Divisor date change needed for seasonal workers

FFAW-Unifor is calling on the federal government to table a legislative change prior to the 2024 fishing season such that all seasonal workers will have their EI divisor calculated based on the date they start work, rather than when they file their claim.

This comes after the financial hardship faced by seasonsal workers in 2023 when the unemployment rate for the region decreased just as the fishing season was winding down.

The four-week extension announced by the federal government did not apply to many seasonal workers, including all fish harvesters and those who filed their claim before September 10.

FFAW-Unifor is asking MPs to ensure fish harvesters are included in the federal definition of seasonal workers when it comes to divisor calculations and future benefit extensions.