CLC urges all MPs to support EI reforms in Bill C-269

'We need to fix the EI program to provide assistance to the growing numbers of unemployed workers.'

Ottawa (15 Nov. 2006) - Rather than make an ill-advised cut of a few cents to employment insurance (EI) premiums, the Harper government should reform the EI program to work better for the millions of Canadians who pay for it, says the three-million-member Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).

“We need to fix the EI program to provide assistance to the growing numbers of unemployed workers, and to help move them to new jobs through training,” says Ken Georgetti, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “This would benefit the country far more than cutting premiums.”

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) has been one of the most vocal CLC members in calling for EI reform.

However, especially since the Conservative government took office, business lobbyists have been hounding parliament for months to cut their premium contributions.

“They don't care that nearly two-thirds of the workers who pay for insurance fail to qualify for benefits when they are in need," Georgetti notes.

"Nor are they interested in making the program work better by offering or funding badly-needed training. Responsible employers should join with workers and call on the government to support the progressive changes proposed in Bill C-269 that is on the agenda of the House of Commons this week. Bill C-269 offers a vision of an Employment Insurance program that works for workers and for the long-term economic interests of the country.”

Georgetti says Bill C-269 embodies many recommendations supported by all parties in a 2005 human resources committee report.

However, these proposals, which match the Canadian Labour Congress’ own call for modernization of EI, have been ignored to date by the current and the previous government.

“Think about it. We could have an EI Program that works for the benefit of nearly a million more working families or we could hand employers a few pennies every week. Government should just say no to the selfish demands of some business sectors and explore better ideas, like those proposed in Bill C-269,” says Georgetti. NUPGE