MP calls for more EI Agents to improve service for unemployed

With older claims being shifted onto the backburner, members in Newfoundland & Labrador won support from MP Bill Matthews for more EI Agents. CEIU issued a media release on June 20 drawing attention to the plight of the unemployed in the region.

The union was responding to the serious backlog of EI claims in the Atlantic region and management’s ineffective approach to dealing with the problem. Rather than providing the resources needed to process claims in a timely way, regional management opted to work on claims older than 28 days on only a single day each week.

MP Bill Matthews told the St. John’s Telegram that EI Agents “…were doing the best they can under the circumstances and cannot possibly keep up with the volume of applications.” He went on to call for increased numbers of EI Agents to handle the current backlog and the heavy claims intake expected in the fall.

CEIU National Vice-President Denise Best appreciated Matthews’ support but warned that the battle was not over. “Service Canada must provide the resources required to meet the needs of the unemployed in this region, but they won’t do the right thing unless we keep up the pressure.”

National President Jeannette Meunier-McKay called on Service Canada to take the steps necessary to improve service to all EI claimants. “In April of this year we pointed to the shoddy treatment given to EI claimants in Ontario and we see management following a similar path in Newfoundland & Labrador. This has to end, for the sake of both the unemployed and our members who face unacceptable workloads.”