FFAW says income supplement needed for seasonal workers

The FFAW is calling on the government to step in with an emergency income supplement to address the reduction in benefits this year that impacts over 30,000 seasonal workers.

FFAW-Unifor President Greg Pretty says, “Over two months ago, these workers were told by the federal government that help was coming. Here we are in November, and there is no sign of help yet.”

Changes to the federal EI system this fall, mean fish harvesters, plant workers, and other seasonal workers will be without income for up to eight weeks before the start of the next fishery. They are also facing a reduction in benefits.

FFAW-Unifor has suggested an income supplement in place of changes to Employment Insurance.