Abject failure: Canada’s would-be human rights watchdog leaves Bangladeshi garment workers languishing in poverty

Abject failure: Canada’s would-be human rights watchdog leaves Bangladeshi garment workers languishing in poverty

In many Bangladeshi garment factories, the women and men who make clothes for export around the globe endure gruelling schedules—six days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day. But no matter how long and hard they work, their wages are so low, these workers cannot escape poverty.  The appalling working and living standards faced by Bangladeshi garment workers compelled…

Canada’s unions to Carney: Protect workers from job losses and uncertainty

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is demanding immediate and decisive action from the federal government to protect workers and defend jobs as an escalating trade war—fueled by U.S. President Donald Trump—threatens Canada’s economy. Just today, Trump announced yet another round of retaliatory tariffs on steel and aluminum, this time in response to Ontario’s energy surcharge. “This is…

Labour 7 statement to the G7: Putting social justice at the heart of international cooperation

The G7 meets in 2025 in a time of profound geopolitical shifts and tensions. While the world stands divided in the face of existential threats and global challenges, the G7 has a responsibility to reaffirm the fundamental principles underpinning the rules-based international order: respect for human rights and the rule of law, international cooperation, peace and democracy. Armed conflicts are…

International Women’s Day 2025 – Workers are bringing gender justice to the ballot box

Across Canada, women and gender diverse workers are fed up with bearing the brunt of a broken economy, crumbling public infrastructure systems and precarious, low wage employment. With a federal election on the horizon, Canada’s unions are taking a stand to Rise Up for gender justice from candidate townhalls, campaign events, and lobbying sessions, all the way to the ballot…

Canada’s unions holding third emergency meeting in response to U.S. tariffs

OTTAWA, ON – The Canadian Council, led by the Canadian Labour Congress is holding its third emergency meeting tonight to address the incoming U.S. tariffs set to take effect on March 4, and to discuss a plan to protect workers and communities from the economic fallout.  Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske will be available for media interviews following…

Canadian Labour Congress, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, and United Steelworkers to address threat of U.S. tariffs on Canadian jobs

Sault Ste. Marie –– CLC President Bea Bruske, alongside federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh, and representatives from the United Steelworkers union (USW) will hold a press conference to address the urgent economic and social crisis posed by the U.S.’s plan to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products on February 1st. Tariffs of this magnitude would devastate thousands of jobs…

Statement from the Canadian Labour Congress: Standing united against U.S. tariff threats

Canada’s unions are deeply alarmed by the U.S. administration’s threat to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian products. This is a direct attack on workers from both sides of the border, threatening good, unionized jobs in key sectors like manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture—jobs that form the backbone of our economy. These tariffs would create a devastating ripple effect, impacting…

Human Rights Day 2024: Canada’s unions push back against rising hate

Canada’s unions are marking International Human Rights Day by urging Canadians to come together to challenge the rising tide of hate being spread by an emboldened far-right. Since the creation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, Canada has made important human rights gains. Fairer wages, safer workplaces, and freedom from harassment and discrimination are the rights of all…

Workers rally on Parliament Hill, urging MPs to address families’ struggles.

OTTAWA –– The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) held its annual Lobby Day this week, bringing 300 workers and labour leaders from across the country on Parliament Hill to meet with elected officials. These face-to-face conversations serve as a critical platform for workers to share their personal experiences and advocate for the urgent action needed to address the pressing challenges facing…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on Trump’s tariff threat

“Donald Trump’s threat of a 25% tariff on Canadian products is a direct attack on workers. This poses a serious and immediate risk to Canadian jobs, livelihoods, and entire communities. This attack on our industries jeopardizes good, unionized jobs across vital sectors like manufacturing, mining, energy, and agriculture—jobs that are the backbone of our economy. The damage from such tariffs…