It is critically important that the labour chapter in CUSMA upholds the standards set by the International Labour Organization in terms of freedom of association, and the ability to form a union and negotiate collective agreements to ensure that labour standards are lifted, to ensure that workplace safety and health protections are there within those workplaces and sectors, and to ensure that workers can bargain for a better future for themselves and their families.
We know that unionized jobs create a better paycheque, create pathways to retirement and build up communities. That is what we need. We need the CUSMA labour component to very strongly speak to worker rights and worker protections.