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

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…

Remembering Rana Plaza: Canadian corporations must do more

Canada’s unions are marking the fifth anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster by urging Canadian companies to commit to protecting and promoting the human rights of textile workers. On April 24, 2013, over one thousand garment workers were killed or injured when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed. Investigations showed that working conditions in the building did not meet safety standards.…

Canada’s unions call for better protections against workplace violence and harassment

This National Day of Mourning, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to do more to address workplace violence and harassment. Every April 28, Canada’s unions join workers and their families to mourn those who have been injured or killed on the job. Workplace violence and harassment have also led to worker deaths, as well as significant mental and…

This Earth Day, unions are calling for a carbon reduction strategy for workers and communities

This Earth Day, Canada’s unions say workers and communities need a strategy for transitioning to a zero-carbon world. “Unions, business, communities and governments must work together on comprehensive strategies that will ensure those most affected can adapt and thrive as we shift to a zero-carbon economy,” said CLC President Hassan Yussuff. Yussuff pointed to the reality of climate change around…

Canada moves one step closer to universal pharmacare

Canada’s unions are celebrating today’s announcement by the Standing Committee on Health that recommends a single-payer, universal prescription drug plan for Canada. The recommendation came in its report Pharmacare Now: Prescription Medicine Coverage for all Canadians, tabled in the House of Commons today. Nearly 100 expert witnesses presented to the Committee, with the majority arguing that Canada needs universal, comprehensive,…

Help end bullying and harassment on the International Day of Pink

Canada’s unions have a long history of celebrating diversity and challenging discrimination, harassment and bullying. On April 11, the International Day of Pink, people are encouraged to wear pink in their school, workplace or community as a show of solidarity with survivors of homophobic and transphobic bullying. “Harassment and violence are serious barriers to equality, particularly for LGBTQ2SI workers, who…

Canada’s unions continue to challenge racism, xenophobia and discrimination

On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to take comprehensive steps to address race-based discrimination including systemic racism, anti-Indigeneity, anti-Black racism, and xenophobia. “As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Canada’s unions are proud to continue to stand up for human rights.…

Paid domestic violence leave gets boost in 2018 federal budget

Canada’s unions are celebrating the federal government’s recent announcement that it plans to amend the Canada Labour Code to include five days of paid domestic violence leave for workers in federally-regulated workplaces. This news expands on last year’s promise of ten days of unpaid leave for workers experiencing domestic violence. “Canada’s unions have been advocating for paid domestic violence leave…

U.S. tariffs would hurt Canadian workers despite exemptions

Canada’s unions are calling on federal and provincial governments to stand up to U.S. trade aggression and support Canada’s steel and aluminum industries and their workers. U.S. President Trump released his finalized steel and aluminum tariff package today, with temporary exemptions for Canada and Mexico. Despite these exemptions, today’s announcement will mean that Canadian producers will be competing with the excess…

Women in Canada are #donewaiting for economic justice

This International Women’s Day, Canada’s unions are launching a campaign with a powerful message for the federal government: women in Canada are #donewaiting for economic justice and want action, not rhetoric. The CLC’s #donewaiting campaign outlines concrete ways the federal government can remove three key barriers to women’s economic justice: wage discrimination, sexual harassment and violence and the child care…