Local 503 rallies with community to protest EI reforms that will hurt working families in Quebec’s Charlevoix region

Quebec – February 7, 2013 – Activists from UFCW Canada Local 503 recently joined community and movement allies to protest changes to the Employment Insurance Act that will negatively impact members and all working families in Quebec’s Charlevoix region.

“The Harper government does not seem to understand that the jobs are seasonal, not the workers,” says Local 503 President Louise Lefebvre. “This reform contributes to a lowering of living conditions for all workers in Quebec since it forces them to accept any type of work outside their expertise even if is located one hour away from their home and results in a significant salary decrease.”

“Also, in a tourism region like Charlevoix, having to apply for up to five jobs per week is totally unrealistic,” adds Sister Lefebvre.

“Above all, Local 503 supports this action because we are here to support the workers and families who are going through a very difficult time of stress and worry as a direct result of these reforms. We will continue to stand with our Sisters and Brothers, and rally the membership and their communities to fight back against the Conservatives and their regressive agenda.”

To find out more about Local 503 and their outstanding efforts, visit www.tuac503.org.