“Reverse the cuts to EI Keith Ashfield!”: unions launch campaign targeted at Conservative MPs

Fredericton – About 50 members of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the Canada Employment and Immigration Union, CUPE and other unions represented in the Fredericton District Labour Council rallied against cuts to Employment Insurance (EI) and the Harper government’s attacks on unions and cuts to public services on Wednesday, Nov. 19 outside Service Canada’s office in downtown Fredericton.

Steve McCuaig, national president of Canada Employment and Immigration Union, told rally goers that 400,000 EI applications are in limbo. The effects of the EI cuts on New Brunswick’s seasonal workers was highlighted.

PSAC launched an advertising campaign that aims to reserve the EI cuts. They say they are targeting vulnerable Conservative MPs in New Brunswick, including Keith Asfhield in Fredericton, Robert Goguen in Moncton and Rodney Weston in Saint John. The ad unveiled at the Fredericton rally read, “Reverse the cuts to EI Keith Ashfield, help your constituents when they need it most!” The ads will be placed across the cities of Fredericton, Moncton and Saint John.

The unions plan to have rallies on the 19th of every month at 12:19pm for 19 minutes.