Publications

Urgent action needed to end homophobic and
transphobic violence at work

Gender-diverse workers in Canada are still facing disproportionately high rates of violence and harassment in the workplace. Canada’s unions are marking May 17, the international day against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersexphobia by bringing attention to this pervasive problem. “All workers, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, deserve to work free of violence and harassment. Unfortunately, this reality is…

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 demand meaningful enforcement of the Westray Law

May 9, 2023, marks the 31st anniversary of the Westray disaster that killed 26 miners in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Following the explosion caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust, Justice Peter K. Richard who led the public inquiry into the disaster found “a complex mosaic of actions, omissions, mistakes, incompetence, apathy, cynicism, stupidity, and neglect,”.  No…

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…

Jewish labour activism vital in fight against discrimination in Canada

The Jewish community has been a big part of Canadian labour history, and has played a vital role in the fight for social justice and the defense workers’ rights. Incidents of antisemitism and hate are on the rise, and Canada’s unions remain resolute in fighting antisemitism, hate and discrimination. “Jewish labour community activists recognized early on the interconnected nature of…

Celebrating the contributions of Asian-Canadian workers to Canada’s labour history

Asian-Canadian workers have played an integral role in shaping Canadian labour history. But members of Asian communities still face acts of racism and discrimination today. Committed individuals, organizations and coalitions continue to fight for the rights of Asian workers – including migrant workers, many of whom are Asian – here in Canada. “Canada, and the labour movement have greatly benefitted…

Canada’s unions call for enhanced mental health supports during Mental Health Week

As National Mental Health Week begins, many workers – especially women, racialized workers, 2SLGBTQI+ workers, migrant workers and workers with disabilities – still face unacceptable threats and hazards to their mental health in the workplace. Every worker deserves workplaces that are safe, provide balanced workloads, and ensure the supports they require to be well at work. Part of building psychologically…

Day of Mourning 2023: Workers’ empowerment key to workplace health and safety

As unions across Canada mark the National Day of Mourning, the Canadian Labour Congress wants to ensure workers are empowered to know their health and safety rights in the workplace, defend existing gains and use the tools at their disposal. April 28 is the National Day of Mourning, a day to commemorate those who have died or been injured as…

Never again: Canada’s unions mark 10 years since the Rana Plaza factory collapse

On April 24, workers in Bangladesh and across the globe will gather to mark the anniversary of the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse and mourn the loss of the more than 1,100 workers who were killed. Over 2,500 workers and their families continue to live with the aftermath of serious injuries sustained in one of the world’s worst industrial disasters.…