Survey – HERE

This is an opportunity to highlight the challenges young workers are facing across Newfoundland and Labrador – from the cost of living and job security to mental health and workplace conditions – and ensure those realities are heard.

The information and input collected will help strengthen how the Committee shows up for young workers and contribute to ongoing work within the Federation.

Deadline to complete is June 3.

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Because one workplace death is one too many.

The following is a schedule of Day of Mourning ceremonies happening in our province:

Central District Labour Council Day of Mourning Committee
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
Grand Falls Windsor Injured Workers Memorial, Lincoln Road
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 12:00PM

Corner Brook & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
St. John the Evangelist Cathedral on Main St., Corner Brook
Will be also live-streamed by Fillatree’s Funeral Home, https://fillatre.ca/
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 2PM

Labrador West & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony
5795 USW Union Hall, 105 Hudson Dr, Labrador City
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 2:00PM

St. John’s & District Labour Council
Day of Mourning Ceremony
Emera Innovation Building, Signal Hill, St.John’s
Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 11:45AM

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ST. JOHN’S, NL – Despite a scheduled 35-cent increase to the provincial minimum wage set for tomorrow, workers in Newfoundland and Labrador remain caught in a crisis of affordability, with data revealing that a minimum wage job is not enough to cover basic living expenses. While framed as a predictable approach, tying increases solely to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) falls short of what workers need to stay afloat.  

“A higher minimum wage is one of the most powerful tools we have to address affordability. It puts money directly into workers’ pockets through regular paycheques, respecting their dignity by ensuring their labour is fairly compensated,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour President Jessica McCormick. “While any increase is helpful, tying annual adjustments solely to the Consumer Price Index is fundamentally inadequate. It ensures that the minimum wage will never close the gap with a living wage. The longer government delays meaningful action, the more difficult closing that gap becomes.” 

In August 2025, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives released its provincial living wage report for Newfoundland and Labrador. The report calculates the hourly wage needed to cover essential expenses across four regions, based on a family of two working adults and two children, incorporating all available tax credits and government benefits. 

The 2025 living wage rates were: 

·       Central Newfoundland: $24.40 

·       Eastern Newfoundland: $25.40 

·       Western Newfoundland: $24.40 

·       Labrador-Northern Peninsula: $28.30 

Even with tomorrow’s 35-cent increase, a minimum wage worker in the province will earn far below what is required to meet basic needs; a shortfall that forces impossible choices on low-wage workers and their families. Nearly one-quarter of Newfoundland and Labrador’s workforce earns less than $20 per hour. 

“The current path ensures that low-wage workers will be trapped indefinitely. They will never catch up,” said McCormick. “The government has chosen a mechanism that guarantees the minimum wage will remain a poverty wage. We need a policy that actively works to close the gap, not one that locks it in place.” 

The Federation of Labour is calling on the provincial government to move beyond inflationary adjustments and adopt a concrete plan to raise the minimum wage to a true living wage, ensuring that no worker in Newfoundland and Labrador is left behind. 

“Half-measures and policies designed to delay progress are no longer acceptable,” said McCormick. “Minimum wage workers cannot afford to wait any longer.” 

-30- 

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We were pleased to meet with the Minister of Finance, Hon. Craig Pardy, and senior departmental officials as part of the provincial government’s pre-budget consultation process on February 25, 2026. 

During our presentation, we highlighted key issues, including, workers’ rights, occupational health and safety, improving workers’ compensation, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and the critical role of strong public services

The Minister responded positively to our proposals and committed to continuing an open dialogue with our Federation moving forward. 

Let’s all work together to build a prosperous future for workers and their families; a future where no one is left behind. 

The post 2026 NLFL Provincial Budget Submission appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Now that a provincial election has been called, the labour movement is calling on all political parties to present comprehensive plans that put workers and communities first. 

“This election presents a critical opportunity to advance workers’ rights and build a fairer and more just province for all – where no one gets left behind,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. “Workers need to see concrete commitments from every party that puts good jobs, strong public services, and economic justice at the centre of their respective platforms.” 

The Federation has identified key priorities essential for building a Newfoundland and Labrador that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few: 

1.    Stronger Labour Laws: Implement card check certification and anti-scab legislation to protect the right to organize and strike. 

2.    Workplace Health & Safety: Strengthen regulations and enforcement to ensure every worker returns home safe. 

3.    Protecting Public Services: Stop privatization and increase funding for public healthcare, education, and services. 

4.    Economic Justice & Pay Equity: Lift workers out of poverty with a liveable wage, strong pay equity legislation, and a strengthened social safety net. 

5.    A Worker-Led Workforce Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive labour market strategy that includes significant investments in public education, college, university, and union training centres as well as retraining and upskilling for workers to build a resilient, skilled workforce. 

6.    Community Benefits from Major Projects: Guarantee good, union jobs, and enforce strong Community Benefit Agreements to ensure local hiring, procurement, and Indigenous consent. 

7.    Affordable Housing: Launch a provincial strategy with major investments in non-market and social housing. 

8.    Universal Childcare: Improve the $10-a-day program by expanding access and supporting Early Childhood Educators with better wages and conditions. 

9.    A Just Transition: Create a worker-led framework for a green economy that generates good, unionized jobs and retraining. 

To hold parties accountable, the Federation will be sending a detailed questionnaire on these issues to each party and will host an Election Forum. 

A dedicated election resource website has been launched at: https://nlfed.ca/campaigns/workersvote2025/  

“We encourage every worker to get engaged in this election,” added McCormick. “Ask candidates tough questions at the door, attend all-candidates meetings, and talk to friends and co-workers about the issues that matter most. The future of our province is on the ballot. Let’s all do our part to elect a government that works for workers.” 

-30- 

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Because one workplace death is one too many. 
 
The following is a schedule of Day of Mourning ceremonies happening in our province:  

St. John’s & District Labour Council 

Day of Mourning Ceremony 

NL Confederation Bldg, 100 Prince Philip Drive, St.John’s 

Monday, April 28, 2025 

12:00 PM 

SJDLC709NL@gmail.com 

Corner Brook & District Labour Council 

Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony 

Holy Redeemer Cathedral, 15 Mt. Bernard Ave, Corner Brook 

Will be also live-streamed by Fillatree’s Funeral  Home, https://fillatre.ca/ 

Monday, April 28, 2025,  

2:00 PM 

Labrador West & District Labour Council 

Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony 

5795 USW Union Hall, 105 Hudson Dr, Labrador City 

Monday, April 28, 2025,  

2:00PM 

Grand Falls Windsor Day of Mourning Committee 

Day of Mourning Wreath Laying Ceremony 

Grand Falls Windsor Injured Workers Memorial, Lincoln Road 

Monday, April 28, 2025,  

12:00PM 

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This is welcome news in terms of the impact this would have on workers and our economy. However, at this stage, this is a pause, and if the past month has taught us anything, it is that we should be prepared for the unexpected. 

We now have 30 days to plan, prepare, and continue the work we have started. 

It is imperative that the discussions and work that has begun on implementing systemic changes to make our economy more diversified and resilient must continue. We must continue to advocate and push for progressive changes to the employment insurance system to better serve workers in a changing world. Our province’s procurement processes should be altered to better support local workers and businesses. Our governments should move forward with buy local and buy Canadian campaigns, programming, and supports. And as always, unions will continue to push for better for all workers at the bargaining table. Preparations and planning must also proceed as if the 30-day pause does not lead to a lasting trade peace. 

Now is not the time to let our guard down; if anything, we should be doubling down on our collective efforts to strengthen our economy and our industrial capacity. Those who have not learned from history are doomed to repeat it. We must learn, we must adapt, and we must prepare. We will also push to keep the Premier’s Roundtable on trade in place and move forward with the work we have begun.  

Onward. 

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Reporting to the President, the Executive Director is responsible for achieving the mandate of the Federation, including overseeing strategic planning, human resources, governance, policy development, public relations, government relations and initiatives of the NLFL. The Executive Director will lead a small but mighty team of staff at our St. John’s Office and work closely with the elected President to communicate with the Executive Council and support its decision-making processes, and to liaise with affiliates to build common understanding and consensus.

The Executive Director must lead by example in driving the integrity, credibility and reputation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour and be recognized as a leader in understanding labour policy and legislation, emerging labour needs and issues, as well as government relations and policy-making processes. The Executive Director must demonstrate strong political acumen, analytical understanding and sound judgement, and be an effective advocate who can influence decision makers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Playing a central role in advancing the vision, mission and values of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour through the development and implementation, in coordination with the President and Executive Council, of strategic planning.
• Using sound judgement, problem-solving skills, strong political judgment and strategic communication skills to advise the President on internal and external communications, issue management and dealing with sensitive and/or confidential issues.
• Building effective working relationships with diverse affiliates, other unions and labour bodies, government/government agencies, external stakeholders and coalition partners to understand shared issues, promote common purpose and advance NLFL priorities.
• Participate in labour relations matters including providing counsel on labour relations and/or collective bargaining to the President and/or Executive Council.
• Organizing workflow, effectively prioritizing demands and responsibilities, coordinating complex and multi-faceted projects, while maintaining a strategic mindset.
• Participate, with Executive Council, on employee engagement, hirings, evaluations, policies, and processes.
• Monitoring current labour and public policy trends and assessing emerging union/worker needs to inform strategic priorities.
• Analyzing and formulating policy and legislative proposals and developing and implementing related campaign strategies and response interventions.
• Overseeing the organization of NLFL conventions and planning, tracking and implementing approved convention resolutions/direction.
• Developing strategic funding proposals and oversee reporting of same.
• Upholding the Federation’s values of solidarity, equity, inclusion and worker democracy in working to continuously improve services to affiliated unions, to strengthen the NLFL’s reputation and grow affiliation, and to launch strategic new initiatives, through innovation, creativity and optimization of available resources.

Required Experience and Qualifications:

• A post-secondary degree in a related field with at least 10 years progressive career experience or an equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Experience in a unionized environment.
• Experience in the labour movement or social justice movement is an asset.
• Outstanding communications and advocacy skills to effectively and professionally represent NLFL with affiliates, government, coalition partners and other stakeholders.
• Strong personal accountability for deliverables.
• The ability to successfully manage change, and support employee development.
• A positive and supportive leadership style with a focus on collaboration.
• Ability to envision and convey the NLFL’s strategic priorities.
• A strong degree of organizational abilities, including planning, delegating and problem-solving.

Hours and Location:

This is a full-time permanent position with undefined hours, which can include some evenings and weekends. This position is located at the NLFL headquarters in St. John’s. Ability to travel to events and meetings within the province is essential.

Salary and Benefits:

This is a non-unionized, management-level position. The NLFL offers a competitive compensation package that includes health and dental benefits, pension contributions and a flexible work environment.

To Apply:

Please forward a cover letter and CV to:

President – Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour
P.O. Box 8597, Stn. A
St. John’s, NL, A1B 3P2
president@nlfl.nf.ca

Deadline for applications is December 6, 2024.

About the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour is a non-profit organization, chartered by the Canadian Labour Congress to serve as Newfoundland and Labrador’s central labour body. The NLFL represents 25 affiliated unions from the public sector, private sector and building trades, collectively representing 70,000 unionized workers. The NLFL works to advance the interests of its affiliated unions, to enhance the socio- economic wellbeing of all workers, to build a strong and effective labour movement, and to strengthen worker and collective bargaining rights, primarily through lobbying, research, education, campaigning, and coalition building activities, primarily focused on provincial policy and legislation.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour offices are located on the unceded, traditional territory of the Beothuk and the Mi’kmaq.

The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour is committed to diversity and equity in our society and in our workplace. We welcome applications from equity-deserving groups. If you are invited to continue with the interview process, please notify us as soon as possible of any particular adaptive measures you might require. Applicants are encouraged to share accessibility needs in the application process, and every attempt will be made to accommodate them.

The post Job Posting: Executive Director appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

This Convention features several incredible keynote speakers and workshops that focus on equipping workers with the skills, knowledge and information you need to take political action to fight for your rights and make a difference in your workplace and community.

For information on delegate registration, please contact your Union Local.

Registration deadline is November 2, 2024.

In accordance with our Constitution, registration and attendance at Convention will be on the following basis:

ARTICLE IV – CONVENTIONS

Section 4 – Representation at Convention

Section 4(a) – Representation at all Conventions shall be from affiliates on the following basis: one (1) delegate for fifty (50) or less members; two (2) delegates for fifty-one to one hundred (51 to 100) members; and one (1) additional delegate for each additional two hundred (200) members or major fraction thereof. Local unions may elect alternates in the same manner as delegates to all Conventions. Alternates shall only be seated as a delegate in the absence of the delegate for whom they are the alternate.

One (1) additional credential shall be allocated to each affiliate for youth delegates under the age of thirty-five (35).

Section 4(b) – Affiliate representation shall be calculated on the average number of members on which Per Capita Tax has been paid to the Federation during the twelve (12) month period ending ninety (90) days prior to the opening date of the Convention.

Section 4(c) – Local Labour Councils shall be entitled to a maximum of three (3) delegates.

Section 5 – Credential Entitlement
Not less than sixty (60) calendar days prior to the opening of each Triennial or Issue(s)-Based Convention, and thirty (30) calendar days prior to any Special Convention, the Secretary-Treasurer shall furnish each affiliate with official credentials. A delegate must be a member of the local union, branch or lodge. Two (2) or more local unions, branches or lodges may combine to send a delegate. All credentials shall be completed as required and returned to the Secretary-Treasurer. No credentials shall be accepted later than fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the opening date of a Triennial or Issue(s)-Based Convention, and ten (10) calendar days prior to a Special Convention.

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