Workers mobilize on the Hill to urge MPs to act as families continue to struggle

Workers mobilize on the Hill to urge MPs to act as families continue to struggle

Bruske: Workers are calling on MPs for urgent action on pharmacare and two key pieces of legislation OTTAWA––Workers from across Canada took to Parliament Hill this week to urge the government to create a public, universal pharmacare system. “This government had a chance to show that they are serious about pharmacare, but we saw no mention of it in the…

Canada’s unions alarmed and concerned by the layoff of 1,300 Bell workers

Bruske: The timing of these layoffs couldn’t be worse. Now more than ever, we need impartial and factual local news OTTAWA –– “Canada’s unions are deeply troubled by the Bell Canada Enterprises Inc. (BCE Inc.) decision to eliminate 1,300 positions during a period of heightened economic uncertainty across Canada. These job losses will cause further pain for hundreds of families. “What…

Canada’s unions: Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act an unprecedented opportunity for collaboration

Bruske: Workers, unions, industry, and governments must work together on climate change OTTAWA – Canada’s unions applaud the emphasis on workers and the inclusion of key labour priorities in the federal government’s Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act announced today. The Act, which emerged as a result of the New Democrat and Liberals’ Supply and Confidence Agreement, presents an unprecedented opportunity to…

Bea Bruske: Bank of Canada’s rate hike a further blow to working people

Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement in response to the Bank of Canada’s decision to raise interest rates today: “Working people have been dealt economic blow after economic blow over the past few years. Last month, we heard from thousands of workers about how they are feeling squeezed on all fronts. Working-class families are…

Jewish labour activism vital in fight against discrimination in Canada

The Jewish community has been a big part of Canadian labour history, and has played a vital role in the fight for social justice and the defense workers’ rights. Incidents of antisemitism and hate are on the rise, and Canada’s unions remain resolute in fighting antisemitism, hate and discrimination. “Jewish labour community activists recognized early on the interconnected nature of…

Celebrating the contributions of Asian-Canadian workers to Canada’s labour history

Asian-Canadian workers have played an integral role in shaping Canadian labour history. But members of Asian communities still face acts of racism and discrimination today. Committed individuals, organizations and coalitions continue to fight for the rights of Asian workers – including migrant workers, many of whom are Asian – here in Canada. “Canada, and the labour movement have greatly benefitted…

Canada’s unions call for enhanced mental health supports during Mental Health Week

As National Mental Health Week begins, many workers – especially women, racialized workers, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, migrant workers and workers with disabilities – still face unacceptable threats and hazards to their mental health in the workplace. Every worker deserves workplaces that are safe, provide balanced workloads, and ensure the supports they require to be well at work. Part of building psychologically…

Day of Mourning 2023: Workers’ empowerment key to workplace health and safety

As unions across Canada mark the National Day of Mourning, the Canadian Labour Congress wants to ensure workers are empowered to know their health and safety rights in the workplace, defend existing gains and use the tools at their disposal. April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to commemorate those who have died or been injured as…

Statement by Bea Bruske: Senators vote to put workers and pensioners before big banks and wealthy CEOs

Bruske: Passage of pension protection Bill C-228 is a win for workers and plan members Canada’s unions are celebrating the Senate’s decision to pass Bill C-228 (Pension Protection Act), legislation that will ensure defined-benefit pensions receive super-priority status in bankruptcy and insolvency cases. “Pension protection has been a priority for Canada’s unions for decades. Multiple private members’ bills seeking to…

CLC: Justice is long overdue for Black workers

The impacts of anti-Black racism are far reaching and have caused significant barriers to economic advancement and empowerment, as well as ongoing labour market discrimination. This has resulted in Black workers earning lower wages and facing obstacles in all aspects of work; from the initial hiring process, to advancement and promotion and retention. “Anti-Black racism and discrimination are deeply embedded…