Unifor welcomes start of NAFTA renegotiation

WASHINGTON, Aug. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Unifor welcomes the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement, as talks get underway in Washington, D.C.

"It was made clear today that the United States is not interested in a few tweaks," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias. "It believes NAFTA has failed workers and that a major overhaul is required, which is exactly what Unifor has been saying for years."

Unifor, Canada's largest union in the private sector, is making its voice heard as the long-awaited renegotiation process begins. Dias is currently in Washington, D.C. as a member of the stakeholders group offering advice to the Canadian negotiators.

"The fate of many good paying jobs and even entire industries are at stake," said Dias. "It's incredibly important that Canada gets it right at the negotiating table otherwise we'll pay for another generation." 

The union has played an active role in the lead up to the negotiations. Dias has already met with U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross twice to press Unifor's case that any new NAFTA must address the needs of workers and their communities.

To read Unifor's submission on NAFTA priorities, go to unifor.org/NAFTA.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers in every major area of the economy. 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.

SOURCE Unifor