Canada’s unions: victory laps premature when it comes to jobs numbers

Canada’s unions: victory laps premature when it comes to jobs numbers

Bruske: Wages rising at less than the cost-of-living while workers in some sectors are being left behind OTTAWA – Today’s Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey shows that the overly-rosy picture some claim about the economic recovery doesn’t hold up on closer inspection. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress points out that the reality facing many Canadian workers is…

Canadian Labour Congress’ President Bea Bruske available to react to labour force data

OTTAWA –Canada’s unions will be reacting to labour force data to be released by Statistics Canada tomorrow, Friday, March 11, 2022, and are urging analysts to look beyond the top-level numbers to see the full picture. “When you sift below the headlines and talk to people about the labour market, you see a different story about Canada’s economic recovery. There…

IWD 2022: Gender equality depends on a healthy care economy

Canada’s unions are marking International Women’s Day 2022 by highlighting the critical importance of care work, and calling for greater support for care workers and investments in Canada’s care systems. “We all need care at some point in our lives. It is vital, skilled and life-sustaining work that supports our families, economy, and communities,” said Bea Bruske, President of the…

Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with Ukraine and condemn unprovoked Russian aggression

OTTAWA–– Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “The world is watching with horror as Russia launches an unjustified attack on Ukraine and its people. Canada’s unions condemn this unprovoked act of aggression and stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine who now face violence, hardship and an uncertain future. “Russia’s military assault will…

Every worker deserves ten days paid sick leave

Bruske: Canada’s unions urge the federal government to work with the premiers to protect our communities by giving every worker access to paid sick leave OTTAWA – On the eve of federal, provincial and territorial labour minister meetings, chaired by Minister Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s unions are urging Canada’s leaders to protect our communities from COVID-19 and other future viruses by…

Joint statement from Canada’s unions on the Ottawa occupation

Canada’s unions have fought for generations for the right to protest. This is a cornerstone of our democratic system. But what we have witnessed on the streets of Canada’s capital over the past thirteen days is something different altogether. This is not a protest, it is an occupation by an angry mob trying to disguise itself as a peaceful protest…

Statement by Bea Bruske: Respecting rights is a two-way street

OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement today: “Canada’s unions believe the right to protest is fundamental to our democracy. This is a right cherished by Canada’s labour movement and one we have fought for many times over many years. “We respect the rights of all Canadians to hold their own views and express their…

Welcome progress in first 100 days – but much work to do in next 100 weeks

Bruske: Government and parliament must roll up their sleeves and get down to work OTTAWA––As we mark the first 100 days of this government tomorrow, Canada’s unions welcome progress made on a number of important issues. But with families reeling from rising prices and the pandemic still running through our communities, too many people are being left without help when…

Health investments must be tied to stronger public health care

Bruske: Increased health transfers must improve public health – not become tax giveaways to people who don’t need it OTTAWA––With our public health systems facing a crisis point, Canada’s unions are demanding that increases to federal health transfers must be tied to delivering better health care to Canadian families. “We see dire shortages of health workers across the country. Long-term…

Concrete action needed to address anti-Black racism and discrimination

Canada’s unions are marking Black History Month by calling for long-term, concrete government action to address systemic labour market discrimination and disadvantages faced by Black workers. “Black people in Canada have had to struggle with the impacts of colonial systems that have rooted anti-Black racism into our institutions, policies, workplaces and society,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour…