Unifor rallies in Halifax for a progressive trade agenda

HALIFAX, Sept. 28, 2016 /CNW/ - Unifor members are leading a rally to demand a progressive trade agenda, and against the ratifying of the TPP, as the Committee on International Trade holds a public hearing in Halifax on Thursday.

"Ratifying the TPP would have negative impacts on many of the industries that Atlantic Canadian economies and communities rely on," said Lana Payne, Unifor Atlantic Regional Director. "What we need is a progressive fair trade agenda that puts Canadians first and doesn't put our resources or good Canadian jobs at risk."

RALLY DETAILS

WHERE:  Parade Square (1841 Argyle St), Halifax to Marriott Harbourfront Hotel (1919 Upper Water St.)

WHEN: Thursday, September 29, 9:00 a.m.

Payne will also present to the Canadian Government's Standing Committee on International Trade in Halifax on September 29 and will focus on the need for a progressive trade agenda for Canada, an agenda that starts with the government not ratifying the current TPP deal. Specific areas of concern in the TPP are the provisions allowing for imported U.S. and Asian milk products, which won't comply with Canada's non-growth hormone production policies and the loss of jobs in that sector as a result. As well, there is the potential for the export of unprocessed timber.

"Any potential changes to log export policies - even an opening of that door - is reason for concern among all forestry workers," said Payne. "We know very well that processing is where the value-add comes from and what supports our economy and our communities. We can't sign a deal that gives away good jobs."

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 workers, including more than 30,000 in Atlantic Canada. It was formed Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers unions merged.

SOURCE Unifor

please contact Unifor Communications National Representative, Shelley Amyotte at [email protected] or 902-717-7491 (cell).