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SAINT JOHN, NB, Sept. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor members are leading a rally against the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal on Monday to highlight the dangers of this deal to New Brunswickers and encourage conversations with local MPs.
Rallies have already been held in the Toronto area, including a Rock Against the TPP concert on September 16, and are scheduled for other cities in an effort to educate Canadians about the details of this trade agreement.
"The TPP will no doubt impact jobs in both the Canadian forestry and dairy industries, important sectors for New Brunswick workers, including Unifor members," said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director.
Payne plans to speak to the Canadian Government's Standing Committee on International Trade in Halifax on September 29 and will focus on impacts to the Atlantic region. Of major concern are the clauses allowing for imported U.S. and Asian milk products, which need not comply with our non-growth hormone production policies, and the exporting of unprocessed timber.
"Any potential changes to our log export policies - even an opening of that door - should be reason for concern among Canada's forestry workers and this is what the TPP allows for," said Payne. "We know very well that processing is where the value-add comes from and what supports our economy and many of our New Brunswick communities. We can't sign a deal that gives away good jobs for Atlantic Canadians."
WHERE: In front of the Hilton Hotel, Market Square, Saint John
WHEN: Monday, September 26, 10:30 a.m.
WHO: Unifor members; Patrick Colford, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.
SOURCE Unifor
