Publications

Unions pave path to the middle class for millions of Canadians

Bruske: Growing momentum for workers to demand better OTTAWA–Canada’s unions are marking Labour Day by celebrating the hard-fought gains of the labour movement and bringing workers, their families and allies together in solidarity, united in their commitment to the important work ahead. “The collective power of workers and our long fight for fairness has delivered the forty-hour work week, pensions,…

Labour Day: Worker power is key to a stronger middle class

(TORONTO) Canada’s unions are encouraging workers to reclaim their power and stand up to employers and governments, as the country struggles to recover from the economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. “The pandemic and its devastating effects aren’t behind us yet, but workers in Canada have an opportunity to help shape the future we want,” said Bea Bruske, President…

Despite slowing inflation, prices still rising faster than wages

Bruske: Government should tax corporate profiteers to pay for extending expiring EI measures OTTAWA––Improving inflation numbers are a hopeful sign, but there’s still an affordability crisis facing workers and their families, cautioned Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. Today’s slightly improved CPI numbers showed prices still rising at 7.6% in July, well ahead of average wage growth. Groceries…

Progress towards a world of work free of violence and harassment

Bruske: Now we must turn to the hard work of implementing this landmark international agreement to better protect workers OTTAWA––Canada’s unions welcome today’s announcement by the federal government that they will finally live up to their commitment to ratify the International Labour Organization Convention no. 190 (C-190) on Violence and Harassment. “We are happy to see Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s…

Bruske to PM: Work with premiers to fix Canada’s crumbling care system

As families face shuttered emergency rooms, governments must act now so people can get the care they need OTTAWA––As families in communities across the country face closures of emergency departments, hospitals, intensive care units and birthing centres, Canada’s unions are demanding quick action from Canada’s leaders to address this health care crisis. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress,…

Bank of Canada governor should stay in his lane and not undermine collective bargaining

It isn’t the 1970s; evidence does not point to a wage-price spiral. So why is Tiff Macklem now warning about wages rather than corporate profiteering? By Bea Bruske, as published in the Toronto Star The spotlight has shone brightly on Canada’s Bank Governor this year. Tiff Macklem’s starring role has put him centre stage in Canada’s ongoing inflation drama. As…

Governments must help families facing economic precipice

Bruske: Mounting evidence of low-income families at grave risk from inflation crisis must be wake-up call to all levels of government OTTAWA––Canada’s unions are calling on Canada’s governments to take immediate action to increase supports for low-income people as evidence mounts of a growing number of families unable to afford skyrocketing housing, energy and food costs. “So many are struggling…

Canada’s unions welcome today’s B.C. court’s decision in Cambie case

Bruske: Now is the time to strengthen our public health care system OTTAWA –Canada’s unions are celebrating today’s decision from the BC Court of Appeal in the Cambie Surgeries Corporation (CSC) case. Protecting and strengthening our public health care system is critical, especially with the current crisis in health care across our country. Today’s decision by the court upholds the…

Canada’s unions welcome Premiers’ call for more federal health investment – but demand greater accountability

VICTORIA––Canada’s unions welcomed the Council of the Federation’s call for increased federal health transfers but Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, warned Canada’s premiers that new funding must take action to fix the health worker crisis and improve patient access and care. “Canada’s health care workers are looking at yet another summer without a break as terrible staffing…

Canada’s unions to engage Premiers at the Council of the Federation on strengthening public health care

OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will be available to talk about next week’s Council of the Federation meetings, which will be focused on health care. “Extreme staffing shortages and years of chronic underfunding are placing an unbearable strain on health workers and putting our public health care system at risk,” said Bruske. “Canada’s unions will be in…