Federation of Labour Calling for A United Front in Face of Trump’s Tariff Threats

Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) President, Jessica McCormick, is calling on the provincial and federal governments to work together and with all affected parties to confront the threat of massive trade tariffs by the incoming American Administration. 

“If enacted, Trump’s proposed 25% tariff would have a devastating impact on workers, jobs, our economy, and our province as a whole,” said McCormick. “We must all work together to do whatever we can to ensure that these tariffs never materialize – there is simply too much at stake.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador economy depends greatly on exports to America. In 2022, Newfoundland and Labrador exported over $7B of goods to the United States. A tariff on this trade and of this magnitude would impact all parts of our province’s economy, not only the directly targeted sectors – people’s livelihoods, public sector funding, community funding, social programs, etc. 

“We need all hands on deck to tackle this issue and workers must be involved in any strategy as it will be workers and their families who will bear the brunt of the impacts of these tariffs,” said McCormick. “Labour is ready to assist the Premier and the provincial and federal governments in the effort to stop these catastrophic tariffs from coming into existence.” 

The NLFL will be meeting with the Premier and other stakeholders to discuss the proposed tariffs, their impact, and how to work together to protect Newfoundland and Labrador workers and their families.