11 June 2008
Miller Demands Protection for Laid-Off Wire Workers
More manufacturing jobs leave Ontario as workers denied severance, pensions

QUEEN'S PARK—NDP Economic Development and Trade critic Paul Miller demanded the Liberal Government step in and help the laid-off workers at Premier Wire in Alexandria. 

“This is about fairness and security. As hundreds of jobs disappear on a daily basis, workers are losing their livelihoods.  Once again an off-shore manufacturer is taking the goods and leaving Ontario’s workers without the severance they are owed,” said Miller.

Miller challenged the McGuinty government to immediately pass his Bill 6, An Act to amend the Employment Standards Act, 2000. If passed, the bill would create an Employee Wage Security Program to assist laid-off workers who companies are cheating them out of hard-earned severance, benefits and pensions.

“It’s time to reward the hard work of Ontario’s working women and men by making sure no one is denied severance, benefits and pensions they have earned when a plant shuts down or lays off workers,” said Miller.

Today in Question Period, Miller challenged the Minister of Labour to quit hiding behind the federal government and start standing up for workers.  “Rather than just talking in the Legislature, the Minister of Labour should go to Alexandria and help these workers today,” demanded Miller.
 
The United Steelworkers, which represents these Premier Wire workers, were unable to get the Quebec-based employer to even come to the table to talk.  Miller said that the total disregard for these long-time employees and the Union which represents them should cause the full force of all labour laws to be brought to bear on the Quebec-based owners of Premier Wire.”

“With over 200,000 good-paying manufacturing jobs lost across Ontario and more on the way, workers need to be rewarded for their commitment and hard work, not denied it,” said Miller.

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Media Contact: Paul Miller (416) 325-0707

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