Publications

Let’s make decent work a reality for all Canadians

Let’s face it: low-wage, insecure, part-time work is no way to live life now, or build a future. But today, too many Canadians – especially younger Canadians – are having to do just that. October 7th, the international Day for Decent Work, is an opportunity for all workers to reflect on our current situation and call for better jobs. Here…

It’s long past time to act on pay equity

Canada’s unions are appalled with the federal government’s decision to wait another two years to start addressing the gender wage gap. “Despite the report of the House of Commons Special Committee on Pay Equity being titled It’s Time to Act, action on this issue doesn’t seem to be high on their agenda,” said CLC Secretary-Treasurer Barbara Byers. “The government says…

CLC applauds carbon pricing targets but calls for a just and fair transition for workers

The CLC welcomes the federal government’s announcement of an ambitious initiative to tackle climate change through proposed carbon pricing. As a next step, the CLC calls for a federal strategy to guarantee new opportunities for workers and communities impacted by the transition to a low-carbon economy. “Today’s carbon pricing announcement is an important and necessary step for our government to…

Federal asbestos inventory a good first step

The CLC is commending the federal government for today’s launch of an online inventory of Canadian government buildings containing asbestos. Canadian unions have been calling for this type of registry for over a decade. “It’s a great first step towards a comprehensive ban. Provinces and municipalities should follow the federal government’s lead and include their own public buildings in the…

Mesothelioma Awareness Day highlights the need for asbestos ban

September 26 is Mesothelioma Awareness Day in Canada. Asbestos – which causes mesothelioma – is the leading cause of work-related death in Canada, which is why Canadian unions are calling on the federal government to ban asbestos. “As a mechanic, I was exposed for more than 20 years to asbestos contained in brake pads. To this day Canada imports similar…

Committee recommendations fall short for migrant workers

On September 19 the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) tabled their report on the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Overall, HUMA released a pro-business, pro-employer report with few positive concrete recommendations for Canadian and migrant workers. “This report recommends expanding the temporary foreign worker program, and making it…

German and Canadian unions make concrete recommendations on improving CETA

In solidarity with protests across Europe, the Canadian Labour Congress and the German Confederation of Trade Unions (DGB) are reiterating their firm opposition to the current text of the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement and making concrete recommendations on how to improve the deal. “Canada and Europe have many shared values that could allow us to deepen our…

CLC marks Democracy Day with a campaign calling for proportional representation

Canada’s largest labour organization is marking Democracy Day on September 15 with the launch of a campaign backing proportional representation. The campaign includes a 30-second long animated video being promoted on line, online ads and a petition hosted on ChoosePR.ca. “Our electoral system is broken, and we know that proportional representation is the only way to make it fair,” said…

Labour Day: A time to celebrate how Canada’s unions make fairness work for everyone

This Labour Day, Canada’s unions are launching a new site, fairnessworks.ca, and three compelling online videos to showcase the ways unions are improving the day-to-day lives of all Canadians. “We have a long, proud history of winning changes that improve workers’ lives, and this Labour Day we are celebrating and showcasing ways we are making a difference to all Canadians…

Young Canadians need more opportunities

As the world celebrates International Youth Day on August 12, the Canadian Labour Congress is asking the federal government and employers to invest more in job training and employment opportunities to help young Canadians break away from the ongoing cycle of precarious work and unemployment. In Diving without a parachute: Young Canadians versus a precarious economy – released today –…