The Memorial University Faculty Association is calling for the $320-million in federal funding for the oil and gas sector to go directly to affected workers, and not to company executives.
Yesterday, the government released details on the task force that will decide how that money is used. The group will provide their first recommendations within 30 days, and within 90 days they will submit recommendations for immediate actions.
In a letter of solidarity with oil workers, MUNFA says the “no strings attached” model being used means the money benefits oil companies, their executives, and shareholders without any guarantee of job security for workers.
Josh Lepawsky, MUNFA’s VP External (president-elect), says that is concerning. The issue is not the money, it’s how it is used, and Lepawsky says the main point they are trying to get across is that the money should go directly to workers.
MUNFA stands in solidarity with workers in Newfoundland and Labrador’s Oil Sector. Workers in the industry need and deserve direct support.
Read our full statement here: https://t.co/lUxLLPGdaQ #nlpoli @NLFL_labour @MemorialU pic.twitter.com/02kZg6RQTt
— MUNFA (@MUNFaculty) October 14, 2020
The leader of the official opposition says he is “disturbed” at the timelines put forth for the Oil and Gas Recovery Task Force.
Ches Crosbie calls the timeline “indecisive, dysfunctional and unresponsive to the needs of workers.”
Crosbie says the Liberals had an opportunity to get people back to work this fall, but with the timelines on the task force, one of which mandates recommendations for action within 90 days, he’s worried that it will be the new year before support is given.
