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With one week left before Nova Scotians complete their votes for provincial representatives, Unifor members are speaking to fellow members to encourage them to cast their ballot and are volunteering with incumbents and candidates who are pushing for programs and policies that will directly benefit workers.
“Getting involved in politics is not optional for workers because if we aren’t at the table, we’re on the menu,” said Unifor Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray. “Too many policies are passed that favour the bosses and owners and that’s because they’re out there talking to politicians and helping their friends get elected. If we want change, we need to make it.”
Murray joined members to door knock in Halifax on November 14 and will be joined by Unifor Director of Political Action and Membership Mobilization Josh Coles in Sydney, N.S. to support NSNDP candidate Kendra Coombes with a Unifor volunteer canvass on November 21.
“When Unifor members were on strike and their bosses immediately handed their jobs to untrained scabs, Kendra was there beside us to call out the irresponsibility and point out the danger. She then followed by introducing anti-scab legislation that mirrored the federal legislation,” said Murray. “This is action for workers that we aren’t seeing from the other parties, so we need Kendra and more people like her in the legislature to bring forward and fight for worker-focused policies.”
There are many events planned in Cape Breton and the Halifax Regional Municipality before the November 26 election that you can find at ns.uniforvotes.ca. All members and their friends and families are welcomed to join!
Members in Nova Scotia have received emails, texts, phone calls, and even knocks at the door to encourage them to read party policies and to look for initiatives that strengthen public health care, pass anti-scab legislation, make it easier for Skilled Trades workers to achieve their Red Seal certification, and make life more affordable for workers and their families.
The union advocates for active participation in every aspect of the political process as a way to prevent, correct and abolish anti-worker imbalances in everything from health and safety laws to employment insurance rules, overtime minimums, minimum wage, required severance pay and much more.
“The politicians we elect have a great deal of influence over how employers are allowed to treat us and pay us,” said Murray. “We have the power to vote them in – and vote them out. Let’s not waste that power.”
To find a listing of Unifor volunteer canvass events, and to RSVP, visit ns.uniforvotes.ca/events.
Watch Jennifer Murray and members at a volunteer canvass to see what it's like to help get out the vote!
