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February 8, 2019
HALIFAX – Unifor MWF-Local 1 members at the Halifax Shipyard celebrated today as the federal government announced the official signing of the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC) design contract with Irving Shipbuilding and its partners. It is the single largest government purchase in Canadian history.
“Today’s announcement is another step in fulfilling the promise of the National Shipbuilding Strategy fought for by our shipyard members and union – one where we move the shipbuilding industry away from its boom-bust cycles and provide sustainable employment to the skilled shipyard workers we represent,” said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. “Also of note today when we look around the yard, we see the changing face of shipbuilding, one that is more diverse. This has been because of a commitment and real action to removing barriers to working in the industry.”
Workers gathered in the main hall to hear speeches from government and Irving executives at Friday morning’s event.
“We are very happy to see this deal made official, and I’m proud to stand beside my sisters and brothers at the yard today and every day,” said Ryan Lapointe, newly-elected Unifor MWF-Local 1 President. “All I can say is: there’s no ship like a Halifax-made ship.”
“This is a good day for the 1,000 Unifor members who take such pride in their work building Canada’s ships. These jobs and this industry are of critical importance to the broader east coast economy,” said Payne.
For more information, please contact Unifor National Communications Representative Shelley Amyotte at @email or 902-717-7491 (cell).
