Publications

Airport privatization would cost workers and passengers, CLC report warns

OTTAWA — Privatizing Canada’s airports would put upward pressure on the cost of flying and put airport workers at risk, according to a new report from the Canadian Labour Congress, released ahead of next week’s Canada Investment Summit. Public Runways, Private Profits: Why Airport Privatization Would Be Risky and Costly for Canadians examines airport privatization in Australia, New Zealand, Portugal,…

CLC warns Labour Code report leaves door open to restrictions on the right to strike

OTTAWA—CLC President Bea Bruske issued the following statement: “The government’s What We Heard report reflects what workers and unions have been saying throughout the Labour Code review, but it also leaves the door open to proposals that would give government more power to intervene in strikes and restrict workers’ bargaining power. Canada needs stronger labour laws that protect the right…

Labour Day statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress: This Labour Day, workers are fighting for our jobs and our rights

OTTAWA — This Labour Day, Canada’s unions are standing up for workers’ jobs, livelihoods, and rights as Trump’s trade war creates growing uncertainty for working people across the country. “Canada is right to stand firm against Trump, but we cannot lose sight of what that will mean for working people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “There…

Canada’s unions back firm stand on trade, call for stronger worker supports and good union jobs

OTTAWA — Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske met with Prime Minister Mark Carney and national union leaders today, telling the Prime Minister that Canada’s unions stand behind the decision to walk away from a bad trade deal and are ready for the difficult fight ahead. “Walking away was the right decision. Canada’s workers are behind our country in this…

Walking Away from a Bad Deal Was the Right Choice. Now Canada Must Protect Workers

WINNIPEG — Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, issued the following statement after Canada-U.S. trade negotiations broke down Friday night: “Walking away from a bad deal was the right choice for Canada. We support the Prime Minister and Canada’s negotiating team in this crucial decision. “Donald Trump has once again chosen economic intimidation over fair trade, imposing 50…

BRUSKE: Canada Must Stand Firm for a Trade Deal That Delivers for Workers

CLC president Bea Bruske issued the following statement in reaction to Prime Minister Carney describing the Canada-U.S. trade talks as “delicate and intense.” As trade unionists, we know what it takes to win at the negotiating table against a powerful counterpart. It takes strength, clarity, unity. It means knowing your bottom line, understanding your leverage and being prepared to use…

Second Labour Code submission warns Ottawa not to entrench powers to end legal strikes

OTTAWA — The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) says the federal government’s second round of consultations on the Canada Labour Code raises troubling new concerns by asking how the government’s power to intervene in lawful strikes should be preserved, rather than whether it should continue to exist. “The government is asking the wrong question,” said Bea Bruske, President of the CLC.…

Emancipation Day: Justice requires action, not just reflection.

OTTAWA — Canada’s unions are marking Emancipation Day by reiterating their calls for the federal government to strengthen the Employment Equity Act. Emancipation Day recognizes the abolition of slavery in Canada and other British colonies on August 1st, 1834. It is a day to reflect on this nation’s history and participation in slavery, and to remember and honour those who were…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA — “The Bank of Canada has now been found twice in two weeks to have broken Canada’s anti-scab law. Parliament passed this law to protect workers’ right to strike and ensure collective bargaining is fair. When employers use scab labour, they undermine that fundamental right. The Bank of Canada should immediately stop using scab labour, comply with the Canada…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress

OTTAWA — “The Bank of Canada has now been found twice in two weeks to have broken Canada’s anti-scab law. Parliament passed this law to protect workers’ right to strike and ensure collective bargaining is fair. When employers use scab labour, they undermine that fundamental right. The Bank of Canada should immediately stop using scab labour, comply with the Canada…