NDP defends workers’ rights in Alberta

CALGARY - On Thursday, thanks to years of advocacy by the NDP, federally regulated workers finally got access to two weeks of paid sick days — meaning they no longer have to decide between showing up to work sick or paying the bills. Canada’s NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh met with workers in Calgary on Friday to build on this historic victory and fight for better wages and better working conditions for working Canadians.

"Workers are doing everything right, playing by the rules, but still can't get ahead. It’s getting harder and harder to make ends meet as the cost of groceries and gas skyrockets and wages don’t keep up,” said Singh. “Workers need elected officials who make it easier for them to take care of their families—not harder.”

New Democrats raised the issue of 10 days of paid sick leave 50 times in the House of Commons before the Trudeau government finally gave in. And while the Conservatives pretend to be a friend to workers, Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives are fighting to cut workers EI support and pensions.

“It’s clear the Liberals don't stand with workers unless they're forced by New Democrats. And we're seeing an attack on workers by Conservative governments across the country — in Ontario with Doug Ford's attack on the right to ask for better wages, and here in Alberta with Danielle Smith's attack on the minimum wage," said Singh. “New Democrats always work for you—not the big bosses. We’ll fight to make sure workers' rights are protected and rich CEOs pay what they owe to lower costs for working families.”