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November 1, 2018
HALIFAX – Unifor is concerned by the federal government’s decision to divide maintenance work on Halifax-class ships, but hopes for positive news tomorrow.
“The federal government’s decision to split maintenance work on the Halifax-class ships is worrisome as it will have an impact on jobs at the Halifax Shipyard,” said David Baker-Mosher, Unifor-MWF Local 1 president. “However, the Minister of Defence will make an additional announcement tomorrow and we are hopeful this will be positive news for workers at the yard.”
Unifor’s Ships Stay Here campaign has resonated with thousands of Nova Scotians who understand that long-term success at the Halifax Shipyard requires maintaining these good jobs and the skilled workforce over the coming years. Thousands of supporters have signed a petition to Nova Scotia Members of Parliament and distributed and posted lawn signs.
“The National Shipbuilding Strategy was designed to avoid boom-bust cycles in the industry,” said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “Local 1 members have extensive experience and great logistical advantages for working on the Halifax-class ships.”
“Our members worked hard to raise awareness about the gap between fabrication contracts through the Ships Stay Here campaign because they know the success of the shipyard requires long-term stability of both shipbuilding programs, employment and skills retention,” said Payne. “We are hopeful the government will respond by addressing the employment gap, preventing hundreds of layoffs.”
Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
For more information, please contact Unifor Atlantic Communications representative Shelley Amyotte: @email or 902-717-7491 (cell)
