Canada must offer sanctuary for refugees, as U.S. fails the safety test

Canada must offer sanctuary for refugees, as U.S. fails the safety test

This year, international recognition of the United Nations’ World Refugee Day is set against the backdrop of harsh new policies being imposed on migrants by the U.S. government. Canada’s unions are marking the occasion by calling on the Canadian government to embrace migrants and refugees and re-examine the status of the United States as a “safe third country.” “The Canadian…

CLC President receives honorary doctorate from Brock University

CLC President Hassan Yussuff received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (honoris causa) from Brock University on Tuesday in St. Catharines. “It’s an honour to be here, and I am humbled to stand on this stage, at this great institution, and receive an honorary degree,” said Yussuff in his Convocation address to Brock’s Faculty of Social Sciences graduates. He went on…

This Pride season, Canadians deserve a pharmacare plan we can be proud of

Canada’s unions are kicking off Pride season by renewing the call for universal pharmacare. Too many LGBTQ2SI people are among the more than 3.5 million people living in Canada who can’t afford to fill their prescriptions; and over half of people living in Canada are afraid they won’t be able to afford their prescription medication in the future. The LGBTQ2SI…

Canada’s unions support Canadian retaliation against American steel and aluminum tariffs

Canada’s unions today applauded the Canadian Government’s retaliation against the unjustified and unwarranted American tariffs on steel and aluminum. “I am pleased to see Canada respond so quickly and decisively to defend Canadian workers and industry against President Trump’s bullying tactics. Canada cannot waver in its defence of balanced trade,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. Today, Canada announced plans to…

Korean trade union leader Han Sang-gyun released from prison

The CLC joins the global trade union movement in welcoming the release of KCTU ex-president Han Sang-gyun, who was unjustly imprisoned for fighting labour reforms that would have worsened the lives of South Korean workers. On May 21st, Han Sang-gyun was released on parole after serving two and a half years in prison on charges related to legitimate and peaceful…

Canadian and Colombian labour ministers sign action plan

In May 2016, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), together with the CUT (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores) Colombia and Colombian unions , submitted a complaint to the Canadian National Administrative Office (NAO) stating the Government of Colombia failed to comply with its obligations under the Canada-Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation (CCOALC). The complaint addressed issues of anti-union violence and the abuse…

International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia: Speak up together against violence and harassment

Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to make it easier for workers to report harassment and violence by implementing anti-reprisal measures, including whistleblower protection. This will make it safer for LGBTQ2SI workers to report harassment and violence in the workplace, without fear of reprisal, discrimination or stigma. “Violence and harassment should never be part of the job. It’s time…

CLC President Hassan Yussuff on killing of unarmed Palestinians

On behalf of the 3.3 million members of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), I want to condemn in the strongest possible terms the killings of dozens of unarmed Palestinians at mass demonstrations near the Gaza Strip’s eastern border yesterday. More than two thousand were also injured and we can no longer stand idly by. Today also marks the 70th commemoration…

CLC President Hassan Yussuff: Our hearts are with the people of Toronto

On behalf of the over three million members of the Canadian Labour Congress, I extend my deepest condolences to the victims, friends, coworkers and families of those who were targeted in yesterday’s terrifying van attack in my hometown of Toronto. While it may take some time to uncover the motivation behind this heinous act of violence, we can take comfort…

Canada’s unions will help shape a just transition for coal workers

Canada’s unions applaud today’s announcement by the federal government to strike a task force on “Just Transition” for coal workers. The Just Transition Task Force for Canadian Coal-Power Workers and Communities has been struck to draft a plan to support affected workers and communities as Canada moves to phase-out coal-fired power. CLC President Hassan Yussuff has been asked to lead…