British Columbia Federation of Labour

Federation of Labour Presidents from across Canada are condemning the lack of consensus among the Premiers on the urgent issue of Employment Insurance (EI) reform.
“The Premiers and Prime Minister Harper continue to dither about EI formulas, even though there is widespread acceptance that the system desperately needs to be fixed. 45,000 more Canadians lost their jobs in July and we have record rates of unemployment.  It’s time to make a decision on EI reform and take action to help those workers who have lost their jobs,” says Jim Sinclair, President of the B.C. Federation of Labour.
British Columbia has lost 121,000 full-time jobs in the last year, a rate faster than any other province.
The Premiers also appear to have given their blessing to Harper’s plans to renegotiate NAFTA.  The changes would restrict local and provincial governments’ procurement and buy local policies.
“Local governments must retain their right to use public procurement as a tool for economic development and job creation.  The Premiers are in wonderland if they think the Americans are going to toss out 75 years of Buy American policies in the middle of an economic meltdown,” Sinclair added.
The Federation Presidents were encouraged however, by the Premiers’ support for a National Summit on Pensions.  “We look forward to participating in the process and we encourage the Premiers to fast-track this effort.  With 65 percent of working Canadians without a pension, we are talking about millions of workers retiring into poverty.  We cannot afford to drag our feet,” says Sinclair.
The Presidents of the Provincial and Territorial Federations of Labour wrap up their meetings today in Regina.  Together they represent over two million workers across Canada.
For more information:  Evan Stewart, Director of Communications, (604) 430-1421.