“Workers are the backbone of our province. Workers and their labour drive the economy,  provide vital public services, and move our province forward. Yet, it’s workers who are often at the end of the line when it comes to reaping the benefits of prosperity,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the NLFL. “Too many workers are struggling with the rising cost of living. In this session, government must invest in the working class people of our province.” 

The affordability crisis continues to put a strain on workers’ budgets while the wage gap continues to widen. In response to this, more workers are turning to unions and organizing to bring democracy to the workplace; this momentum in union organizing is growing. However, excessive voting and process delays, coupled with belligerent, hostile and predatory challenges and actions from anti-union employers stand in the way of workers having a fair and just collective say in their workplace. 

“Workers are rightly demanding more balanced and fair labour laws, including bringing back single-step certification (also known as ‘card check’), and are calling for additional staffing and resources at the Labour Relations Board to immediately address delays that are undermining workers’ and Charter Rights,” continued McCormick. “The process is stacked against workers right now and they need the government to level the playing field. Anything short of this is an injustice to workers and their families.”

Bringing more balance to labour relations must also include enacting anti-scab legislation. Strong anti-scab legislation is vital for the future of all workers, protecting their rights and restoring fairness at the bargaining table. The Provincial Liberals should follow the lead of their Federal party colleagues on this important labour legislation. 

Workers not only need a voice and representation at work, they also need to be safe and healthy and protected when they get hurt on the job. Recently, the NLFL called on the provincial government to increase the Income Replacement Rate for Injured Workers. Additionally, the NLFL is urging the government to introduce legislation in this session that ensures workers have access to ten (10) paid sick days. “Employees should not feel pressure to come to work when sick or fear losing their job,” said McCormick. “Throughout the pandemic, we saw first-hand what happens when workers can’t stay home when they’re sick. As we currently experience surges in respiratory illnesses, we are reminded that paid sick leave reduces strain on our public healthcare system and saves lives. Public health and worker protection go hand in hand.”

Finally, the NLFL is calling on the government to sign an agreement with the federal government to implement the national pharmacare program in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“People shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for the medications they need,” said McCormick. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve a stronger, fairer healthcare system. The Premier shouldn’t waste any time moving forward with this agreement which will help so many in our province who are cutting their meds or going without entirely.”

“Workers and their families need and deserve to be put first in this session of the House of Assembly, and in the upcoming budget,” said McCormick. “We have laid out a legislative agenda that will help accomplish this goal and will continue to put pressure on government to do the right thing for the working class people of our province.” 

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After years of worker advocacy, minimum wage rates in Newfoundland and Labrador were incrementally increased to $15.00 per hour in 2023. At $15.60, Newfoundland and Labrador now ranks 9th amongst the provinces and territories for minimum wage rates. Only New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have lower wages.

“Working people and their families continue to face an affordability crisis and deserve better than a race to the bottom when it comes to minimum wage.”

Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour.

In February 2024, the provincial government launched its review of the province’s minimum wage. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour participated in this consultation process, recommending:

1. Raise the minimum wage to $20 within the next three years
2. Establish a minimum wage formula that reflects the cost of living and productivity
3. Establish a permanent Fair Wages Commission

The provincial government’s public engagement process on minimum wage concluded at the end of March however, a report on the findings of the review has still not been released.  

“It is time for the provincial government to take a principled approach to setting the minimum wage. By principled, I mean ensuring that this is a protective wage that supports workers’ ability to afford what they need to survive and alleviates the stress of making difficult choices about the food they can buy this month, the prescription they need to fill, or the past-due heating bill,” said McCormick. “The NLFL is calling on the provincial government to release its 2024 Minimum Wage Review report and give low-wage workers a path to a living wage.”

The post Minimum Wage Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador Deserve Better appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

Workers power Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy, yet we face rising costs and stagnant wages. At the grocery store and in the housing market, we’re being priced out. According to a recent report by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, the living wage has increased again this year in Newfoundland and Labrador. Essential items like food, rent, and utilities are becoming increasingly unaffordable, making it harder for families to make ends meet. The richest among us are reaping the benefits of our hard work.

Corporate greed is inflating prices, leaving ordinary people to foot the bill. Housing has become a luxury few can afford, and our paycheques are stretched thin. While the gap between the rich and the poor continues to widen, some politicians pit us against each other to distract from their allegiance to the wealthy elite.

Political leaders who side with corporate interests, and who oppose and delay legislation that would make life more affordable, do not support workers. We’ve seen how some politicians undermine workers’ rights. They’ve done this by supporting back-to-work legislation. They’ve remained silent while workers’ right to collective bargaining and to strike are eroded. While some provinces take progressive steps to important labour laws, others, through their inaction, tip the scales in favour of employers and corporate interests.

Workers won’t accept politicians who fail us.

We won’t let generations of struggle and sacrifice be undone. It’s time to hold politicians accountable and ensure they work for us, not just for those at the top. A better deal for workers means making wealthy corporations pay their fair share in taxes, and reinvesting in community-strengthening programs. Accessible healthcare, social services, and affordable housing are necessities in a fair society. These investments will create a stronger, more resilient economy that benefits everyone.

Unions are our best tool to push for fair treatment and hold corporations accountable. It’s time for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to make it easier for workers to join a union by implementing card-check certification. Through card-check certification, our Government would protect workers from intimidation, threats and bullying from anti-union employers and their agents, helping to bring democracy to workplaces by respecting workers’ right to unionize.

Unions have always been at the forefront of the fight for workers’ rights, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. This Labour Day, let’s stand together and demand a better deal for workers. Together, we can create a society where every worker can live with dignity and respect.

The post Labour Day Message from NLFL President Jessica McCormick appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

“When you consider the record-high costs of housing, transportation and groceries in our province, $15 per hour is simply not enough to make ends meet for minimum wage workers,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. “Five years ago, this increase would have been cause for celebration. In 2023, it’s just not good enough. Workers need a living wage now.”

A living wage differs from the minimum wage in that it is calculated as the income a family would needs to live and work in their community. It is often significantly higher than the minimum wage. In 2019, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives calculated a living wage for St. John’s to be $18.85. Since then, rising costs would put a living wage at an even higher rate and those rates would vary by region.

According to Statistics Canada’s Consumer Price Index report for August 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador had the fastest rental price growth in the country compared to last year. A minimum wage worker in Newfoundland and Labrador would need to earn $15.94 per hour for an average market one-bedroom rental and $18.08 per hour for a two-bedroom rental. In St. John’s, those thresholds increase to $16.60 per hour for a one-bedroom rental and $19.96 per hour for a two-bedroom rental.

“Workers should be able to earn a wage that provides them with a good quality of life. A living wage not only lifts workers out of poverty, but it also allows working families to support the healthy development of their children and enables them to become full participants in the social, civic, and cultural aspects of their communities,” said McCormick.

Women, racialized workers and new immigrants are disproportionately represented among low-wage workers. Lifting these workers up also demonstrates a commitment to advance equity and justice.

“Now is the time for the provincial government to commit to a plan and timeline for implementing a living wage that gives working people a chance to thrive, not just survive,” concluded McCormick.

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