Labour Day: Worker power is key to a stronger middle class

Labour Day: Worker power is key to a stronger middle class

(TORONTO) Canada’s unions are encouraging workers to reclaim their power and stand up to employers and governments, as the country struggles to recover from the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic and its devastating effects aren’t behind us yet, but workers in Canada have an opportunity to help shape the future we want,” said Bea Bruske, President…

Indigenous Peoples Day 2022: Honouring Indigenous cultures on June 21 and beyond

Canada’s unions are marking Indigenous Peoples Day by standing in support and solidarity with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples across the country, and calling for greater government accountability, justice and action on reconciliation. Across Canada, celebrations and ceremonies highlighting community practices, performances, art and customs of Indigenous peoples will help mark Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. National Indigenous…

Canada’s unions: Urgent action needed to help families through the inflation crisis

OTTAWA – Day-to-day prices on essentials are surging, interest rates soaring and rents are reaching record levels. Meanwhile, wages are still lagging far behind inflation. Canada’s unions are urging Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland to announce new measures today to make sure millions of vulnerable workers and their families aren’t left behind by the worsening inflation…

June 16 is International Domestic Workers’ Day

Canada’s unions are marking International Domestic Workers’ Day by calling on the federal government to recognize the critical role of domestic workers in Canada and protect their rights. Canada’s unions have long called for the federal government to ratify and implement ILO Convention 189 Concerning Decent Work for Domestic Workers (C-189) and ILO Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment (C-190).…

Together, let’s move #ForwardWithPride!

In Canada and around the world, 2SLGBTQI people are facing a rising tide of hatred, discrimination and violence. Canada’s unions are marking the 2022 Pride season by standing in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI communities and against these growing attacks on human rights related to sexual orientation, gender identity, expression and sex characteristics. Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to…

Canada’s unions call for fast-tracking of Canada Disability Benefit

Canada’s unions are marking National AccessAbility Week (NAAW) by calling on the federal government to address systemic inequities and help end disability poverty by immediately tabling the long-promised Canada Disability Benefit. “It is past time that the Canada Disability Benefit be re-introduced in Parliament and fast-tracked into legislation,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “With COVID-19 still…

Canadians can’t afford for-profit long-term care

Bruske: It’s time to get the profit out of care OTTAWA –– A new report shows billions of dollars in public funds for long-term care have been diverted from patient care into the pockets of shareholders. Canada’s unions call on the federal government to make long-term care part of Canada’s public health care system. “This report is brutal evidence of…

IDAHOTB: Canada’s unions call for an end to violence and harassment

Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by calling for meaningful action to end violence and harassment against 2SLGBTQI people in Canada. “Across the globe, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In 2022 alone, we’ve witnessed the introduction of…

Bruske to German Chancellor and the G7: Turn from ambition to action on climate and just transition

Bruske: We must not trade good jobs for low-quality, precarious work as we accelerate progress on tackling the climate crisis BERLIN – Today in Germany, Bea Bruske delivered a strong message from international labour leaders to German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, President of the G7. “When it comes to building a plan to decarbonize every sector of our economies, it is…

Honour Westray. Enforce the law.

May 9, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the Westray mine explosion that killed 26 miners in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The fatal explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust. In the ensuing public inquiry, Justice Peter K. Richard uncovered “a complex mosaic of actions, omissions, mistakes, incompetence, apathy, cynicism, stupidity, and neglect.” Despite years…