Unifor pledges to strengthen workers' rights after Nova Scotia election
- Unifor commits to strengthening workers' rights following the Nova Scotia election.
- The union aims to improve health care for workers and push for anti-scab legislation.
- Continued advocacy for workers is crucial as Premier Houston sets his new government agenda.
In Nova Scotia, following the re-election of the Progressive Conservative government on November 26, 2024, Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union, has reaffirmed its commitment to advocate for workers' rights. The re-election marks a second consecutive majority win for Premier Tim Houston's government. Unifor National President Lana Payne emphasized the importance of prioritizing workers, stating that they are the backbone of the economy and deserve attention and respect from the government. The union's goals in the forthcoming session include pushing for an improved health care system with better pay for health workers and the swift enactment of anti-scab legislation aimed at protecting workers during labor disputes. In recent years, Unifor has been actively engaging with political leaders to influence change for the workforce, successfully advocating for legislation addressing intimate partner violence as an epidemic. Jennifer Murray, Unifor's Atlantic Regional Director, remarked on the significance of workers' voices in impacting government decisions and stressed the importance of continued advocacy for labor rights. With the new government workforce agenda anticipated, Unifor aims to hold Premier Houston accountable for his promises to enhance health care services, address affordability issues, and support all Nova Scotians' best interests in the post-election landscape. As the political focus shifts, Unifor plans to intensify its efforts to highlight the critical issues facing working people, including fair wages and safe working conditions. The union represents approximately 320,000 workers across various sectors in Canada, advocating for equality, social justice, and progressive changes that can enhance workers' lives and ensure their rights are upheld across the province. Unifor's proactive stance and commitment to fighting for workers’ rights demonstrate its pivotal role in influencing the socio-economic landscape in Nova Scotia, particularly in light of the recent political changes.