“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. 

The post Federation of Labour Calling for A United Front in Face of Trump’s Tariff Threats appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

“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.” 

The post Government Must Put Workers and Their Families First in Fall Sitting of the House of Assembly appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

Join the campaign. Visit workerstogether.ca to find out how.

This year, workers, unions and community leaders will gather in the following regions on Monday, September 2 to celebrate Labour Day:

St. John’s
Union walk starting at Quidi Vidi Lake (11:30 to 12:00) followed by a family BBQ at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 56, Pleasantville

Corner Brook
Family Fun Day and BBQ at Margaret Bowater Park, O’Connell Drive, Corner Brook
1:00pm to 4:00pm

Central
Parade with Family Day BBQ and Concert starting at Main Street, Grand Falls Windsor (Old CN Station), finishing at Grand Falls Windsor Town Hall, High Street
10:00am to 12:00pm

The post Labour Day 2024 in Newfoundland and Labrador appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.

With this dynamic team of progressive women at the helm, we are confident that the NDP will prioritize crucial party issues that directly impact the lives of working people. From tackling homelessness to addressing the soaring cost of living and combatting child and family poverty, our party is committed to advocating for the needs and concerns of ordinary working people.

We are particularly excited about the tangible impact that voting for the NDP has already had and continues to have on the lives of all workers. The achievement of dental care for children and the forthcoming inclusion of seniors in this essential program exemplify the NDP’s commitment to comprehensive healthcare coverage. As more and more people and workers recognize the NDP as the party that effectively speaks up for the working class, we are witnessing a growing wave of support and engagement.

We firmly believe that the Liberal government must pass legislation on a pharmacare bill that meets our expectations or risk jeopardizing the Supply and Confidence Agreement. We are very confident that NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and NDP Members of Parliament will continue to hold the government accountable and push for policies prioritizing our communities’ well-being and prosperity.

The Atlantic Federations of Labour are resolute in our support for the NDP and its dedication to improving the lives of workers and their families. By amplifying the voices of all workers, we can build a more equitable society that leaves no one behind. We know with a strong team of women leaders at the helm, they will work tirelessly to create a future where every worker is valued, protected, and given the opportunities they deserve.

The post Statement from Atlantic Federation of Labour on the Election of Mary Shortall as NDP President appeared first on Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour.