The Canadian Labour Congress is calling on the federal government to support industries, banks, and workers during the trade war with the United States.
At a time when many workers in Windsor are facing layoffs, the congress wants to see the employment insurance program reformed and investments to increase manufacturing production in Canada.
"Workers need immediate action, especially when it comes to income supports. Our EI system is outdated, it's unprepared for the world we live in now, and it's full of gaps," said Siobhan Vipond, executive vice-president with the Canadian Labour Congress.
The CLC has laid out a blueprint for government action that includes expanding domestic green industry with government support tied to wages and sustainability.
"We need to use public procurement to drive new product innovation and proof of concept manufacturing. Canadian resources should be refined in Canada. When we add value to our resources here at home, we create good community and union jobs," said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress.
Bruske also calls on banks to shield workers from losing their homes and vehicles.
"We need to give families breathing room. We need to allow deferrals on mortgages, on car loans, on personal loans, on credit cards right across the board. We need to ease the terms and extend the duration of loans," said Bruske.