Canada’s unions: Negligent employers on notice with 3-year prison sentence

Canada’s unions: Negligent employers on notice with 3-year prison sentence

In a direct message to employers who fail to ensure the health and safety of workers, a supervisor has been handed a three-year prison sentence for his failure to follow the law.  In June of this year, the Court of King’s Bench found Jason King of New Brunswick-based Springhill Construction guilty of criminal negligence – “wonton and reckless disregard” –…

Poilievre and the Conservatives can’t be trusted to stand up for workers

Bruske: Poilievre loud on rhetoric, but silent on his real agenda OTTAWA––With his lengthy anti-worker track record and history of cutting health care, Pierre Poilievre’s election as leader of the Conservative Party of Canada is a concern for working families, warned Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Pierre Poilievre has used populist rhetoric to hide away his real…

National, provincial and territorial labour leaders voice strong opposition to back-to-work legislation in ILWU job action against the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCME)

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, labour leaders from across the country reiterated their strong opposition to any attempt by the federal government to introduce back-to-work legislation against International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers currently on strike.  “Back-to-work legislation would be a misstep that would only aggravate the situation. If the right to strike is weakened by…

Unions celebrate new Canada Disability Benefit

Canada’s unions are celebrating the passage of Bill C-22, the Canada Disability Benefit Act, after it received royal assent on June 22.  “We have stood in solidarity with disability activists and organizations who have lobbied for this benefit for years. Today is a historic moment to celebrate these efforts and reaffirm labour’s support to lift the floor on disability poverty…

Bruske: How Canada can create sustainable jobs as we shift to a low-carbon future

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in the Ottawa Citizen Bill C-50, just tabled, provides a roadmap toward making Canada’s economy competitive for years to come. “On a global scale, clean energy investment has surpassed spending on oil and gas for the first time.” From raging wildfires to extreme storms, each day brings stark reminders…

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. …

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…