Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL)
330 Portugal Cove Place, 2nd Floor A1B 3P2 St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, NL, Canada

Eliminating GBV is both a women’s and human rights issue. November 25 is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. November 25 also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based violence. The 16 days end on December 10, Human Rights Day. Also, on December 6 we remember the 1989 Montreal massacre where an enraged gunman roamed the corridors of Montreal’s École Polytechnique killing 14 women.... The Canadian Labour Congress is supporting Women’s Shelter Canada call for a National Action Plan on Violence against Women and Gender-based Violence.

Kicking off #RNU2020 this morning at 9 a.m.! Tune in live here on Facebook for Debbie Forward’s final address as RNU President, greetings by Minister Haggie, C...FNU’s Linda Silas, plus much more. The full Facebook Live schedule is below. A recording of the full event will also be posted on myRNU following convention. Facebook Live Convention Schedule: Tuesday, November 24 9:20 a.m. - Minister Haggie, Greetings & Q&A 9:40 a.m. - President's Address by Debbie Forward 10:45 a.m. - Mary Shortall, President, NL Federation of Labour 11:00 a.m. - Respectful Workplace Policy, Education Session 11:30 a.m. - Presentation of 2019 and 2020 Ovation Awards 1:00 p.m. - Linda Silas, President, Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions 2:15 p.m. - COVID-19: Protecting the Frontline, Education Session 7:30 p.m. - Debbie's Virtual Retirement Gala Wednesday, November 25 2:20 p.m. - Sister Elizabeth Davis, Closing Keynote Address 2:50 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies: Recognition of Outgoing Board Members Introduction of 2021-2023 Board of Directors Remarks by Incoming President Yvette Coffey Closing Remarks by President Debbie Forward

November 20 is the Transgender Day of Remembrance. The NLFL honours those who died as a result of bigotry and hatred. All trans people deserve to live with dignity and in safety.

NL Federation of Labour Outraged at WorkplaceNL Discount Announcement - Injured Workers Lose Out Again The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) is outraged at the WorkplaceNL announcement that takes money from the workers’ compensation injury fund to benefit employers. Each year, at this time, WorkplaceNL announces the upcoming workers’ compensation employer assessment rate for the following year. According to the WorkplaceNL announcement, a 21 cent discount... will continue for the next few years, until the surplus is gone. This is an outrageous announcement, stated NLFL President Mary Shortall. This is Injury Fund money. Money that is intended to assist and support injured workers and their families who are trying to recover from work-related injuries or illnesses. What makes this announcement more infuriating is that it comes in the midst of the Statutory Review of Workers’ Compensation, which Shortall believes seriously undermines the Review Committee’s work. Every five years the public and stakeholders are provided the opportunity to make recommendations on improvements to the workers’ compensation system, Shortall explained. The process ensures injured workers are treated with dignity and respect and provided the necessary supports to adjust to a work-related injury or illness. If there is a surplus in the injury fund, it should benefit injured workers first and foremost. The Review Committee are currently in the process of writing their final report and recommendations to government based on what they heard. The WorkplaceNL announcement actually highlights that there are more serious workplace injuries and longer claims duration. The NLFL believes that the only way to reduce assessment rates is to ensure work sites are healthy and safe. Over the past years, on average there have been 25 work-related fatalities each year, equivalent to one every two weeks. In 2019, WorkplaceNL accepted 5,397 new injury claims this is equivalent to 15 claims each and every day. In addition, Newfoundland & Labrador (NL) has one of the lowest income replacement rates for injured workers across Canada. Six jurisdictions support injured workers at 90%, while the NL rate stands at 85%. This means injured worker are penalized at a rate of 15% for a work-related injury in a no fault system. Shortall is calling on the Minister of Labour to intervene, to reverse this announcement, and to let the Workers’ Compensation Statutory Review complete their important work.

Please see the attached poster from the PSAC St. John’s Regional Women’s Committee, regarding their donation drive For Stella's Circle.