Publications

National, provincial and territorial labour leaders voice strong opposition to back-to-work legislation in ILWU job action against the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCME)

In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, labour leaders from across the country reiterated their strong opposition to any attempt by the federal government to introduce back-to-work legislation against International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) workers currently on strike.  “Back-to-work legislation would be a misstep that would only aggravate the situation. If the right to strike is weakened by…

Workers to Premiers: Act Now to Fix Health Care, Create Sustainable Jobs and Make Life More Affordable

WINNIPEG—Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske has written to Canada’s premiers outlining workers’ priorities for this week’s Council of the Federation meetings. “Workers and families are looking to Canada’s premiers for action to fix the health care crisis, help families struggling with still-rising prices, and collaborate with workers on creating sustainable, union jobs in a low-carbon economy,” said Bruske. “We…

Statement by Bea Bruske on the Port of Vancouver Strike

Bruske: The most durable deal is the one negotiated at the bargaining table OTTAWA – Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) and urge the BC Maritime Employers Association (BCME) to return to the table and bargain outstanding issues in good faith.  The fact is the best labour agreements are always the ones negotiated…

Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples requires ongoing commitment and action

Canada’s unions are marking National Indigenous People’s Day by reaffirming our steadfast commitment to advancing reconciliation and justice for Indigenous peoples, within our communities and workplaces across the country. This includes continuing to demand urgent action from the federal government on reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. “The impacts of Canada’s violent colonial history continue to be experienced…

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…

Fighting for Workers’ Rights: Canada’s Unions Lift Everyone Up

Bruske: This is a pivotal moment in our labour movement. We need to organize to give every worker the power that comes with signing a union card. MONTREAL – Thousands of workers from across Canada gathered to adopt an ambitious plan to improve the lives of working people. The 30th Constitutional Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress called for changes…

Canada’s Unions: Lifting Everyone Up

Thousands of union activists to gather in Montréal to tackle pressing issues facing workers MONTRÉAL–– Thousands of delegates representing local, regional and national unions and labour bodies from across the country will gather at Montréal’s Palais des congrès from May 8 to 12 for the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC)’s 30th Constitutional Convention. The Convention is the highest decision-making body for…

May Day: Strong Unions Build Worker Power

Canada’s unions mark May Day by celebrating worker power and the contributions that workers and their unions make to society. “Today is a day to celebrate our wins and fortify ourselves for the next fight. Workers can achieve incredible things when they come together. Being a union member means having a safe workplace, better pay, more benefits, and good work-life…