Some EI changes take effect Sunday

Some changes to the employment insurance program took effect Sunday, but not everyone thinks the changes arean improvement.

Claimants will keep half of every dollar they earn when they find temporary work while on EI.

Currently, claimants keep the first $75, or 40 per cent, of their benefits, whichever is higher.

The province believes it'll drive economic growth, but the P.E.I. Federation of Labour says it'll be of little help for Islanders on EI.

Carl Pursey, president of the federation, says seasonal workers won't be able to find temporary work in the winter.

The government should focus on retraining workers and scrap thenew, bigger changesthat are scheduled to take effect early next year, he said.

Some workers in North Rustico told CBC News the changes to EI have become too complicated and they don'tunderstand how it will work.

The changes will cost $74 million over two years.