March 31, 2020

TORONTO – Following weeks of piecemeal announcements, Unifor commends the federal government for expanding eligibility of a 75 per cent wage subsidy to include large and small employers in Canada.

“We have said from day one that no worker should be forced to bear the economic cost of flattening the curve alone. We are completely united as a country in the efforts to slow this virus, and that must include taking care of workers who have lost their income or facing layoff,” said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President.

Employer groups and unions were united in a call for this wage subsidy for Canada’s workers. Now, as employers await further details and guidance from the federal government, Unifor urges policymakers to follow through with responsible regulations for employers that receive this public benefit. This includes the continuation of benefit programs and pension contributions, limits on executive compensation and shareholder payments, and a commitment to remaining neutral during union certification drives.

“I hope that this is enough for large and small employers to do the right thing, work with the government to keep more of Canada’s workers on payroll, and ensure these public funds are used for the right reasons,” continued Dias. “We must work together to mitigate layoffs wherever possible, easing the burden on E.I. and continuing to deliver essential services.”

Unifor has produced this Fact Sheet on the CERB and has posted revised information about the union’s response to the pandemic, as well as resources for members at unifor.org/COVID19.

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.