As Newfoundland and Labrador begins a provincial election, workers in the province will look to parties for policies that ensure good jobs for all, and supports key industries.

“Despite today’s grave challenges, the workers of NL need a government that is still able to look ahead and plan for a better tomorrow.” 

Linda MacNeil, Unifor Atlantic Area Director

The Union is calling on all parties to come forward with clear platforms that reflect workers’ priorities and set the path for a just recovery, including commitments to:

• Implement $15 minimum wage legislation by 2022, 7 paid sick days and equal pay for equal work, protecting part-time and temporary workers.
• Invest in the protection of energy jobs with stringent conditions that protect jobs and strong environmental and worker safety regulations.
• Enact regulations that mirror federal initiatives that promote and protect the integrity of the owner-operator inshore fishery.

$15 and Fairness

Workers essential to the functioning of Newfoundland and Labrador live paycheque to paycheque, struggling to cover rent or food costs, and being unable to get ahead in order to reduce debt, start a family, or become a home-owner.

Newfoundland and Labrador has the second lowest minimum wage in the Canada. Higher minimum wages reduces poverty, improves the lives of workers and their families, and stimulates local economies. Adult women are the largest percentage of low waged workers in NL. This is an equality issue, and a human rights issue.

More than 1,100 Unifor members working for the Ontario-based mega-rich Loblaw’s chain at Dominion Stores fought back in 2020 in a massive strike that was all about fair wages and justice. Wage increases is long overdue in many sectors but especially in retail and other precarious jobs.

Unions and labour activists have been calling for a living wage and better work protections for Canadians for decades.

It’s time for employers to take bold steps toward a living wage for all.

Support for Key Industries

Energy and fisheries workers need protection, and regulation to support workers. 

The energy workers of Newfoundland and Labrador need and deserve more good jobs now. Economic uncertainly for the energy industry has thrown workers, families and communities into turmoil. Protecting their jobs and incomes must be the priority of the next Provincial government.

Oil resources belong to the people of Newfound and Labrador. Energy jobs are austerity-fighting jobs for our country. For decades, our offshore oil and gas sector has provided thousands of good jobs–jobs, which support families and communities all over the province. All these jobs add significant tax revenues to the public purse, which, along with the royalties that government receives, helps grow local and provincial economies and provides important quality public services that we all need and deserve.

The next provincial government needs to commit to increasing rural opportunities through a robust fishing industry -- not just because it leads to provincial prosperity – but because it helps everyone weather economic storms. 

The province needs to enact regulations that mirror federal initiatives that promote and protect the integrity of the owner-operator inshore fishery.

Who We Are

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy, and more than 20,000 workers in Newfoundland and Labrador. 

The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.

Unifor brings a modern approach to unionism: adopting new tools, involving and engaging our members, and always looking for new ways to develop the role and approach of our union to meet the demands of the 21st century.

Every person of working age in Canada has a right to a good job and the benefits of economic progress.

For more information about the union's plan for building an inclusive, fairer and more resilient economy, visit the Build Back Better website.