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Without exception, working people benefit from uniting together around issues of common concern, such as their wages, working conditions, or safety at work. We have seen this time and time again when workers come together in unions to bargain collectively and work towards better standards and laws for everyone.
The separatist referendum effort in Alberta accomplishes none of these objectives and only serves as a distraction from the real issues facing workers.
Albertans in every region face unprecedented economic turmoil from the trade war started by United States President Donald Trump to the uncertainty from wars of aggression in Iran and Ukraine. The world is going through a new era of upheaval.
Albertans have also had to deal with an attack on important public services, like education and health care, while their real wages have declined. Thousands of good jobs in the energy sector have been eliminated by oil companies raking in massive profits.
But as long as the public debate rages over Alberta's ongoing place within Confederation, it diminishes the attention these issues deserve.
It also serves to distract from the UCP government's failure to improve Alberta's standard of living. It distracts from the everyday issues Albertans are dealing with.
The UCP has proven that it is not up to the task of creating good jobs. It has consistently weakened workers' rights, including the right to strike, health and safety, and overtime. Simply put, workers have fewer rights today than they did seven years ago when the UCP was elected.
There are also very real concerns that the ongoing uncertainty caused by the referendum will impact investment in the province. Investment means jobs. As we have seen with the trade war launched by the United States, instability does effect investment decisions. We can’t ignore these realities.
Our members love their province. They have been part of building Alberta for generations. They also love their country and are proud Canadians.
In response, Unifor members have already started to mobilize in support of a united Canada. From the education sector to the energy sector, workers will not stand by while recklessness and irresponsibility threatens their home and security, and newcomers are attacked with manufactured debates about their rights.
It is also important to emphasize the disrespect shown by the UCP government to the First Nations in Alberta. By ignoring the constitutional duty to consult with representatives of Alberta's First peoples about the future of their traditional territories, the UCP has further demonstrated that it lacks the kind of leadership we need in today’s world.
For these reasons and more, Unifor will continue to help members mobilize in their workplaces and communities to build the Alberta they deserve: one where working families can prosper with good jobs within a united Canada, where public services are strong and accessible to all, and where all workers have the rights afforded to them in the Canadian constitution.
In solidarity,
Lana Payne, Unifor National President
Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor Western Regional Director
If you're a Unifor member who wants to get more involved in the campaign, contact @email.
