Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL)

02/15/2025

43 years ago, on February 15, 1982, the Ocean Ranger disaster claimed the lives of all 84 crew members onboard. It was the deadliest offshore disaster in Canadian history and left deep scars across our province – families and communities forever changed.

Today, we honour their memory and pay tribute to their lives. But we also renew our commitment to fight for workplace safety, ensuring no worker has to sacrifice their life for their livelihood.

Let’s fight for safer workplaces, stronger regulations, and a future where every worker returns home safely.

02/14/2025

NEWS RELEASE

Minimum Wage Increase Falls Short for Workers in Newfoundland and Labrador

For Immediate Release:
Friday, February 14, 2025

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Today, the provincial government announced a $0.40 increase to the minimum wage, effective April 1, 2025, tied to the Consumer Price Index. While this adjustment acknowledges the need for change, it fails to adequately address the challenges faced by workers struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. This decision leaves thousands of workers and their families unable to meet basic needs, with broader implications for our communities and our economy.

“Every worker deserves the dignity of being able to provide for themselves and their families. Yet, in Newfoundland and Labrador, nearly one-quarter of our workforce—approximately 23%—earns less than $20 per hour, making it increasingly difficult to make ends meet,” said Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour President Jessica McCormick. “Tying the minimum wage to inflation alone is not enough. Without more substantial increases, workers will continue to fall behind, unable to keep pace with the rising costs of essentials like housing, food, and childcare. In real terms, they will remain trapped earning $15 an hour indefinitely.”

In August 2024, the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) released its second provincial living wage report, revealing the stark reality of what it takes to survive in Newfoundland and Labrador. The report outlines the hourly wage needed to cover basic expenses across four regions:

- Central Newfoundland: $24.10
- Eastern Newfoundland: $24.70
- Western Newfoundland: $23.10
- Northern Peninsula and Labrador: $27.30

Approximately 17,000 workers earn the minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador.

These figures, based on a family of four and accounting for tax credits, deductions, and government benefits, include essential costs such as food, shelter, transportation, and childcare. The gap between these living wages and the announced minimum wage is significant.

“The current approach to minimum wage policy is simply not meeting the needs of workers,” said McCormick. “Without meaningful action, the gap between the minimum wage and a living wage will only widen, pushing more families into poverty and further straining our social systems. Workers need - and deserve - a wage that reflects the true cost of living and allows them to thrive, not just try to survive.”

To build an economy that works for everyone, the NLFL is calling for immediate action:
Implement a more substantial minimum wage increase beyond the current $16 per hour to better align with living wage benchmarks.

Conduct annual, region-specific living wage calculations to ensure policies reflect the real costs faced by workers and their families.

Reform income benefits, including adjusting eligibility thresholds and reducing clawback rates, to support workers transitioning to better-paying jobs.
Using evidence-based living wage data to guide labour market and social policies will ensure government programs effectively support working people. These changes are not only fair but also economically beneficial, as they will help reduce poverty, strengthen local economies, and create a more equitable province for all.

“The time for half-measures is over. Newfoundland and Labrador’s workers cannot afford to wait,” said McCormick.

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02/14/2025

February 14, 2025 - Our office has a delayed opening due to snow/road conditions.

02/12/2025

Federation Secretary-Treasurer Jabez Lane attended the launch of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador “Make it Excellent” campaign which promotes the many amazing opportunities in the trades right here at home.

https://www.gov.nl.ca/atcd/makeitexcellent/

02/10/2025

A big thank you to all the workers braving the elements today to deliver the vital goods and services the people of this province rely on. Please stay safe!

02/10/2025

Monday, February 10,2025 - Our office is closed for the day due to blizzard conditions!

02/09/2025

Trump’s tariffs have shown us one thing: uncertainty is the new normal. The goalposts will keep moving, and we can’t afford to stand still.

It’s time to:

✅ **Plan strategically** for the long haul.
✅ **Diversify** our trade partnerships and supply chains.
✅ **Find alternate routes** to keep goods moving.
✅ **Increase capacity** to stay competitive.
✅ **Strengthen public services** to support our people
✅ **Support and defend workers** who bear the brunt of the trade war.

Let’s build a strong and resilient economy that works for everyone. Let’s build a strong and resilient economy that works for everyone.

The threats won’t stop. Neither will we.

02/07/2025

NLFL President Jessica McCormick is taking part in the Canada-US Economic Summit today.

Jessica is advocating for workers in NL, emphasizing the need for a strong, coordinated approach to the tariff threat and future economic development—one that puts workers at the center.

02/05/2025

Buying local and union-made products, goods, and services helps support workers, our communities, our province, and our economy.

Look for the NL/Canada/Union label and put your dollars to work for worker justice!

Buying local and union-made products, goods, and services helps support workers, our communities, our province, and our economy. It’s about standing with workers fighting for fair wages, safer conditions, and dignity on the job. When you buy union, you’re helping to build a stronger economy. Loo...

02/04/2025

"Jessica McCormick wants the province to keep its foot on the gas.

The head of Newfoundland and Labrador’s Federation of Labour says government needs to bolster its economy and better support workers as we brace for more tariff uncertainty."

02/03/2025

As you are likely aware, a 30-day pause on the tariffs has been put in place after a call between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump.

This is welcome news in terms of the impact this would have on workers and our economy. However, at this stage, this is a pause, and if the past month has taught us anything, it is that we should be prepared for the unexpected.

We now have 30 days to plan, prepare, and continue the work we have started.

It is imperative that the discussions and work that has begun on implementing systemic changes to make our economy more diversified and resilient must continue. We must continue to advocate and push for progressive changes to the employment insurance system to better serve workers in a changing world. Our province’s procurement processes should be altered to better support local workers and businesses. Our governments should move forward with buy local and buy Canadian campaigns, programming, and supports. And as always, unions will continue to push for better for all workers at the bargaining table. Preparations and planning must also proceed as if the 30-day pause does not lead to a lasting trade peace.

Now is not the time to let our guard down; if anything, we should be doubling down on our collective efforts to strengthen our economy and our industrial capacity. Those who have not learned from history are doomed to repeat it. We must learn, we must adapt, and we must prepare. We will also push to keep the Premier’s Roundtable on trade in place and move forward with the work we have begun.

Onward.

02/03/2025

NL Labour Leaders held an emergency session this morning to discuss the tariffs and the strong response required to protect our province’s workers.

Our message is clear: unions will stand together to fight for workers, our communities, our province, and our country.

02/02/2025

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. Tariffs: Labour Federation Calls for Bold, United Response to Protect Workers and Economy

For Immediate Release:
Sunday, February 2, 2025

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The U.S. administration announced yesterday a 25% tariff on essentially all Canadian exports, with the exception of oil and gas. These tariffs will hurt workers and their families on both sides of the border. The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) is reiterating our call for a united and strong response, including measures that will protect workers, our communities, and our economy.

“We have been clear from the outset that this is an existential crisis that demands a united and coordinated response that meets the seriousness of this moment,” said NLFL President Jessica McCormick. “President Trump has started a trade war that is going to have a devastating impact on our province. We must take all necessary steps to protect jobs, protect workers, safeguard our economy, and plan for the future.”

"A coordinated approach, relying on a united front between government, industry, and labour is essential to ensuring Newfoundland and Labrador maintains its economic stability and protects its workers and communities from trade disruptions and their far-reaching impacts," said McCormick. "We must stand together in the face of this unprecedented attack on our country and our people."

McCormick is a member of the Premier's Roundtable on Trade and is playing a lead role in ensuring that the voices, concerns, and needs of workers are heard and acted upon as the provincial government manages and responds to these tariffs.

The NLFL is recommending and advocating for a comprehensive response that includes:

• Income supports for workers
• Enhancements to employment insurance
• Transition, upskilling, and education pathways for workers
• Long-term economic diversification planning
• Strategic planning to reduce reliance on American trade markets
• Procurement directives
• Promoting local and Canadian made products
• Liquidity supports for affected industries and businesses to protect jobs
• Strong retaliatory measures

While many of these measures require federal government capacity and action, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador must also use whatever levers are available to supplement federal efforts.

“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are no stranger to adversity, and we have always leaned on each other to get through challenging times together,” said McCormick. “I have no doubt that we will come together to face this trade war head on. Unions will be front and center in that effort.”

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02/02/2025

Here is the clip of NLFL President Jessica McCormick’s appearance on CBC News last evening with Rosie Barton regarding the announced tariffs on Canadian exports.

We must ensure that workers, communities, and our economy are defended and protected.

02/01/2025

NLFL President Jessica McCormick provided reaction to the announced tariffs on CBC with Rosemary Barton shortly ago.

Jessica spoke about the impact tariffs will have on our province's workers and communities and the need to respond quickly and strongly.

02/01/2025

We reiterate our call for a strong, strategic, and united front that includes measures to protect workers, communities, industry, and our economy.

✊🏼

01/31/2025

NLFL President Jessica McCormick was on Open Line today to talk about the impending tariffs, what they mean for the province, and what measures need to be put in place to protect workers and their families.

Listen here:

https://omny.fm/shows/open-line-with-paddy-daly/openline-friday-jan-31st?t=72m13s

01/30/2025

Took part in the Premier’s Roundtable on Trade today along with a diverse range of stakeholders from labour, industry, and community organizations.

All agree that a strong, united, and strategic approach that protects workers and our province is required - no matter what happens.