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Unifor MWF Local 1 President Travis Farrell delivered a clear message to keep shipbuilding jobs in Canada, as he testified before the Standing Senate Committee on National Security, Defence and Veterans Affairs on Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) in relation to the development of the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS).
“The long-term commitment made by the Government of Canada has given our workers something they didn’t have before, confidence in the future,” Farrell said. “Confidence that if they enter the trades, they are investing in a career.”
Canada’s NSS made a commitment to create jobs, help restore shipyards and rebuild the marine industry by eliminating the boom-and-bust cycle the shipbuilding industry was previously accustomed to.
“Young people are choosing shipbuilding because they can see a future in it,” Farrell said. “They are learning from experienced workers and becoming the next generation of experts that Canada will depend on.”
The NSS has created good paying union jobs in Nova Scotia and across the country, expanded workers skills and contributes to economic development within Canada.
“The work being done by MWF Local 1 members is vital to strengthening Canada’s marine industry,” Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “These members are building more than ships, they’re building stable careers in the region and helping sustain a skilled workforce.”
During his April 20 appearance before the Senators, Farrell stressed that the DIS should follow a similar approach.
“The Defence Industrial Strategy should seek to expand our domestic production capabilities and workers skills,” Farrell said. “Public procurement in the defense sector should support good union jobs, that support decent compensation, training and health and safety.”
Unifor MWF Local 1 represents over 1,000 workers across Irving Shipyards.
