Labour Day Message from NSFL President Danny Cavanagh
With Labour Day fast approaching, the pressing challenges confronting workers and families demand our immediate attention. It’s high time for workers to stand together against the harmful influence of corporate greed and the disappointing actions of certain politicians.
Workers’ paychecks drive the economy, not the pursuit of corporate profits. The labour movement tirelessly advocates for change and pushes for various policy and legislative improvements that benefit workers. It’s this unity that will lead us to a fairer society. Unions are at the forefront, negotiating for improved wages and benefits, thereby supporting all workers and their families to foster a fairer, more prosperous society. However, they often face opposition from the political right. For instance, the reluctance of provincial governments to implement universal, permanent paid sick leave in Nova Scotia, covering all workers regardless of job type or firm size, is a notable issue. The Feds have paid sick leave. Why can’t Nova Scotia do it? The Feds have anti-scab legislation; why can’t our province do the same? Another concern is the gap between minimum wages and living wages.
Many workers earn below the living wage, causing financial strain to afford essentials like housing and healthcare. This economic disparity increases financial insecurity, hindering overall productivity and economic growth. To address this, wage increases and stronger labour standards are crucial. Nova Scotia has some of the highest rates of child and family poverty. Governments must acknowledge a living wage as a fundamental safeguard against exploitation and adjust minimum wages according to household expenses, factoring in inflation and the true cost of living. On average one thousand workers die on the job in this Country and we need to ensure those responsible for workplace safety are held accountable. Let’s understand that violence is not part of anyone’s job, full stop. Rising prices are making essential items increasingly unaffordable, impacting workers of all ages.
Corporate greed is evident in tactics like reducing product quantities while increasing prices. Housing affordability has become a luxury, stretching paychecks thin. As the rich get richer, some politicians attempt to divide us to shield the wealthy elite. Political leaders favouring corporate interests harm workers by advocating for tax cuts for corporations and reducing vital services like healthcare and pensions. Union rights have been undermined through back-to-work legislation and detrimental changes to Employment Insurance and pension schemes.
Essential victories like the Canada Pension Plan, public healthcare education and other public services are now threatened. It’s imperative to hold politicians accountable and ensure they prioritize people. Requiring wealthy corporations to pay their fair share in taxes and reinvest in community programs is vital for a fair society.
Healthcare, education, social services, and accessible housing are essential to a just society. These investments will cultivate a more robust economy that benefits all. Union jobs are the backbone of many communities, and unions are pivotal in advocating for fair treatment for all workers and holding corporations responsible. Through unity, we can carve a future where working families prosper, continuing the tradition of unions leading the charge in championing workers’ rights. As a society, we need to stop accepting that our politicians have the backs of the wealthy and elite, and it’s time for the government to govern for those at the bottom, not the top. The few crumbs thrown to workers are no longer good enough; we can and must demand better as a society.
