July 13, 2017
London – In light of the recent news that Sears Canada is closing 59 stores, including a London Home Store location, NDP MPP Peggy Sattler says the Ontario NDP’s push to convince Kathleen Wynne to protect the pensions of workers is especially critical in London
The party is demanding legal changes so that when major employers like Sears go bankrupt, current and former employees are the first in line to get paid the pensions they’re owed – not last.
“This Sears Home store closure will affect Londoners who worked hard to contribute to their pensions,” said London MPP Peggy Sattler. “It makes no sense that Canadian law allows big companies to abandon their pension obligations. Kathleen Wynne shouldn’t be turning her back on Londoners. People are counting on their pensions to support their families in retirement.”
In May 2016, the NDP tabled a motion calling on Kathleen Wynne to push the federal government to amend the laws and force companies to pay out pensioners first when they liquidate their assets. Wynne and her Liberal government agreed – then failed to take any action.
“Premier Wynne shouldn’t be putting the interests of corporations ahead of people. That’s not leadership. Employees at the London Sears Home store location deserve every penny they’re owed. Kathleen Wynne should be fighting to make sure workers’ pensions are guaranteed. ”