CAMPAIGN TO REMOVE THE DIVISOR FOR SEASONAL WORKERS: URGENT CHANGES NEEDED FOR 2026 EI CLAIMS
May 6, 2026
FFAW-Unifor is calling on Minister Patty Hajdu to remove the divisor from EI benefit calculations for seasonal workers
The contrast between divisors in St. John’s and Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Zone also creates a two-tier system for workers who have access to the same employment and receive the same pay.
ALL seasonal workers should have access to the same calculation for EI benefits, giving workers access to top benefits with $18,556 of earnings. Constantly fluctuating divisors cause uncertaining and financial vulnerability.
FFAW-Unifor has requested an urgent meeting with Minister Hadju to discuss the seriousness of the situation and the need for emergency changes this season.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS: Call or write Minister Patty Hadju AND your Newfoundland and Labrador MPs today to let them know how important this is.
CURRENT DIVISOR
For the period of April 12 to May 9, 2026, the Regional Unemployment rates for Newfoundland and Labrador are:
10.3% – Newfoundland and Labrador (17 divisor)
6.7%- St. John’s Metro Region (21 divisor)
The maximum weekly benefit for 2026 is $729 weekly.
The yearly maximum insurable earnings for 2026 is $68,900.
EARNING REQUIRED FOR MAX BENEFITS AT EACH DIVISOR:
| EI divisor | Regional unemployment rate | Total insurable earnings in best weeks needed to hit max weekly EI (2026) |
| 14 | 13.1% or more | $18,556 |
| 15 | 12.1% to 13.0% | $19,882 |
| 16 | 11.1% to 12.0% | $21,207 |
| 17 | 10.1% to 11.0% | $22,533 |
| 18 | 9.1% to 10.0% | $23,858 |
| 19 | 8.1% to 9.0% | $25,184 |
| 20 | 7.1% to 8.0% | $26,509 |
| 21 | 6.1% to 7.0% | $27,835 |
| 22 | 6.0% or less | $29,160 |
IMPORTANT: WE CANNOT ANSWER QUESTIOSN SPECIFIC TO YOUR EI BENEFITS. For additional questions, please call Service Canada at 1-800-206-7218. The best time to call is between 8:30am-9:00am while phone lines are open only to Newfoundland and Labrador.