiting multiple countries. None of this has happened since late Feb.
Now his employer is contemplating sending him on a first new trip - tentative itinerary would include visits to Hungary, the Netherlands and Mexico, before returning to YUL after about a month. My friend would not be considered "essential" and would have to quarantine for 14 days back in YUL. Living alone, he would depend on food delivery and would be unable to do some part-time work (in-person medical care) he typically does - employer is fully aware and okay with the side job.
Aside from the insurance questions for the trip, is it reasonable to send somebody abroad and then expect them to accept a 14 day quarantine upon return, with all the privations that brings?
Just my opinion of course, but I'd say this must be a voluntary assignment. There's no doubt that air travel, hotel stays, eating out, and multiple long form face to face contact are all risky. In a pandemic of a highly contagious, potentially lethal, disease individuals must be able to determine their own risk tolerance. The choice cannot be their employer's. This even without the onerous, for a single person, two week isolation. Which from your post sounds like it's unpaid.
No one should be compelled to risk their lives for a job involuntarily. Any employer insisting on that isn't worth your loyalty.