September 12, 2014
By Neal Tepel
Montreal, Canada – Many labor unions have series concerns with the Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement. "The secrecy and lack of transparency by Prime Minister Harper and his Government is nothing short of contempt for the Canadian taxpayer," said James Given, President, Seafarers' International Union of Canada and Chair, Canadian Maritime and Supply Chain Coalition. "It's time that they put up or get out."
It is imperative that the CETA agreement not enter into force until it has been fully debated and consequently agreed on by Canadian Parliament and European Parliament Members. Moreover, the Coalition suggests that a referendum be held on this very important trade deal so that Canadians can have their say before this becomes law and the damage cannot be reversed. "If Prime Minister Harper is so confident about CETA, then an election should be held to let Canadians have their say. One thing that we can agree on is that no one gave the Conservatives the mandate to sell Canadians' jobs to EU ship owners!" continued Mr. Given.
The Canadian Maritime and Supply Chain Coalition maintains that if CETA comes to fruition it will eliminate thousands of Canadian jobs in the Maritime Trades by weakening and abolishing the Cabotage Laws. Furthermore, it will not take long before the rest of the Canadian transportation sectors are affected, including, air, road and rail.
*** The Canadian Maritime and Supply Chain Coalition was formed in response to the detrimental effects that Canadian-European Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement (CETA) will have on the Canadian maritime industry and the rest of the logistic chain. This coalition includes Unions around the globe including: Seafarers' International Union of Canada, Seafarers' International Union of North America, UNIFOR, International Longshoremen's Association, International Longshore and Warehouse Union, Canadian Union of Public Employees- Dockers, United Steelworkers, Teamsters Canada, International Transport Workers, International Association of Machinists, AFL- CIO Maritime Trades Department, and many more.
