“Labour Day is a day to celebrate workers, and the contribution labour makes to our everyday lives. The rights and freedoms of workers like safer workplace conditions and the eight-hour workday weren’t given to us – they were fought for and won by workers in the labour movement.
“We celebrate workers on Labour Day to remind everyone that the clothes we wear, the food in our grocery stores, the energy that powers our homes, the care we receive in hospitals, and the education our future generations receive is only possible because of workers.
“In a world with ever-increasing inequality, a persisting gender wage gap, hard working families struggling to make ends meet, and young people unsure if they will ever own a home, workers must stand together.
“A full-time, minimum wage job in our economy used to mean a roof over a family’s head and fresh food on the table. Unfortunately, we now see workers having to work two or three minimum wage jobs just to make ends meet. Our economy depends on workers. Our government depends on workers. Our communities depend on workers. All workers deserve better for the value they bring.
“At a time when we are diversifying our intra-provincial trade, and with the potential of more jobs for trades workers coming down the line, we must ensure that we don’t weaken the safeguards put in place and instead strengthen the benefits and safety for all workers. A Team Canada approach is one that always involves workers.
“The NDP stands with workers and will continue to fight for government to implement our NL Works strategy to ensure workers are always heard, respected, and given what they need to get the job done.”
The NL NDP will be celebrating Labour Day at the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour’s Family BBQ at the Pleasantville Legion Branch 56, St. John’s.