Publications

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…

CLC President Bea Bruske in Washington for labour meetings amidst trade war 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – As U.S. President Donald Trump reignites global instability with a reckless 35% tariff threat, international labour leaders are uniting to defend workers and democracy. Tomorrow, Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, is joining Liz Shuler, President of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), and Yasmin Fahimi, President of the German…

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 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…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the G7 Summit

From Kitimat to Selkirk, Sault Ste. Marie to Alma, and now Hamilton—workers across Canada are bracing for the next round of layoffs. Entire industries are being hollowed out. Families are living in a constant state of uncertainty, fearing the loss of their homes, their savings, and their livelihoods. In this moment of deep economic anxiety, Canadians deserve leadership that listens…

Canada’s unions urge the government to take action to help end the crisis in Gaza

In a letter to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canadian Labour Congress President Bea Bruske urges the federal government to move beyond statements and take immediate action to help end the violence in Gaza and advance a just and lasting peace. Canada has a responsibility to stand up for international law, human rights, and the dignity of all people. That means…

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…