Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL)

09/17/2025

Let’s elect a government that works for workers.

“The President of the NL Federation of Labour, Jessica McCormick, says workers need to see concrete commitments from every party “that puts good jobs, strong public services, and economic justice at the centre of their respective platforms.”

Full story at VOCM.

09/17/2025

🎧 What are the top issues for workers this election? NLFL President Jessica McCormick joined VOCM this morning to talk about what the three parties and their leaders need to prioritize to improve the lives of workers and their families.

09/16/2025

NEWS RELEASE - Federation of Labour Outlines Workers’ Priorities for 2025 Provincial Election

For Immediate Release:
Tuesday, September 16, 2025

ST. JOHN’S, NL – Now that a provincial election has been called, the labour movement is calling on all political parties to present comprehensive plans that put workers and communities first.

“This election presents a critical opportunity to advance workers’ rights and build a fairer and more just province for all – where no one gets left behind,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. “Workers need to see concrete commitments from every party that puts good jobs, strong public services, and economic justice at the centre of their respective platforms.”

The Federation has identified key priorities essential for building a Newfoundland and Labrador that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few:

1. Stronger Labour Laws: Implement card check certification and anti-scab legislation to protect the right to organize and strike.

2. Workplace Health & Safety: Strengthen regulations and enforcement to ensure every worker returns home safe.

3. Protecting Public Services: Stop privatization and increase funding for public healthcare, education, and services.

4. Economic Justice & Pay Equity: Lift workers out of poverty with a liveable wage, strong pay equity legislation, and a strengthened social safety net.

5. A Worker-Led Workforce Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive labour market strategy that includes significant investments in public education, college, university, and union training centres as well as retraining and upskilling for workers to build a resilient, skilled workforce.

6. Community Benefits from Major Projects: Guarantee good, union jobs, and enforce strong Community Benefit Agreements to ensure local hiring, procurement, and Indigenous consent.

7. Affordable Housing: Launch a provincial strategy with major investments in non-market and social housing.

8. Universal Childcare: Improve the $10-a-day program by expanding access and supporting Early Childhood Educators with better wages and conditions.

9. A Just Transition: Create a worker-led framework for a green economy that generates good, unionized jobs and retraining.

To hold parties accountable, the Federation will be sending a detailed questionnaire on these issues to each party and will host an Election Forum.

A dedicated election resource website has been launched at: https://nlfed.ca/campaigns/workersvote2025/

“We encourage every worker to get engaged in this election,” added McCormick. “Ask candidates tough questions at the door, attend all-candidates meetings, and talk to friends and co-workers about the issues that matter most. The future of our province is on the ballot. Let’s all do our part to elect a government that works for workers.”

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Welcome to the labour movement’s election hub! The 2025 Newfoundland and Labrador provincial election presents a critical opportunity to advance workers’ rights and build a fairer and more just province for all – where no one gets left behind. This microsite serves as a worker-centered resourc...

09/15/2025

The election has been called - finally. On October 14, we vote.

For workers, this is a pivotal moment. We demand clear commitments and concrete plans from every party on how they will improve life for us, our families, and our communities.

We'll be sharing more here throughout the campaign.

Let's unite to ensure our issues are front and centre in this election.

Solidarity.

✊🏼

09/15/2025

Stood in solidarity with CUPW workers this morning for an info picket at MP Tom Osborne’s office.

CUPW are still without a contract and the employer refuses to sit at the table to negotiate a fair deal. CUPW STTP

09/11/2025

Workers’ voices must lead Canada’s occupational health & safety harmonization.
1. Harmonization should raise standards, never water them down.
2. Without meaningful participation from workers and their unions, we risk repeating tragedies that shaped the very protections we have today.
Read CLC’s Nathan Hauch’s co-written article in OHS Canada:

As federal, provincial, and territorial labour ministers consider plans for occupational safety and health (OSH) harmonization across Canada, workers and

09/10/2025

Great discussion with Municipalities Newfoundland & Labrador CEO Rob Nolan today about building strong local economies that support workers and communities.

09/08/2025

Honoured to speak at the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Canadian Conference which is taking place in St. John’s this week.

We are stronger when we stand united.

Solidarity!

09/06/2025

In case you missed it - NTV coverage of the Labour Day events in Grand Falls-Windsor this year. It was a fantastic day and we were so happy to be there to carry on a proud tradition.

Kudos to the Committee and the Central Newfoundland District Labour Council for making it a success.

Solidarity!

09/05/2025

Congrats to these workers and welcome to the union movement! There’s strength in numbers. Solidarity! ✊🏼

UFCW Eastern Provinces Council would like to welcome 19 new members to Local 1252 in Newfoundland and Labrador following a successful organizing campaign at Sunrise Animal Hospital – Vet Strategy in Mount Pearl.
An application for certification was made to the Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Board after 15 members signed Union cards.
The vote for certification was held on December 10 and was won following 16 ‘yes’ votes and 1 ‘no’ votes.
Employees working as veterinarian assistants, veterinarian technicians, administrative support and receptionists are demanding better job security to keep from ending up as another statistic in the provincial just cause clause.
Join us in welcoming these workers!

09/05/2025

"The new ‘Buy Canada’ plan could become a powerful tool for strengthening our economy and creating demand for Canadian products. But we know from past experience that procurement rules only succeed if they are designed to prioritize creating and protecting good, unionized jobs. Otherwise, public money will flow into corporations and private hands without securing long-term benefits for communities and working people.

Workers welcome enhancements to Employment Insurance — this is a great move that if done right is an essential piece of building a resilient economy. As government moves ahead, it will be important to ensure these improvements cover everyone who needs them, including women, young people, and those in precarious or non-standard jobs."

*Note details of the announcement int he comments section below (from CBC).

Ottawa – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Canada’s unions are ready to work with government to make sure today’s announcement delivers for workers and for our economy. Ottawa‘s strategy must prioritize good jobs and better lives for ...

09/04/2025

The labour movement has always been dedicated to advancing the cause of working people and fighting for a world where no one gets left behind.

Our Gender Equity Committee was extremely proud to coordinate the donations of hygiene products and toiletries for Cloud River Academy in Roddickton. A huge thank you to all the locals who donated to this cause!

Huge thank you goes out to the Federation of Labour Gender Equity Committee (Representative Paula Talbot) for their generous donation of hygiene products for our students.