CLOWN WORLD: Canada Post employee sent home after wearing N95 face mask instead of company-provided cloth mask

Cory Gallagher had been on vacation and it was his first day back to work in the year 2022. He apparently was extra-conscientious and wanted to use the N95 mask, which is said to provide better isolation and protection than any cloth alternative.

According to CTV News Winnipeg, Gallagher said that he was immediately stopped and harangued by a supervisor:

"Right away a supervisor came up to me and told me I can't wear that mask. I didn't really understand, I thought it was a joke at first, like, why can't I wear this when the ones you are providing are cloth?" he commented during an interview.

He decided to get to work, since it didn't occur to him that the supervisor might not have been joking. He started sorting mail, and different supervisors kept approaching him inquiring about the mask and telling him he couldn't use it at work.

"I still didn't change my mask, went about my day, just kind of ignored it. Went out, delivered my mail, came back and then it was the same thing, only this time it was the head superintendent saying I can't," Gallagher continued.

The next day he showed up to work and was immediately told to leave the premises.

A spokesperson for Canada Post said that they follow guidelines from the Public Health Agency of Canada, without exception:

"The company fully supports these guidelines and therefore requires all employees to wear a Canada Post-supplied face covering, which is either a reusable cloth face covering or a disposable medical mask," the spokesperson said in a statement to CTV.

They noted if an employee comes in without a mask that Canada Post provides, there are additional masks on hand. If the employee still doesn't wear the company provided mask they are told to leave.

Gallagher, who said he was suspended without pay for the day he was sent home, said he wears the N95 masks because his wife is immunocompromised and he has a child who is not old enough to be vaccinated.

"This is personal. I'd like to keep my family safe if I can."

Gallagher told CTV that he will be using up his personal days and staying home from work until a better reason is given for why he can't wear a an N95 mask as opposed to the ones provided.