This reckless escalation is a direct attack on Canadian workers, businesses, and local economies. The impact threatens to devastate Canada’s steel and aluminum industries, shut Canadian producers out of the U.S. market, and jeopardize thousands of good, unionized jobs across the country.

Bea Bruske (Canadian Labour Congress), Candace Laing (Canadian Chamber of Commerce), and Carole Saab (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) will outline the urgent need for a coordinated federal response to defend Canadian jobs, businesses, and communities.

WHAT:           Joint press conference on U.S. tariffs and their impact on Canada

WHEN:          Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET

WHERE:        Press Conference Room 135-B, West Block, Parliament Hill

WHO:            Bea Bruske, President, Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)
                       Candace Laing, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC)
                       Carole Saab, CEO, Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)

Please RSVP to: 
CLC Media Relations 
media@clcctc.ca 
613-526-7426

The post Canada’s Labour, Business, and Municipal Leaders Respond to Trump’s Tariff Hike appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

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“Mental health care supports in Canada will only improve if governments invest in our existing health care infrastructure,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “But Canada’s health care systems are struggling. Rebuilding our cherished public health care systems must be a priority and must include investment in mental health care for all.”

Mental health continues to be a significant issue facing workers in the workplace. According to a 2024 survey from the Canadian Mental Health Association, at least 500,000 Canadians miss work due to mental illness every week, with an estimated economic cost of $51 billion annually.

Health care workers are also facing serious and well-documented challenges, including poor working conditions, stagnant wages and an alarming rise in workplace violence and harassment.

“Workers and their families have been sounding the alarm for years that Canada’s health care systems are in desperate need of strong investment. Our country deserves commitments and real solutions from our new federal leaders to bring all levels of government, employers, and workers on board, and finally fix health care in Canada” added Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice President of the CLC.

The recent election included specific platform commitments from several parties on improving our health care system and working conditions for health care workers, including improving mental health support for first responders. The CLC welcomes these commitments and urges our newly elected government to implement them. The CLC also reiterates our call for the federal government to introduce a Canada Universal Mental Health and Substance Act with enforceable national standards and a dedicated health transfer to support meaningful investments and infrastructure in this sector.

“Mental health matters everywhere, for everyone, including at work. Canada’s unions are looking forward to working with this new government to rebuild our health care system and ensure that every person across our country can access the mental health care they need,” said Lily Chang, Secretary Treasurer of the CLC.

For more resources on navigating mental health at work for unions, visit the CLC’s Mental Health Online Resource Center.

The post Universal health care must include mental health appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Steel and aluminum are critical to Canada’s industrial base, supplying essential inputs to the automotive, energy, construction, transportation, and manufacturing sectors. In total, over 43,000 Canadian jobs are directly or indirectly at risk. When Trump imposed similar tariffs in 2018, Canadian steel exports to the U.S. plummeted by 38%, causing economic pain for workers and communities across the country. The aluminum industry, already facing global trade disruptions, now sees 9,500 direct Canadian jobs under threat.

“Donald Trump’s tariffs are a direct attack on Canadian workers and our economy. These tariffs don’t protect jobs—they kill them. Canada cannot sit idly by while our workers are treated as bargaining chips in Trump’s trade war. Our government must respond with strong, immediate action to defend Canadian industries and the workers who keep them running,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions fought back in 2018, and we will fight back again. We call on the federal government to take immediate action to defend Canadian workers, through strong retaliatory measures, investments in affected industries, and direct support for impacted workers.

Trump’s trade war tactics put corporate profits ahead of workers’ livelihoods. Canada must not allow its economy to be held hostage by U.S. policies. We stand with steel and aluminum workers and demand a strong, swift response to protect jobs, industries, and communities.

The post Another Attack on Canadian Workers: Trump’s 25% Tariffs on Canadian Steel and Aluminum appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Last night, the CLC Executive and key unions representing workers on the front lines of Trump’s trade war held an emergency meeting to discuss the urgent need for action.

Minister Steven MacKinnon and government officials were also in attendance.

“Canada must act decisively to protect workers and push back against these harmful policies. The U.S. needs to feel immediate consequences for targeting our economy and the livelihoods of Canadian workers.” – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

Labour leaders made it clear: workers should not pay the price for Trump’s reckless tariffs.

The CLC is calling for a full-scale response that includes:

• Cutting off U.S. access to critical Canadian resources—including electricity, lumber, critical minerals, oil, and gas—until the tariffs are lifted.
• Dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs to ensure the U.S. administration faces the consequences of its actions.
• Immediate support for impacted workers, including financial assistance, job protection measures, and transition programs.
• A long-term strategy to reduce Canada’s reliance on U.S. trade, diversifying markets to protect workers from future foreign policy disruptions.

To arrange an interview with Bea Bruske, please email: media@clcctc.ca.

The post CLC PRESIDENT BEA BRUSKE AVAILABLE TO SPEAK FOLLOWING TRUDEAU-TRUMP MEETING ON TRADE WAR appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Donald Trump has a problem: workers. As he eyes a potential victory in November, the Democrats have strategically chosen a union guy to be Kamala Harris’ running mate. 

Despite Trump’s repeated attempts to appeal to workers, the Democrats’ VP pick has unleashed a fresh wave of energy for the party, which is on full display at the Democratic National Convention this week. 

In today’s political landscape, labour-friendly rhetoric is becoming a common theme on both sides of the border, even from those with a history of opposing workers’ rights. 

Here in Canada, with the next federal election on the horizon, pro-worker messaging is being road tested across the political spectrum. Party leaders are keen to tap into the genuine frustrations that workers feel. 

It’s no wonder. With the soaring cost of groceries, housing, and other essentials, many working families are struggling. If a party can convincingly position itself as the one best equipped to address the challenges facing workers, it can secure the support of this crucial voter bloc. 

So, how do we distinguish between politicians who are merely paying lip service from those genuinely committed to supporting workers? We can take a lesson from the U.S. 

Look at Trump’s Republicans. Despite the fact Mr. Trump is a billionaire with a track record of opposing labour rights, Republicans have recently embraced a pro-union stance amidst widespread support for unions among the working class. A union card is a ticket to fairer wages, improved benefits, respect in the workplace, and financial security during retirement – so the very people who used to lead anti-union attacks are now cosplaying as pro-union. 

Contrast this with vice presidential candidate, Tim Walz. A former teacher and football coach, Mr. Walz is relatable. He is someone who could live next door and who you might chat with on the school run. As a proud and active union member with a history of supporting labour-friendly policies, Walz has real credibility with the working class.  

As governor of Minnesota, powered by a grassroots movement of workers and their unions, Walz has enacted policies that resonate with working families, such as tax fairness, paid sick leave, and free school meals for all children in his state. This is the kind of pro-worker C.V. that working families can get behind – which spells trouble for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.  

Mr. Poilievre has attacked union advocates. He has repeatedly voted to force striking workers back to work and imposed low-wage settlements on workers.  

During his tenure in Stephen Harper’s government, he led efforts to attack unions’ ability to operate, boasting about wanting to create union-free workplaces and campaigning for right-to-work legislation in Canada. He also helped attack the Canada Pension Plan, weaken Employment Insurance, and cut healthcare funding by billions of dollars. 

Despite his recent rhetoric, Mr. Poilievre hasn’t had a change of heart since becoming party leader. Over the past year, he and his party have done everything to block pro-worker legislation. They voted against and used procedural tactics to stall the Sustainable Jobs Act, a bill designed to create and protect good union jobs and give workers a say in the future of work. They also opposed legislation to provide rental support and voted against dental care and pharmacare for millions of people in Canada. 

As political leaders pay more attention to the working class than ever before, workers are getting increasingly adept at seeing through politicians who claim to back them while working to undermine workers’ rights and weaken unions.  

Like Donald Trump, any politician who pretends to support workers while pushing an anti-worker agenda has a problem. Being truly pro-worker is the only solution.  

The post Pro-worker momentum at the DNC spells trouble for Poilievre as well as Trump  appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Protecting the EV supply chains in Canada is about investing in Canada’s capacity to transition to a low-carbon economy with good, unionized jobs that support families—not a backdoor for China to flood our market with its cars.  

The consultations announced today should result in quick and decisive action to protect from unfair Chinese competition and create Canadian jobs in domestic EV supply chains.  

Both the United States and Europe have introduced higher import tariffs on Chinese-made EVs. Similar action from Canada is essential to ensure that the highly integrated automotive sector in Canada, U.S. and Mexico will continue to grow with good, unionized jobs that strengthen our economy and ensure we meet our climate ambitions. 

The post Protecting Canada’s EV Opportunities  appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“As the next federal election draws closer, workers are demanding all parties agree to respect and enhance workers’ rights,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Political parties must make concrete platform commitments to remove obstacles to organizing and crack down on union-busting companies that engage in workplace threats and intimidation. Any party that fails to back their words with action will face serious consequences at the ballot box when the next election comes.” 

Bruske shared findings from a new poll commissioned by the Canadian Labour Congress. The national survey was conducted by GQR Canada from 1-8 April 2024 and surveyed 1,549 eligible voters. Full details of the poll are available on the CLC’s website. 

The poll found:  

• A majority of Canadians, 62%, believe belonging to a union is a good thing. Support is highest amongst women and in the electoral battleground regions of Ontario and the Maritimes.  
• An overwhelming 80% of young workers (18-29), think there are obstacles to joining a union, such as workplace intimidation, employers spreading misinformation, and too many bureaucratic steps that impede organizing.  
• 70% of Canadians want governments to remove barriers to forming or joining a union. Only 9% strongly disagree. 

“So many struggle with higher prices, worsening work-life balance, and deteriorating working conditions. The reality is employers always start out with the upper hand. It’s no wonder so many Canadians see the value of having a union to protect them,” explained Bruske. “But as part of a union, workers can negotiate better. A union card in your back pocket is your ticket to fairer wages, decent benefits, respect in your workplace, and financial security when you retire. That’s why the labour movement is seeing so much momentum and growth across the country.”  

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

The post NEW POLL: CANADIANS BACK UNIONS TO DELIVER WORKER PROTECTIONS, FAIRER WAGES appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

We hear a familiar call coming from wealthy interests – joining forces once again with Conservatives – banging the drum for more corporate tax giveaways and deeper cuts to government spending in the upcoming Budget. Bay Street analysts and bank lobbyists loudly lament Canada’s “tumbling productivity”, sneeringly spreading blame on both workers and the government.

As Budget 2024 approaches, we must confront these anti-worker narratives head on. Because we’ve seen this movie before and, spoiler alert, it really doesn’t end well for workers and families.

Business lobbyists argue wages should be dependent on productivity when it suits them but ignore how for more than 30 years, pay for the bottom 80% has lagged far behind productivity growth. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg of how imbalanced our things have become.

A February 2024 report from Jim Stanford and the Centre for Future Work showed that “corporate profits remained historically high in 2023, despite the stalling of economic growth, rising unemployment, and stagnating consumer demand.”  Even the Bank of Canada’s January 2024 Monetary Policy Report acknowledged that “higher wage costs could be absorbed by businesses’ profit margins.”

So, let’s not get taken in by corporate gaslighting that takes aim at workers’ wages and public investments. Government should steadfastly reject a corporate narrative that rests its case on mistreating workers. Instead, government can use the upcoming budget to push companies to invest in their workforce. Things like new incentives to improve training and upskilling, and measures that will create good, sustainable union jobs in low-carbon industries.

With a looming recession, rising layoffs and so many struggling to get by, it would be devastating to families if we cut help now. The reality is slashing our social safety net will only weaken our economy.

National child care has meant more families can find affordable spaces and more women with young children could join the workforce. Creating affordable non-profit housing means more families have an affordable place to call home. According to a 2023 Deloitte report, increasing community housing to the OECD average by 2030 “would boost economic productivity by a staggering 5.7% to 9.3%.” Universal pharmacare will improve health outcomes and provide tangible, financial relief to families, while strengthening EI will mean more workers getting help when they need it most.

Can we afford these investments? Absolutely. Canada is a significant economic power. We’re in the top ten economies in the world with one of the lowest debt-to-GDP ratios in the G7. We can also make profitable corporations pay their fair share and use that revenue to help people.

We know what a Pierre Poilievre budget looks like. Poilievre and the Conservatives slashed programs and services and radically cut corporate taxes last time in power. This boosted companies’ bottom line but didn’t spur businesses to invest in their workforce. Instead, we saw CEOs acting like real-life Scrooge McDuckshoarding ever-growing piles of cash. Just like today, companies cry poor while handing out record bonuses to top executives.

Chrystia Freeland must reject the false narratives flooding in from business lobbyists and fight back against a vision of a Canada where corporations take care of themselves while our government stops caring for people. On April 16, let’s see a budget that puts workers and families, not corporate interests, first.

The post Reject corporate gaslighting and deliver help for people in Budget 2024 appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The disproportionately high number of women living in poverty and their lack of access to care services are deeply interconnected. Developing a national, comprehensive strategy for Canada’s care economy would go a long way to easing the burden that care – both paid and unpaid – places on women.  

As Canada’s cost-of-living crisis continues, many workers and their families are struggling to manage the soaring costs of food, shelter and other essentials. Women and others who are disproportionately poor or low-income are being hit hardest. These challenges are exacerbated by the over-representation of women in low-wage, part-time and precarious jobs, and by their unpaid labour caring for children, aging parents and loved ones with disabilities.  

“This is about gender justice. It’s no secret that women perform the bulk of unpaid and paid care work, which pushes women into part-time, precarious, temporary, or minimum-wage jobs. The majority of minimum wage workers in Canada are women,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “The consequences of the unequal division of care work on women’s economic security are severe, and the current affordability and housing crises are making life even more challenging – especially for the most marginalized women.” 

Women face higher rates of housing insecurity, food insecurity, and are less likely to qualify for employment insurance. The statistics are even worse for women living at the intersection of multiple marginalized identities: Indigenous, Black and women of colour, 2SLGBTQI women and nonbinary people and women with a disability.  

“It’s no wonder there are workforce crises in health care, childcare and other care sectors. Jobs caring for children, older adults and people with disabilities tend to be underpaid and precarious, and wages within the care economy are being eroded by inflation. These are jobs predominantly held by women, many of them immigrants and women of colour,” said Siobhán Vipond, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “Addressing the care crisis will have a massive impact on women’s jobs, women’s incomes, and their labour force participation, which also benefits Canada’s economy.” 

Canada’s unions see a vision for our country where everyone has a right to the care they need, and the people who provide care are visible, valued and supported. The federal government must develop a comprehensive and integrated care strategy that would enshrine the right of every person to the care they need to live full and dignified lives, reduce and redistribute women’s disproportionate responsibility for care, support paid and unpaid care workers and strengthen Canada’s care economy across all sectors.  

Canada needs a Care Economy Commission to study, design and recommend a national care strategy that would:   

• Create a broader and more inclusive labour market strategy to achieve high-quality, equitable care jobs;   
• Examine paid and unpaid care work and develop a roadmap to meet the increasing demands for care; and   

• Reduce and redistribute women’s unpaid care work by improving access to public care services for children, older adults and people with disabilities.  

The post Canada can deliver gender justice for women by improving care appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Politicians must be held accountable to make evidence-based, compassionate decisions and Smith’s proposed policies are the exact opposite, relying instead on disinformation and putting trans and queer kids at risk. 

Premier Smith claims to “care deeply” about trans and gender-diverse children and youth. But her proposals are a cynical attempt to violate queer and trans children’s rights to privacy and safety in Alberta.  

We are witnessing an increase in legislated transphobic violence, namely, the rise of so-called “parental rights” policies and legislation in Canada and we will not stand for it.  

Canada’s unions will not stand for Smith’s tactics to sweep the real issues under the rug at the expense of 2SLGBTQI+ youth. We need to prioritize the health and well-being of 2SLGBTQI+ youth by rejecting transphobic policies. 

This announcement is the latest in a string of decisions by Smith’s government that have had a detrimental effect on Albertans and does nothing to fix the real crises they face. Choices made by the Smith government, for example, have exacerbated the affordability crisis and have led to a spike in food bank usage. At a time when Smith is losing support from Albertans generally and UCP members specifically, she has taken a page from a damaging conservative playbook to try and gain political points. 

This week’s announcement also makes Smith the third conservative Premier to use trans kids as political pawns, and we won’t stand for it. Canada’s unions will not be idle while Premier Smith and other conservative leaders play politics with trans and gender-diverse communities, we will continue to unite workers across the country and work in solidarity with 2SLGBTQI+ advocates to strike down these discriminatory policies. 

We cannot allow our governments to overstep their boundaries to push their personal agenda or use kids as a political tool to deflect attention from their failure to confront the real challenges facing workers and their families – like the cost-of-living crisis.”

The post Statement by Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions are calling out Alberta Premier’s attempt to use trans and gender-diverse children, youth and adults to score political points appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“We’ve seen too many health care horror stories. A sick newborn waiting over eight hours to be admitted, a senior more than 12 hours to be seen by an ER doctor. A year after historic health agreements, patients still aren’t getting the timely care they deserve while health workers continue to face unsafe working conditions and growing burnout,” cautioned Bruske. “Without concrete action to repair it, we’ll see another year of Canada’s health care system failing our children, seniors, and seriously ill patients of all kinds.”  

Led by B.C., only four provinces have signed new bilateral deals. With a March 31^st deadline fast approaching so new investments can flow this year, Bruske cautioned that governments must act quickly to get deals done so provinces can implement effective new measures.  

“Canadians are looking for real relief, which means new bilateral deals must also include strict conditions that cap wasteful spending on private agencies and dramatically increase the number of permanent nursing positions,” added Bruske. “A photo-op has never cured anyone. Workers and families are looking to the federal government to defend patient care and protect our public health care from provinces trying to use the crisis to line the pockets of private investors with wasteful health care privatization.”   

Bruske urged governments and parties to come together behind solutions backed by new investments to address this national crisis.  

“The NDP–Liberal Supply and Confidence Agreement brought us a new dental care program, which will alleviate pressure on emergency rooms. This is the kind of innovative progress Canadians are looking for, yet Poilievre’s Conservatives voted against dental care for low-income kids and seniors,” concluded Bruske. “The last time Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives were in power, they unilaterally cut billions from provincial health care funding. They dug a big hole for our health care system and more Conservative cuts now would put Canada’s universal public health care at risk.”  

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country.

The post While governments talk, patients face endless waits and health workers are burning out appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Thousands of workers come to Canada each year to work through the TFWP; Statistics Canada reports that temporary foreign workers represented around one-quarter of all agriculture workers in 2021. Many of these workers face exploitation and abuse.

Following a visit to Canada earlier this year, United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, Tomoya Obokata reported that “the agricultural and low-wage streams of the Temporary Foreign Workers Programme (TFWP) constitute a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.”

Last year, migrant farm workers from Jamaica working in the Niagara Region expressed similar grave concerns in an open letter to Jamaica’s Ministry of Labour. The workers were seeking increased support, stating: “As it currently stands, the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Program (SAWP) is systematic slavery.”

A significant issue impacting migrant workers is employer-specific work permits, which bind migrant workers to a single employer. These work permits grant the employer control over the employment, compensation, working conditions, and immigration status of the migrant worker. Permits such as these can bar migrant workers from job security and mobility and make them vulnerable to abuse and exploitation by unscrupulous TFWP employers, labour recruiters and labour traffickers.

“It is imperative that, as a nation, we commit ourselves to upholding the rights and well-being of all workers, regardless of their immigration status,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “It’s time to put an end to employer-specific work permits that ensure migrant workers remain in precarity and at risk of exploitation, abuse and mistreatment.”

Employer-specific work permits make it impossible for migrant workers to exercise their rights as workers and seek protections while working in Canada. Legitimate concerns about getting deported or losing employment traps these workers in involuntary servitude.

This exploitative system gives employers steady access to vulnerable migrant workers with precarious work and immigration status. This has led many TFWP employers to use the program as an ongoing business model, as opposed to a program of last resort to fill acute and temporary labour skill shortages.

On this International Migrants Day, Canada’s unions call on government to take concrete steps to enhance the protections afforded to migrant workers as it relates to the low-wage Temporary Foreign Workers Program (TFWP) streams:

• Replace the employer-specific work permits with open work permits;
• Provide permanent residency opportunities for low-wage workers; and
• Provide permanent residency opportunities for former low-wage workers who are undocumented.

The post Canada’s unions: Migrant workers in Canada deserve equal rights, protections appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Too many workers are currently underpaid, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. This especially impacts sectors that are predominantly staffed by women and racialized workers, like the care sector.

These workers’ contributions have an immense impact on our society and our economy and, like all workers, should be rewarded appropriately.

“We have heard countless stories about the low wages and disrespect care workers face”, says Siobhán Vipond, Vice-President of the CLC. “These worrying stories are being echoed from workers in other sectors too, as the affordability crisis deepens. We must confront this crisis now by making sure all workers earn a livable wage.”

Despite six provinces raising their minimum wage just last week, not one province or territory has a minimum wage that matches the income necessary to make ends meet. At a time when inflation is at an all-time high and soaring corporate profits are driving up the cost of unavoidable necessities like food and shelter, workers need decent jobs that pay a livable wage.

Canada’s unions celebrate the workers on the front lines of this fight. When faced with wages that don’t keep up with inflation and employers who are unwilling to do something about it, workers are using their collective power to demand better from their employers. This year saw significant wins from PSAC workers in the federal government and United Steelworkers at National Steel Car in Hamilton.

“Workers are saying enough is enough and using their power to strike for better wages. Union wins will mean better conditions for all workers, just like the statutory holiday many workers are enjoying this weekend,” says Bea Bruske, President of the CLC. “The wins gained in unionized workplaces often set trends that become the standard across the working world.”

“We need governments that will stand with working people, not the wealthy CEOs who suppress wages and make record profits off the efforts of their employees. It’s these corporate profiteers, not workers, who are the source of the current crisis. They must be made to pay their fair share.” Read the ITUC’s statement on the 2023 World Day for Decent Work.

The post World Day for Decent Work: Workers’ contributions should be rewarded appropriately appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

In Canada, an estimated 3 million workers are employed in paid care occupations, amounting to nearly 1 in 5 workers. Most of these workers are women, and are often racialized and newcomer women.

“Our jobs, our families and our economy depend on having our care needs met. We know how crucial these services and caregivers are; from supporting our seniors and our children, to ensuring people living with disabilities can live dignified lives, and more,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “For too long, political leaders and Canadian society have taken both paid and unpaid care work for granted. As a result, much of this work—largely performed by women—remains precarious and undervalued, while those who perform it are at constant risk of violence and harassment.”

“Care workers have shared countless stories of overwork and burnout, low wages, and inadequate working conditions. It’s pushing people out of these sectors, and as more workers leave these problems will only deepen. We must confront this crisis now by boosting wages as a first step, and by developing an integrated care workforce strategy for the long term,” said Siobhán Vipond, CLC Executive Vice-President.

“Care workers deserve better, and so do the people they care for,” said Bruske. “Care work should be rewarded appropriately—with better pay that reflects the value of their work; with good, stable jobs; and with safe and healthy working conditions. Building a better care workforce will ensure that everyone has access to care if or when they need it.”

The post International Equal Pay Day: Canada’s Unions Call for an Integrated, Long-term Care Workforce strategy appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

“Canada’s unions are looking to MPs from all parties to come together behind swift action to make sure help is there for people facing high prices, stretched budgets and a weakening economy,” urged Bruske. “Parliament must also act urgently on the dual challenges of addressing climate change while creating sustainable jobs.”

Bruske said Canada’s unions expect MPs to make it a top priority to strengthen the Sustainable Jobs Act, C-50, and get the bill passed before the winter break.

“The Americans’ Inflation Reduction Act has challenged the world to act, and many countries are responding. The Sustainable Jobs Act provides a roadmap for Canada’s governments, businesses, and unions to work together and make sure our workers aren’t left behind in the global transition to a low-carbon economy,” warned Bruske. “Climate change is real and getting worse. MPs must make it job one this fall to take smart action that creates the kind of good, sustainable, union jobs that are the cornerstone to building thriving communities.”

Bruske said that Parliament must also act to make things a bit easier for those struggling the most through urgent action to create more affordable homes, make sure EI is there for people when they need it, and pass a new pharmacare act so Canada can implement public, universal pharmacare.

“Building affordable homes and implementing publicly funded and publicly delivered pharmacare are tangible ways we can make sure no one is left with the impossible choice of choosing whether to pay for rent, groceries, or their kid’s medicine. MPs must deliver on pharmacare this fall,” declared Bruske. “3 in 5 unemployed people don’t even qualify for benefits. With unemployment rising and more people being thrown out of work, it’s critical we finally reform EI so help is there for workers when they need it.”

Bruske added that it is also critical the government introduces, and MPs pass, anti-scab legislation this fall.

“We have seen years of record corporate profits while workers’ pay lagged far behind. Workers are rightly demanding more balanced workplaces,” said Bruske. “If we ban the use of scabs once and for all, we can take a real step towards greater labour peace, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy.” 

-30-

Please contact:
CLC Media Relations
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

The post As Parliament returns, people feel the pain from high prices, a slowing economy appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

During a year when many communities are witnessing a worsening of the already-devastating impacts of climate change, the need for swift and widespread climate action remains urgent. “Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and one that will include everyone from government officials to energy company executives, to front line workers and their unions,” says Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Workers in communities across Canada are leading the transition to powering the country with sustainable energy. They expect the government to take ambitious action to move with them.” 

Canada’s unions are pleased that the vision document includes a plan to include workers and their unions in a meaningful way throughout the process. As Canada transitions to a net-zero economy there is immense opportunity to create and protect good, unionized jobs, with pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. 

“These workers are the ones who will make our transition possible; we won’t meet our climate goals without them,” says Bruske. “If Canada is going to achieve net-zero by 2030, the workers making that happen need good, union jobs.” 

Canada’s unions will continue to push for investments in sustainable energy and climate action, including supports for workers whose jobs are affected by climate change and provisions like new jobs, comprehensive training initiatives, upskilling and reskilling, skills recognition, Employment Insurance (EI), mental health support, family support, pension bridging, relocation assistance, and other essential measures. 

“Today’s announcement is a critical step in the climate action process. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that workers are included in the creation of an equitable and sustainable future for all,” says Bruske. “We know that communities with good, union jobs embedded within them are stable and resilient. We are focused on making sure the transition puts as many of these jobs in as many communities as possible.” 

– 30 – 

Please contact: 
CLC Media Relations 
media@clcctc.ca 
613-526-7426 

The post Workers Eager to Contribute to National Electricity Grid Plan appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

The attack took place on June 25, 2023, in the context of his work as a union leader seeking to address a wage dispute at the request of workers. Shahidul Islam was with three other BGIWF colleagues at the Prince Jacquard Sweaters factory in Gazipur, where the factory workers are owed over two months’ wages, when they were violently attacked by a group of men. Islam’s injuries were fatal, while 3 other union leaders, Mustafa Kamal, Ahmed Sharif, and Akkas Ali, were severely injured.

Shahidul leaves behind his wife and two children. We express our sincere condolences to Shahidul’s family, as well as to all the members and colleagues of the BGIWF. The Canadian unions and workers’ organizations signing this statement have long-standing relationships with the labour movement in Bangladesh, and we vehemently condemn this attack on the freedom of association and the right to life, showing again how textile workers in Bangladesh are not treated with dignity. This sends a clear message of fear and intimidation to workers who wish to exercise their rights in a context which was already dire for organizers.

This is not the first murder of a union organizer in Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi government must fulfill its duties under international law to protect the right to organize.

Echoing the demand of our BGIWF comrades, we want justice for Shahidul Islam’s brutal murder and call on the Bangladeshi government:

• To carry out an immediate and thorough investigation of the crime and for the perpetrators to be arrested and prosecuted.
• To ensure industry representatives stop promoting corrupted company unions. Bangladeshi workers should be free to join unions and bargain for their rights.
• To ensure the safety and human rights of the BGIWF’s team and of labour rights defenders in Bangladesh.
• To provide financial compensation to Shahidul Islam’s family, for which he was the sole breadwinner.

We also call on the Canadian government to put pressure on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure the safety of other BGIWF organizers in this extremely difficult context.

Finally, we call on Canadian and global brands sourcing products from Bangladesh to carry out due diligence in their supply chains and use leverage to ensure respect for labour rights in law and practice. The Canadian government must implement mandatory human rights due diligence legislation in Canada and require global companies to ensure respect for human rights throughout their global supply chains.

Endorsed by:

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Today, our friend and esteemed colleague, Leo Gerard, was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada, this country’s highest civilian honour.

Leo’s contributions to the labour movement – both in Canada and internationally – cannot be overstated. He has been a champion for workers on issues like equality, pensions, labour rights and social justice, to name just a few.

Having worked his way from shop steward to United Steelworkers International President, Leo became well-known as an influential labour advocate and strong voice for working people. A fierce defender of workers’ rights, he spent his career fighting to create and preserve good, safe, family-supporting jobs for USW members.

Canada’s entire labour movement couldn’t be prouder of the well-deserved recognition Leo is receiving for his decades of tireless work and activism.

Congratulations, Leo, and thank you for everything you’ve done for workers in Canada and around the world.

Read USW’s statement here.

The post Canada’s unions congratulate Leo Gerard on Order of Canada appointment appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

Compounding this immense tragedy, is the fact that workers had refused to enter the factory because cracks in the walls had been spotted the day before, but were ordered back to work to avoid costly production delays.

“Rana Plaza exposed the dire conditions for workers in these factories that produce the world’s garments: poor wages, unsafe working conditions, precarious work, and intimidation and harassment in the workplace. Garment workers not only in Bangladesh, but around the world, are still working in absolutely appalling conditions and receiving unfair wages for their labour. It is way past time for things to change,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.

Canada’s unions, representing 3 million workers, have supported Bangladesh workers in their struggle for decent working conditions and the right to form independent unions to represent workers. We are part of allied networks pushing the government to enact robust legislation to mandate human rights obligations in the supply chains of Canadian companies.

On this grim anniversary, Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with workers in the garment sector in Bangladesh who are demanding respect for their human rights, including freedom of association, healthy and safe working conditions, and a living wage.  

In order to effectively prevent the next Rana Plaza, we call on the Canadian Government to:

• Introduce mandatory human rights due diligence legislation that requires Canadian companies, and companies that import goods into Canada, to respect human rights throughout their supply chains;
• Promote and protect the right to organize and bargain collectively as key enabling rights, without which decent work cannot take place; and
• Make trade preferences dependent on the respect for workers’ right to organize.

We call on Canadian clothing brands to:

• Sign the International Accord, the continuation of the Bangladesh Accord on Building and Fire Safety, which brought massive success in health and safety inspections and repairs to thousands of factories. When the Accord expires, it should be renewed as a legally binding, enforceable agreement, expanded to more countries for the long-term;
• End the race to the bottom borne by workers, by providing living wages and living wage compensation for workers suffering injury or death in the workplace across their supply chains; and
• Take responsibility for financing a permanent Employment Injury Scheme (EIS) in Bangladesh to compensate workers injured at work. 

Click here to add your voice to the struggle by leaving a message commemorating victims of the Rana Plaza disaster on a virtual memorial, and by calling on major international brands to sign the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, ensure workplace safety and recognize the rights of workers to organize, refuse unsafe work and raise health and safety concerns.

The post Never again: Canada’s unions mark 10 years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

As communities across the country and around the world grapple with the impacts of climate change, it is crucial that we work together to drive down emissions and hit our climate targets. 

“We cannot afford to ignore the looming threat of the climate crisis. Global economies are shifting to address climate change, which means jobs and work will also evolve. Workers and unions must be at the decision-making table to make sure no one is left behind,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. 

Bruske added, “Make no mistake; when governments are investing in sustainable jobs, labour rights are a must. Social protection is essential. Workers are at the forefront of Canada’s changing climate, and they deserve to bring their concerns, skills, and expertise to the table. Now is the time to ensure that all workers – especially those who have been historically marginalized – have their voices heard.” 

Canada’s unions welcome investments to date, such as increases to the Union Training and Innovation Program under the Canada Sustainable Jobs Plan and tax credits designed to spur investment in emissions-reducing projects and technologies while incentivizing the creation of good-paying, sustainable jobs. The federal government’s commitment to tie labour requirements to clean energy tax credits in Budget 2023, including prevailing wage levels and apprenticeship training opportunities, is particularly welcome.  

However, this is just a start. Moving towards a sustainable economy requires ambitious, targeted investments to meet climate targets while protecting and creating good, unionized work. It necessitates meaningful collaboration and social dialogue between organized labour, governments, and businesses to provide good-paying, secure jobs – and there must be pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and other equity-seeking groups. 

“More action is needed to ensure jobs in the sustainable economy provide fair compensation and benefits, health and safety protections, democratic representation in the workplace, and opportunities for equity,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC. “Concrete action – and investments – are vital for our collective wellbeing. For our planet and our communities, we must act now.” 

Add your voice to call for a Just Transition that puts sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities at the heart of climate action.

The post Earth Day 2023: Canada’s unions call on governments to put workers and communities first appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.

In a letter addressed to Treasury Board President, Mona Fortier—CLC President, Bea Bruske, warned the government that back-to-work legislation would be a misstep that would only worsen the current dispute and would be met with strong resistance from the entire labour movement.    

“Let us be very clear: we are in total disagreement with the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)’s push for back-to-work legislation,” said Bruske. “It is wrong of them to ask the government to violate these workers’ rights and to misrepresent PSAC’s demands.”  

For Canadians and small businesses to have the services they rely on, we need a strong public service. If the right to strike is weakened by the government legislating federal workers back to work, it will have a significant impact on every Canadian who expects to have their rights protected by their government.  

Bruske added: “Collective bargaining and the right to strike are fundamental rights. They are central to our democracy. The best and only way to ensure continued high-quality public services for Canada’s small businesses is for the government to negotiate a fair deal.” 

The deal these federal employees are currently being offered is, in reality, a pay cut. It does not go far enough to help workers make ends meet, and it is not going to attract the talent we need today and into the future to support Canadians and our country’s small businesses.   

You can see the full letter to Minister Fortier here.

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To arrange an interview, please contact:  
CLC Media Relations  
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426  

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OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to invest in workers in its budget to be released on March 28. 

“High inflation is eating away at workers’ hard-earned pay cheques, the relentless pursuit of higher corporate profits through price increases is worsening the affordability crisis, and our care system is crumbling. Our government must learn from the COVID-19 pandemic and use Budget 2023 to put people first.” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.  

Balancing our economy

Workers want the government to restore balance in our economy – the eye-watering cost of day-to-day necessities means workers and their families continue to struggle. Food prices show no signs of slowing down while grocery giants report super-sized profits. 

‘’What workers need from this government is to be put first,‘’ added Bruske. ‘’This should start with tackling excess profits by raising taxes on the wealthiest, and most profitable corporations, and closing tax loopholes. Some of Canada’s largest corporations took significant amounts of pandemic-related wage subsidies and reaped in record profits, then transferred billions of dollars to shareholders and avoided billions more in taxes. This must stop.” said Bruske.

Investing in public programs

Crushing workloads and excessive overtime are causing burnout, forcing health providers to leave their professions, and causing a critical shortage of health workers. Canada’s unions urge the government to keep experienced nurses in their jobs, bring them back to the public sector, and recruit nurses where needed most. 

‘’We hope to see some sizable investments in Budget 2023-24 to tackle Canada’s health care workforce crisis. Chronic understaffing has left health providers feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and overlooked, and patients and families face extreme wait times because hospitals and health facilities are over capacity,‘’ said Bruske.

‘’American-style, for-profit clinics drain resources from our public health care system, cost more and drive up wait times with life-and-death consequences. Our public healthcare system should be universal, based on need rather than the ability to pay,’’ added Bruske.

Putting workers first

In September 2022, the special measures put in place during the pandemic expired – leaving thousands of workers behind. Workers are now urging the government to help those who stand to lose their jobs in the event of a recession and permanently strengthen our faded Employment Insurance system by making COVID-19 simplification measures permanent and by reducing entrance requirements.

‘“Decades of defunding has resulted in only two in five unemployed people having access to EI,” said Bruske. ‘“We want Budget 2023 to signal the government’s return to directly funding a portion of EI benefits to support improved EI access, higher benefit levels, and simplified rules and procedures.’’ 

Canada’s unions are asking the government to prioritize sustainable jobs and expand public investments in renewable energy production, green building construction, and public transportation, which offer significant economic opportunities. Workers must be at the decision-making table. There must be pathways into these new jobs, accredited training for workers in high-emitting sectors, and good jobs must be created and protected as we reduce emissions in every workplace, sector, and community.

“We cannot afford to ignore the looming threat of the climate crisis. As economies around the world decarbonize, jobs and work will change too. Workers expect the government to invest in low-carbon industry and technology across sectors and across the country,’’ added President Bruske.

Housing for everyone

The rising cost of homes and rents is taking a toll on workers whose wages are not keeping up. Workers want their government to make serious efforts to combat financial speculation in housing, starting with taxing house-flipping and vacant properties to capture windfall real estate gains that go to the wealthiest Canadians. 

Canada’s unions are calling on the government to put in place ambitious and direct funding for the construction of new, non-market, affordable public housing, including social housing and co-ops for all, including Indigenous peoples, survivors of domestic violence, and people living with disabilities—particularly for marginalized groups.

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To arrange an interview, please contact: 
CLC Media Relations  
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426  

The post A Workers’ Budget: Labour demands for Budget 2023 appeared first on Canadian Labour Congress.