Nova Scotia workers have been having it rough.
According to a recent statement from the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour, the past two and a half years have been some of the most challenging times in a generation.
Due to the pandemic taking a toll on the economy, workers are worried about the increasing cost of living amid an affordability crisis. Federation President Danny Cavanaugh says workers need to make a decent living and deserve better wages adding that employees are demanding better workplace environments and they want to be treated with fairness when making contributions as employees.
Expanded access to employment insurance is set to expire in a few weeks and workers could face trouble qualifying for benefits. NSFL believes government action is required to ensure these workers are not left behind, and they urge them to extend temporary measures until the EI program can be permanently approved.
Calls are still being made to the government for a pandemic recovery focused on replacing lost jobs with better ones. NSFL continues to stand by workers that are calling for better wages and benefits, like sick leave and dental care. They will keep working alongside progressive governments that will improve the situation for workers through universal social programs and income support, and they are committed to addressing climate action as well especially when it comes to minimizing the impacts of climate action transitions put on workers.