Federal Fall Economic Statement Falls Short of Addressing Key Concerns

The FFAW is seeking clarification on support for seasonal workers from the 2023 Fall Economic Statement released by the federal government last week.

While some support is encouraging, the FFAW says the announcement falls severely short in several key areas, namely the exclusion of fish harvesters and the continuance of the reduced EI divisor.

Greg Pretty, FFAW-Unifor President said, “With no changes to the EI divisor, the announcement is a disservice to thousands of seasonal workers. Many are still up to $400 short in EI payments per month and that’s compounded in households where both income earners are seasonal workers. Moreover, it is shocking and quite deceptive that fish harvesters would be mentioned as a beneficiary of an extension that they are not entitled to.