Publications

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…

Canada’s Labour, Business, and Municipal Leaders Respond to Trump’s Tariff Hike

Ottawa, ON — On Wednesday, June 4, three of Canada’s foremost national leaders representing workers, businesses, and municipalities, will hold a joint press conference in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to double tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel. This reckless escalation is a direct attack on Canadian workers, businesses, and local economies. The impact threatens to devastate Canada’s…

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…

National AccessAbility Week 2025: Federal government must provide a better benefit

Canada’s unions are marking National AccessAbility Week 2025 by calling on the newly elected federal government to shape a better Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) that lifts people with disabilities in Canada out of poverty. “The Canada Disability Benefit was a landmark initiative and legacy program left over by Canada’s last Liberal government,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “However,…

Throne Speech misses the mark for workers

Statement by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the Government’s Throne Speech OTTAWA –– Workers expected an ambitious plan to strengthen our economy, create jobs, and defend communities against Trump’s agenda, however, today’s throne speech provided none of this. Workers need the federal government to have a plan, backed by bold investment and action, to deliver good…

Workers mark IDAHOBIT 2025 united against anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate

Across Canada, unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia with a renewed call to action to challenge the disproportionate and alarmingly high levels of harassment and violence faced by 2SLGBTQI+ people both at work and in our communities. “Combatting all forms of anti-2SLGBTQI+ hate, whether it’s discrimination at work or in our society, is a trade…

Labour 7 Statement to G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors

Labour 7 urges G7 countries to put green and decent job creation at heart of economic policymaking Workers in the Crossfire: Inflation, Austerity, Precarious Jobs and Rising Insecurity Workers in G7 countries have faced a series of compounding shocks in recent years that have significantly strained household incomes and undermined job security. The 2022- 2023 surge in inflation led to…

Statement from Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, on the swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney’s Cabinet

OTTAWA – Today marks a new chapter for Canada, and workers are watching closely. With the swearing-in of Prime Minister Carney’s new Cabinet, working people across Canada are looking not for symbolism, but for action—urgent, bold, and focused. Canadians are struggling with the rising cost of living, a worsening housing crisis, a strained public health care system, and job insecurity…