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Unifor is meeting with several federal decision-makers to discuss critical issues and update plans for federal engagement in 2022.
“This week’s targeted meetings with key policy staff and decision makers help the union push tier one budget priorities and will provide insight for future demands both with government and with some of our largest employers,” said Chris MacDonald, Unifor
Assistant to the National President. “We’re sharing workers’ concerns while learning more about the massive investments that are shaping the future of Canada’s telecommunications infrastructure.”
Canada’s federal government is in the midst of multi-billion dollar investment strategy to build broadband infrastructure. As these investments are distributed to large corporate providers, there are currently no “strings attached” to ensure good, local jobs are supported throughout the supply chain.
“The bottom line is that the federal government has an obligation to ensure that public investments go to support good jobs and strong public services,” said Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. “Unifor members have seen their jobs eroded for far too long, and with this years’ lobbying strategy, we’re working to make good telecom jobs a priority for the federal government.”
The union’s telecommunications members continue to plan for a large-scale federal lobby week in March 2022, where members from across the country will meet with MPs and additional decision-makers.
“In March, members will present the union’s larger vision for a strong Canadian telecommunications strategy,” said Olivier Carrière, Unifor Assistant to the Quebec Director. “This vision is more than a one-time approach; it represents a fundamental shift in how the federal government approaches telecommunications investments, with an eye to good jobs as well as better services.”
Unifor members are proud supporters of the “Our Telecoms, Our Jobs” campaign, a joint effort with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The campaign demands that any public investment should support the next generation of telecom jobs, not fund outsourcing and offshoring.
