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The United Steelworkers Union is calling on the federal government to do the right thing and improve Employment Insurance (EI) benefits so families can make it through this economic crisis. Out of work shouldn’t mean out of hope.

WHAT WE’RE ASKING FOR  Eliminate the waiting period before EI benefits begin. Extend EI benefits for up to two years Increase the level of EI benefits and increase the maximum level of earnings before triggering a clawback Allow workers who receive severance pay to also receive EI benefits right away Eliminate the cumbersome eligibility rules.

Governments will give billions to the companies who are letting people go. It’s only fair that they also help the laidoff workers and their families who are the real victims.

$54.1 billion of your EI contributions have been siphoned out of the EI fund over the years and used for other purposes. Now is the time to pay that money back and put it to work.

The average EI benefit of $317 a week is far below the poverty line and isn’t enough to live on.

Any economic stimulus package has to include an expansion of EI. It’s not only a matter of fairness to families, it’s one of the fastest and most direct ways to boost the entire economy.

You can help families stay afloat. Visit www.expandei.ca.