Unifor's Newfoundland and Labrador Election Questionnaire

Main Image
Image
Members of Local 597 stand on a picket line holding flags and strike signs.
Share

The following message was sent to Unifor's Newfoundland and Labrador Locals on April 16, 2019

Dear Newfoundland and Labrador Unifor Locals

A provincial election is expected to be called any day.

This election, Unifor will be demanding improved workers rights for all workers.

We have prepared a questionnaire for all the main political parties. It is attached for your information. We will provide a report on the responses we receive to you and your members.

Laws and rules that determine working conditions are sadly outdated. Newfoundland and Labrador has the lowest minimum wage in the country, the worst vacation entitlements, no sick days for non-union workers, and no requirement on employers to schedule work. No one should have to work full-time for poverty wages.

Employers can bust unions merely by contracting out work or re-tendering it. This serves to suppress wages.

As well for unionized workers, labour laws currently allow employers like we saw with DJ Composites to be found guilty of illegal bargaining tactics and face no real consequences. The laws allow employers to lock out workers for two years and use replacement workers. This needs to stop. It is an attack on unions and fair and free collective bargaining.

In addition for our members in the offshore, health and safety needs serious attention. No longer should oil companies get to put production over safety.

We outline a number of ways workers’ rights can be and should be improved in Newfoundland and Labrador. Let’s make sure the political parties hear from us this election. Let’s make workers’ rights a priority.

In Solidarity,

Lana Payne
Atlantic Regional Director

Download Unifor's Newfoundland and Labrador Election Questionnaire