Publications

IDAHOTB: Canada’s unions call for an end to violence and harassment

Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by calling for meaningful action to end violence and harassment against 2SLGBTQI people in Canada. “Across the globe, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In 2022 alone, we’ve witnessed the introduction of…

Honour Westray. Enforce the law.

May 9, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the Westray mine explosion that killed 26 miners in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The fatal explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust. In the ensuing public inquiry, Justice Peter K. Richard uncovered “a complex mosaic of actions, omissions, mistakes, incompetence, apathy, cynicism, stupidity, and neglect.” Despite years…

Canada’s unions: Protect our public institutions

Canada’s unions are asking the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry to ensure no other publicly funded institutions follow in the footsteps of Laurentian University and file for bankruptcy. “When Laurentian University declared bankruptcy, it pulled critical education programs out of Sudbury and its surrounding communities.” said Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress. “A university like Laurentian provides…

Workers welcome wins in budget bill

Bruske: Canada’s unions welcome progress on key issues, but there’s more work to do on implementing 10 days of paid sick leave OTTAWA –– Canada’s unions welcomed progress in today’s Budget Implementation Act on a number of vital issues the labour movement has long pushed for but were disappointed with new delays and restrictions implementing the new paid sick leave…

Celebrate May Day the best way possible: organize!

Canada’s unions are marking May Day by standing in solidarity with workers around the world, and reminding all workers of the importance of building solidarity through worker engagement and organizing. When we organize collectively, we can ensure life is fairer for everyone. Today we also celebrate workers, the people who built this country and power our communities. From the shop…

Asian Heritage Month: Canada must do more to eliminate anti-Asian racism

As Canada prepares to mark Asian Heritage Month in May, anti-Asian racism and xenophobia have continued to rise consistently across the country over the past two years. A national report released by the Chinese Canadian National Council Toronto Chapter and Project 1907 shows that anti-Asian racism and xenophobia have continued to rise consistently across Canada two years into the pandemic.…

Work shouldn’t hurt: workplace health and safety rights should be fundamental

Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to take swift action on workplace health and safety to ensure that workers in Canada are protected on the job. We are also calling on the ILO to make occupational health and safety a fundamental right. In Canada, over 1,000 workplace deaths are reported every year; hundreds of thousands more are injured…

Making Global Supply Chains Safe for Workers: Nine Years after the Rana Plaza Collapse

April 24th marks the anniversary of one of the world’s worst and avoidable industrial accidents. Rana Plaza, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was home to garment factories supplying international garment brands. When it collapsed, more than 1,100 garment workers were killed and another 2,500 workers were seriously injured. This tragedy has drawn global attention to the exploitation and dangerous health and safety conditions…

Rising interest rates and record inflation creating perfect storm of unaffordability

Bruske: With the cost of everything – even debt – rising fast, we must fight low-wage policies that hurt workers and their families OTTAWA – With fast rising interest rates and inflation increasing well ahead of wages, Canada’s unions are urging governments to take action to help families facing an ever‑tightening financial squeeze. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour…

Labour 7 statement to the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2022

The 2022 Labour 7 summit “Shaping the Global Common Good” will take place in Berlin from May 11 to 13. In advance of the summit, trade union leaders from G7 countries have issued the joint Labour 7 statement to the G7 Leaders’ Summit 2022: Shaping the Global Common Good Peace and Democracy, Climate Action, Health, Fair Digitalisation. You can read the…