Pride 2023: Together always, united in our diversity

Pride 2023: Together always, united in our diversity

Canada’s unions are celebrating 2023 Pride season, “Together Always, United in Our Diversity” by standing in solidarity against rising anti-2SLGBTQI+ attitudes and actions. We are committed to advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights in workplaces and communities. “Whether on the shop floor, in union halls or in government spaces, Canada’s unions know that we are stronger together. We will continue to build unity…

Urgent action needed to end homophobic and transphobic violence at work

Gender-diverse workers in Canada are still facing disproportionately high rates of violence and harassment in the workplace. Canada’s unions are marking May 17, the international day against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersexphobia by bringing attention to this pervasive problem. “All workers, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, deserve to work free of violence and harassment. Unfortunately, this reality is…

Budget 2023: Progress for workers but only scratches the surface of pressing crises

Bruske: Workers will benefit from good, sustainable jobs but budget falls short on affordability and care OTTAWA – While today’s federal budget includes measures to create good, sustainable jobs and ease financial pressures for some, more action is needed to extend a helping hand to hard-pressed families. “Canada’s unions applaud the government’s investment in sustainable jobs and training, which will…

CLC President Bea Bruske available to react to budget

OTTAWA – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), will be available to comment on Budget 2023, and to discuss its impact on workers and their families.  Canada’s unions are calling for a workers’ budget, that prioritizes real and strategic investments in publicly funded, publicly delivered services like health care, and measures to permanently strengthen our EI system. …

Like Biden, Trudeau should put good union jobs on the agenda

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in The Hill Times Behind the smiles and handshakes when a U.S. president visits Canada are long hours of painstaking negotiations. Officials plan the trip to the minute and fight it out over every item on the agenda. An agenda that will no doubt include U.S. protectionism and ‘Buy…

Enough is enough: It’s time to put workers and pensioners before big banks and CEOs.

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in The Hill Times No matter who we are, most of us want financial security for ourselves and our families when we retire. We give our all and spend decades dedicating our time and energy to our employers. When we retire, we depend on our hard-earned pensions to provide…

To union feminists, this International Women’s Day, I salute you

My friends, You have led the charge, for decades, to improve women’s rights and gender equality at work. Years of tireless advocacy, over generations, has tipped the scales through every lobby, campaign, conversation and rally to get that much closer to achieving the feminist and equitable world those who stood before us dreamed of. Now, don’t get me wrong, because…

Union women: Stronger than ever

Union women across Canada are marking International Women’s Day by celebrating our collective victories and preparing for the coming challenges in the ongoing fight for women’s rights and gender equity. Canada’s unions are lifting up women’s voices, highlighting examples of how women have organised to win, and pledging to continue to be a driving force for progress in workplaces and in…

Workers are sounding the alarm—parliamentarians must take heed

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in The Hill Times Ask any worker in Canada how they are faring right now, and they will most likely tell you that they are struggling. The issues facing workers and their families are stacking up. Eye-watering costs for food, housing, and other necessities are hammering workers’ wallets. Inflation…

Canada’s unions welcome improved long-term care standard —but demand an end to for-profit care

OTTAWA – Canada’s unions welcome improvements to the National Long-Term Care Services Standard but they must be even stronger. The standard released today focus on resident-centered care, a model of senior care that is accommodating and respectful of the resident’s personal wishes and that works directly with the health workers providing the care. “We are happy to see the government…