Publications

Home is not safe for everyone: Domestic violence during a pandemic

Canada’s unions are calling for increased vigilance and awareness to the growing risk of domestic violence amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The recommendation that people stay in their homes, along with added financial pressure and stress, can elevate the risk of violence and further entrenches isolation, which increases opportunities for abusers to exert power and control. Women’s shelters and transition houses…

Every worker deserves paid sick leave

Every worker deserves paid sick leave. No one should ever have to choose between their job, their health and the public interest. Our federal and provincial governments must work together to implement a uniform policy of 14 paid, job-protected sick days for all workers in Canada.

Canada’s unions say marginalized workers must not be forgotten during pandemic

Canada’s unions are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination by calling on the federal government to protect the rights of marginalized workers and refugees as part of its COVID-19 response. Migrant workers, undocumented people, people living on low-incomes, international students, racialized workers and refugees are particularly vulnerable to the health fallout of the current pandemic, as…

Canada’s unions welcome government aid for workers

OTTAWA – The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is pleased with measures announced today by the Prime Minister and Minister of Finance to help Canadian families deal with the major upheaval the country is facing. Vulnerable workers are at the front lines of the current crisis, in our hospitals, grocery stores and pharmacies, making sure Canadians have access to the food and…

CLC Convention Postponed

Today, the Canadian Council of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) made the unanimous decision to postpone the CLC’s triennial convention, which was set to take place in Vancouver from May 4 to 8. The CLC will honour the current registration of delegates unless otherwise instructed. This decision was made in response to the consensus by public health authorities to ban…

Supporting workers in a time of crisis: Key steps for governments and employers

Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government and its provincial and territorial counterparts to provide immediate income support to workers in self-isolation, quarantine or who are addressing child care needs. Income support will be critical to minimizing the economic impact of COVID-19. In addition, the Canadian Labour Congress is calling on all governments and employers to take every step…

Canada’s unions are calling for urgent fiscal measures to respond to COVID-19

Canada’s unions are calling on all levels of government to provide adequate supports for workers and their families as the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic reverberate in communities and throughout the economy. “We continue to share our recommendations with the federal government as this situation progresses. While there has been an important move in easing measures around Employment Insurance (EI)…

Business and Labour come together to mitigate COVID-19 risks

OTTAWA – The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) issued the following joint statement today in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: “The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the CLC are uniting our response efforts to ensure all appropriate measures are put in place to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 for Canada’s employers and employees. “Canada’s economy,…

Support workers to stem the spread of COVID-19

OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to implement all measures necessary to protect jobs and ensure public health measures stop the spread of COVID-19. “Canadian workers are in a very tenuous situation right now. The majority have no paid sick leave and low cash reserves to buffer against unemployment. For many, missing work is not an…

#DoneWaiting: Make Canada a Leader in Global in Gender Equality

This International Women’s Day, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to meet its international obligations and show real progress towards women’s equality and economic justice. “We know some steps the federal government can take right now to be a global leader in gender equality—if they are bold enough,” said Marie Clarke Walker, Secretary-Treasurer of the Canadian Labour Congress.…