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Unifor sets federal budget priorities


TORONTO, Feb. 26, 2018 /CNW/ - In the 2018 federal budget Unifor calls for policy priorities that will create good jobs, improve Canada's physical and social infrastructure, strengthen businesses and increase prosperity for workers, their families and communities.

"We're looking for a budget that supports and advances the needs of working people," said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

Unifor's formal budget submission recommends funding Just Transition initiatives to help workers impacted by climate change or other factors, investment in infrastructure including a high-speed rail system in the Quebec City-Windsor corridor, and a recommitment to Industrial Regional Benefits requirements so that procurement can be used to leverage investment in the aerospace and defence industries.

As Canada's largest private sector union, Unifor's recommendations also call on the government to forge a new fiscal relationship with Indigenous peoples that would treat Indigenous governments as a fourth tier of governance with a view to reconciliation.

Unifor is hopeful that the budget will throw a lifeline to local news providers struggling in print, online and broadcast media and also strongly urged the government to continue the current model of airport ownership.

The union continues to advocate for the implementation of universal pharmacare and the creation of a national universally-accessible childcare program to help eliminate barriers for women in the workforce. It will also push for an adequate financial commitment to fund upcoming pay-equity legislation and the enforcement of new anti-harassment legislation.

"The government has committed to a gender-based budget and this is the opportunity to prove if it's serious about implementing policies that will actually create a shift towards a more equitable society," said Dias.

Jerry Dias will be available in Toronto on Monday, February 26 and Tuesday February 27 for pre and post budget interviews. To read Unifor's full formal budget submission click here.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 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



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