Publications

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…

Council of the Federation must focus on the impact of the trade war on workers

Bea Bruske, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress, issued the following statement today: Today, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Canada’s premiers are meeting to discuss the impact of Trump’s trade war on Canada. Workers should be front and centre for Canada’s leaders. This trade war has already taken a major toll on Canada’s workers. We are losing jobs or…

Canada’s unions warn against austerity

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress Prime Minister Carney’s instruction to cabinet to identify deep operational savings is a dangerous step in the wrong direction, one that puts critical public services and the workers who deliver them on the chopping block. We’ve already seen nearly 10,000 federal jobs lost in the past year, with thousands of…

Postal workers deserve a fair deal, not government interference

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress Canada’s unions are deeply disappointed — and profoundly concerned — by Minister Hajdu’s decision to impose a vote on Canada Post’s final offers. Let’s be clear: the strongest, most lasting agreements are reached at the bargaining table, not forced through governmental interference. This decision is more than just a misstep;…

Joint statement from French, British, and Canadian unions

In advance of the UN conference France is co-chairing, we unions representing millions of workers across France, the United Kingdom, and Canada urge our governments to formally recognise the State of Palestine now and to stand firm in their opposition to the atrocities committed in Gaza and the West Bank. We welcome the recent joint statement by our heads of…

Solidarity in our Pride: Unions Welcome 2025 Pride Season in Celebration of 2SLGBTQI+ Workers and Communities

From coast to coast, unions are joining in the festivities to celebrate the 2025 Pride season. “2SLGBTQI+ workers make enormous contributions to our workplaces, unions and communities,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Today, and every day, Canada’s unions show our pride by celebrating and fiercely defending the vibrant diversity within our movement.” We know from research…

Gaza: ITUC calls for urgent action to end humanitarian catastrophe

In response to the escalating violence in Gaza and the humanitarian catastrophe there, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, urgent humanitarian aid, and renewed global efforts for a just and lasting peace based on a two-state solution.

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the Wildfires Affecting Communities Across Canada

As wildfires continue to devastate communities across Canada—particularly in Manitoba—our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected. Families have been forced to flee their homes, communities are facing unimaginable loss, and far too many are living in uncertainty.  We are thinking of you. We stand with you.  We extend our deepest gratitude to the frontline workers—firefighters, emergency responders,…

Statement from Bea Bruske in Reaction to Trump’s Plan to Double Tariffs

Donald Trump’s plan to double steel & aluminum tariffs is yet another direct  attack on Canadian workers and a reckless move that will send shockwaves across the Canadian economy.   This decision will shut us out of the  U.S. market completely, devastating Canada’s steel & aluminum industry and threatening thousands of good-paying, unionized Canadian jobs.  In light of this escalating threat, Canada’s unions call for immediate government…