Publications

Canada’s unions call for stronger action on jobs and public services

OTTAWA—Today’s federal budget lands at a moment of deep uncertainty. Workers are facing rising prices, a growing trade crisis, and public programs stretched to the limit. With U.S. tariffs already costing Canadian jobs, this budget was a chance to show Canada is ready to stand up for workers, build resilience, protect jobs, and invest in people and public services. “When…

Budget 2025 must create jobs by investing in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways

OTTAWA—As workers and communities face growing uncertainty from Trump’s trade war, inflation, and a rising affordability crisis, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to use Budget 2025 to invest in people and infrastructure—not cuts and corporate giveaways. “Workers are doing their part to hold this country together, our elbows are up, but they’re being squeezed from every direction,”…

Canada’s unions put workers at the heart of NDP leadership race

OTTAWA –– The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) put workers’ issues in the spotlight on Wednesday, hosting the first major public event of the NDP leadership race. The workers-first forum brought leadership candidates Avi Lewis, Heather McPherson, Rob Ashton, Tanille Johnston, and Tony McQuail together to engage directly with worker concerns. Moderated by CLC President Bea Bruske, the event gathered more…

As Parliament Returns, Canada’s Unions Say: No More Cuts, Invest in Workers

OTTAWA — With Parliament’s fall session underway and the Bank of Canada’s latest interest rate decision, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is urging the federal government to stop pushing cuts and start investing in the people who keep this country running. At a press conference this morning, CLC President Bea Bruske and Senior Economist DT Cochrane warned that Canada’s economy…

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the Prime Minister’s trade and tariff announcement

Ottawa – Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, released the following statement: “Canada’s unions are ready to work with government to make sure today’s announcement delivers for workers and for our economy. Ottawa‘s strategy must prioritize good jobs and better lives for workers their families. To succeed, we need we need a clear industrial strategy that coordinates across…

Statement from Bea Bruske on Carney’s plan to remove U.S. counter-tariffs

Canada’s unions refuse to accept punishing tariffs on our critical export industries as the “new normal.” These tariffs have been an attack on Canadian workers and our economy, and our government must stand strong. Rolling over to Donald Trump’s demands is not an option. Let’s be clear: capitulation hasn’t delivered Canada a single gain from Trump. Whether it was scrapping…

CUPE flight attendants prove bargaining, not Carney’s Section 107, delivers deals

OTTAWA – Air Canada flight attendants, members of CUPE, have delivered a decisive blow to employers who think they can sidestep fair bargaining by hiding behind Section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. Prime Minister Carney’s government chose to impose Section 107 just hours after the strike began—an unprecedented and heavy-handed move to tilt the scales in the employer’s favour.…

Statement from Bea Bruske: Trump’s 35% Tariffs Demand a Bold Response

We are once again facing a direct economic assault on Canada and Canadian workers. Donald Trump’s announcement of 35% tariffs on our goods coming into force on August 1st is a calculated attack—an attempt to bully our country, break our backbone, and force us to kneel to his agenda. It comes two days after he imposed a 50% tariff on…

Canada’s unions applaud recognition of Palestinian statehood and urge further action to end the crisis in Gaza

Open Letter from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, to Prime Minister Mark Carney Dear Prime Minister:  On behalf of Canada’s unions, I am writing about the unspeakable situation in Gaza and what can only be described as genocide. The October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas was an atrocity. The collective punishment being inflicted on millions of Palestinians in…

Gaza: ITUC condemns Israeli interception of Handala solidarity boat and arrest of trade unionists

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) expresses deep concern and condemnation over the recent interception and detention of the civilian vessel Handala by the Israeli military in international waters. The Handala, part of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, was carrying vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, along with 21 peaceful activists committed to human rights and international solidarity. Among those unlawfully detained are…