Canada’s unions call for recognition of the importance of domestic workers

Canada’s unions call for recognition of the importance of domestic workers

Canada’s unions are marking International Domestic Workers Day by calling on the federal government to work with the provinces and territories to ratify ILO Convention 189 and ensure labour legislation recognizes and protects domestic workers. “It is important that we recognize the significant economic contribution of domestic work  – work performed in or for a household or households – as…

Anti-Black racism runs deep but so does our commitment towards combatting it

Amid the horrific scenes coming out of the United States of continued police brutality against protesters in the aftermath of the murder of George Floyd, Canada’s unions are expressing solidarity with Black communities everywhere, including in our own backyard. The fight against anti-Black racism and police brutality is based in the long, despicable history of slavery, oppression and colonization of…

It’s time for publicly funded health care to include seniors’ care

By Hassan Yussuff as published in National Newswatch The images, the stories, the experiences of our seniors during this pandemic are enough to bring a grown man to tears. In fact, it has. Even Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford has, at times, become emotional while talking about the conditions in the province’s long-term care facilities. It’s a dire situation right across…

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with citizens of Hong Kong

The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) stands in solidarity with labour unions, workers and citizens in Hong Kong as they battle for their democratic freedom. The latest escalation in this long-fought struggle is the recent introduction of national security legislation by the Chinese government which will allow Chinese state security forces to operate in Hong Kong. “Our Brothers and Sisters are…

There is no economic recovery without adequate child care

By Hassan Yussuff and Goldy Hyder as published in The Star. The economic fallout of COVID-19 is stark – and women are feeling the brunt of it. Over 1.5 million women lost jobs over March and April, according to Statistics Canada. That’s a 17% drop in employment levels since February. Even with workplaces and services beginning to reopen, families will…

Canada’s Unions call on the Canadian government to fight to stop the annexation of Palestinian lands

The Canadian Labour Congress condemns the recent unilateral move by Israel to annex parts of Palestinian territory. This move dismantles decades of work towards a just and negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine. Israel’s new coalition government has announced it will move forward with the process of annexing West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley as early as July. The…

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI community

Pride season is a time for communities to come together to celebrate, show solidarity and press for change. In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, we have to acknowledge that this year’s Pride will look different, but the need for supportive, affirmative communities is greater than ever. As celebrations across the country are cancelled, rescheduled or shifted to digital platforms…

Canada’s unions mark Injured Workers Day by calling on governments to improve working conditions and supports

On this Injured Workers Day, in the midst of COVID-19, Canada’s unions are calling on all levels of government to do more to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, and to strengthen the workers’ compensation system. The current pandemic presents a monumental challenge in the fight to prevent workplace injury, illness and death. As Canadian jurisdictions begin to open up…

Canada’s unions call for targeted support for persons with disabilities

The Canadian Labour Congress is calling on the federal government to increase financial supports and targeted employment strategies for persons with disabilities as a key aspect of Canada’s economic recovery plan. Persons with disabilities – especially those living at the intersections of multiple marginalized identities – face high unemployment rates and high levels of poverty and need additional support during…

A call for collective action

By Hassan Yussuff as published in National Newswatch. We are in the midst of a global pandemic. The federal government is introducing new programs almost daily to support millions of Canadians who have been affected by this crisis. Public service employees are doing amazing work getting that support to the people who need it. Meanwhile, the calls for austerity are…