Labour leaders to premiers: collective bargaining, better labour laws good for the economy Evidence shows economic growth, higher standards for workers go hand-in-hand
Released July 20, 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19, 2017
Labour leaders to premiers: collective bargaining, better labour laws good for the economy
Evidence shows economic growth, higher standards for workers go hand-in-hand
Labour leaders from across Canada, including Saskatchewan Federation of Labour (SFL) president Larry Hubich, are urging Canada’s premiers to recognize collective bargaining and better labour laws as drivers of a strong economy.
"Unions and collective bargaining are economic powerhouses," said Hubich. "There's a myth that collective bargaining comes at the expense of the economy, but research paints a very different picture. Jurisdictions with better collective bargaining across the globe have lower poverty, higher spending, stronger economic growth, and higher business profitability. The evidence is clear: the ticket to a strong economy is a union card,” he added.
In joint meetings during the Council of the Federation, labour leaders and the premiers discussed ways to improve provincial labour laws, and how these improvements could alleviate the growing problem of precarious work while also functioning as a strong growth strategy.
Labour leaders also commended several premiers on first steps toward change, citing Alberta premier Notley's move toward s $15 minimum wage, and Albertan labour law improvements to meet national standards in Bill 17. "When workers making minimum wage have more money in their pockets, that money gets spent. It circulates back into the economy. A higher minimum wage is good for the workers who earn more money, and it's good for local business. Everyone wins," said Hubich.
Labour leaders urged the premiers to raise the collective standards on labour laws by speaking to their counterparts and directly linking labour law changes to strong economies and economic growth.
- 30 -
For additional information, contact:
Kent Peterson
Strategic Advisor
Saskatchewan Federation of Labour
o: 1 (306) 525-0197
m: 1 (306) 570-1855
e: k.peterson@sfl.sk.ca
