Unifor says Ontario’s fall economic statement neglects workers
by CM Staff
The organization further noted that although the economic statement mentioned the creation of new jobs, it neglected to produce details on the quality of the jobs created.
Canadian currency on a table. (CNW Group/Unifor)
TORONTO — Unifor says the Ontario government’s fall economic statement has failed to truly address the province’s crises in the areas of manufacturing, job growth, healthcare, and education.
“Ontario’s healthcare and education systems are long overdue for increased funding, and workers in Ontario need a raise,” said Lana Payne, Unifor national president, in a statement.
Unifor’s statement criticized the provincial government for its plans to direct excess revenues towards reducing the deficit and further tax cuts instead of investing in public services, including the workers delivering those services.
Furthermore, Unifor Ontario’s regional director Naureen Rizvi condemned radio advertisements she says shift blame on the federal government for the current state of the province’s public services.
“Premier Ford needs to look around and take some responsibility for his actions here,” commented Rizvi in a statement.
The organization further noted that although the economic statement mentioned the creation of new jobs, it neglected to produce details on the quality of the jobs created.
“Creating thousands of low-paid, precarious and dangerous jobs in Ontario’s health care system does nothing to address the affordability crisis raging in our province,” added Rizvi.
Despite several criticisms against the Ontario government, the union says it embraces continued development of the Critical Mineral Strategy and investments in the auto sector; moreover, its welcomes the government’s plan to create a paid sick days program by extending the Worker Income Protection Benefit to reimburse employers when workers take sick days.
