Government Must Put Workers and Their Families First in Fall Sitting of the House of Assembly
As the House of Assembly returns for the Fall sitting, the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) is calling on MHAs to put workers and their families at the top of their agenda.
“Workers are the backbone of our province. Workers and their labour drive the economy, provide vital public services, and move our province forward. Yet, it’s workers who are often at the end of the line when it comes to reaping the benefits of prosperity,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the NLFL. “Too many workers are struggling with the rising cost of living. In this session, government must invest in the working class people of our province.”
The affordability crisis continues to put a strain on workers’ budgets while the wage gap continues to widen. In response to this, more workers are turning to unions and organizing to bring democracy to the workplace; this momentum in union organizing is growing. However, excessive voting and process delays, coupled with belligerent, hostile and predatory challenges and actions from anti-union employers stand in the way of workers having a fair and just collective say in their workplace.
“Workers are rightly demanding more balanced and fair labour laws, including bringing back single-step certification (also known as ‘card check’), and are calling for additional staffing and resources at the Labour Relations Board to immediately address delays that are undermining workers’ and Charter Rights,” continued McCormick. “The process is stacked against workers right now and they need the government to level the playing field. Anything short of this is an injustice to workers and their families.”
Bringing more balance to labour relations must also include enacting anti-scab legislation. Strong anti-scab legislation is vital for the future of all workers, protecting their rights and restoring fairness at the bargaining table. The Provincial Liberals should follow the lead of their Federal party colleagues on this important labour legislation.
Workers not only need a voice and representation at work, they also need to be safe and healthy and protected when they get hurt on the job. Recently, the NLFL called on the provincial government to increase the Income Replacement Rate for Injured Workers. Additionally, the NLFL is urging the government to introduce legislation in this session that ensures workers have access to ten (10) paid sick days. “Employees should not feel pressure to come to work when sick or fear losing their job,” said McCormick. “Throughout the pandemic, we saw first-hand what happens when workers can’t stay home when they’re sick. As we currently experience surges in respiratory illnesses, we are reminded that paid sick leave reduces strain on our public healthcare system and saves lives. Public health and worker protection go hand in hand.”
Finally, the NLFL is calling on the government to sign an agreement with the federal government to implement the national pharmacare program in Newfoundland and Labrador.
“People shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and paying for the medications they need,” said McCormick. “Newfoundlanders and Labradorians deserve a stronger, fairer healthcare system. The Premier shouldn’t waste any time moving forward with this agreement which will help so many in our province who are cutting their meds or going without entirely.”
“Workers and their families need and deserve to be put first in this session of the House of Assembly, and in the upcoming budget,” said McCormick. “We have laid out a legislative agenda that will help accomplish this goal and will continue to put pressure on government to do the right thing for the working class people of our province.”
