Feds must move forward with EI Board of Appeals that includes workers

[Link] The federal government must keep its word to reinstitute an Employment Insurance (EI) Board of Appeals that includes worker representatives. Workers help fund our EI system and workers must play a central role in how the money is allocated and how claims are administered.

In 2012, Stephen Harper's Conservative government eliminated the EI Board of Appeals and replaced it with the Social Security Tribunal (SST), removing worker representation in the process. Since then, labour advocates have been pushing to restore a system that includes workers' voices. The reinstatement of the EI Board of Appeals is a huge win for workers. The Liberal government must not break its promise to workers.

A 2017 review of the SST found that the average cost per EI appeal to the SST General Division is significantly higher than under the former Board of Referees. They also found that the SST process was legalistic and administratively burdensome for workers.

EI appeals at the first level are supposed to be informal and accessible. This means appeals should be heard by panels that include worker representatives who are accountable to their peers and who understand their communities and workplaces.

CUPE was very supportive when the new Board of Appeals was created in 2023 and encouraged when funding was allocated and the hiring process was initiated in 2024. The Liberal government must continue with the implementation process.

Having strong worker advocates on the new regional panels will help ensure EI decisions reflect the needs of workers across the country.