"I was there when we brought the Union in. The first-time contract they won for us was unbelievable. It changed the quality of my life. I am now a Shop Steward and enjoy working with my Union and looking after my fellow workers. "
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Rising Employment Insurance contributions
January 9, 2012
Once again, the middle class must pay!
The Teamsters Union is opposed to the federal government-imposed hike in EI contributions, which took effect on January 1 of this year – the second consecutive annual increase. As a result of this rate hike, the average worker will now pay almost $100 more in contributions over 2010.
“Once again, the middle class must bear the brunt of government decisions,” declared Teamsters Canada President Robert Bouvier. “Is this increase – which will only make workers more impoverished – reasonable?”
CEO salaries are subsidized
Canadians will now be caught between a government that takes more money out of their pockets and companies that enjoy a reduced tax burden.
The drop in corporate taxes, from 21% to 15% over the past six years, has deprived the federal government of almost $1.2 billion, according to the Canadian Labour Congress.
The President of Teamsters Canada expressed a related view, last March: that tax breaks granted to companies were a disguised subsidy for part of CEO salaries.
“Canadians are already paying more than their fair share of taxes,” he explained. “I have no issue with subsidies granted to companies in trouble, but these businesses must be required to create jobs rather than enrich their CEOs' already-swollen salaries. Nothing justifies reducing their tax burden on the backs of Canadians.”
Twisted logic
Where’s the logic in asking Canadians to reduce their debt load and save more while also continuing to keep the economy going? How can workers seriously be expected to bear the costs of increased EI contributions, a rise in the Consumer Price Index, soaring gas prices and higher government-imposed administrative costs?
“It seems obvious to me that Canadians are – slowly but surely – suffocating economically,” pointed out Robert Bouvier. “What is the federal government waiting for? Why is it not taking actions that are fair to all citizens?”
The Teamsters Union represents 125,000 members in Canada in all trades. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, with which Teamsters Canada is affiliated, has 1.4 million members in North America.
Information:
Stéphane Lacroix, Director of Communications, Teamsters Canada
News Archive
Testimonial
- Paul Landrecht - Shop Steward. Island Farms Dairy.
“They have demonstrated the dedication and leadership that
our Local requires. They have always provided sound counsel, support, and frank
discussion on matters involving the members, contract negotiations and our
Local.“
- Bruce Tillapaugh –Shop Steward. Island Farms, Victoria
For
35 years I have been a Teamster and a Dairyworker, I was a young kid needing a
job in tough economic times. I found a place to work and make a living, I
learned to work together with others having varying and different backgrounds
than my own.
Much has changed for me personally and professionally, I got married to my
beautiful wife of almost 25 years and we have raised two amazing children, both
of whom are presently studying abroad. Both of my children were recipients of
Hoffa Memorial Scholarship Funding.
So much of my success I can credit to having a well paying union job. The
Teamsters have been a great union for me, negotiating strong collective
agreements that held good wage and benefit packages as well as the cornerstone
beliefs of seniority and workers’ rights. The Teamsters gave me a good wage and
a voice.
I have always been an active Teamster, and now I sit on Local 464's Executive
Board.
There can be a great degree of personal feelings when the word union is
mentioned, but so often I look at professional associations and realize the
name may be different, but the thought is the same...strength in numbers.
As I get toward the end of my career, I look forward to the thought of
receiving the Teamsters Canada Pension Plan, and I am so grateful for the
belief others had before me that Teamsters deserved a good and decent
retirement...thank you.
Drew
- Drew Speirs