May 9, 2022 marks the 30th anniversary of the Westray mine explosion that killed 26 miners in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. The fatal explosion was caused by a buildup of methane gas and coal dust. In the ensuing public inquiry, Justice Peter K. Richard uncovered “a complex mosaic of actions, omissions, mistakes, incompetence, apathy, cynicism, stupidity, and neglect.” Despite years…
Making Global Supply Chains Safe for Workers: Nine Years after the Rana Plaza Collapse
April 24, 2022
April 24th marks the anniversary of one of the world’s worst and avoidable industrial accidents. Rana Plaza, in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was home to garment factories supplying international garment brands. When it collapsed, more than 1,100 garment workers were killed and another 2,500 workers were seriously injured. This tragedy has drawn global attention to the exploitation and dangerous health and safety conditions…
Canadian workers to political leaders: it’s high time for paid sick leave
August 20, 2021
Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske welcomes the Liberal party’s election commitment to introduce 10 paid days of sick leave for workers falling under federal jurisdiction. Canada’s unions have been calling for paid sick leave from the earliest days of the pandemic. “Access to paid sick days reduces the spread of COVID and helps workers who keep our economy…
CLC Statement on the fatal crane collapse in Kelowna, BC
July 13, 2021
Today we learned that five people lost their lives, and more were injured due to the tragic crane collapse in Kelowna, BC. The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) extends its deepest condolences to the families, coworkers and friends of those people who didn’t return from work, as well as to those who suffered injuries and trauma as a result of this…
Canada’s unions call for urgent action to address hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI people
May 17, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by urging the federal government to address the rise in hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI communities in Canada. “There is no place for homophobic, transphobic or biphobic violence in our communities,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans…
Canada’s unions mark May Day by calling on governments to prioritize workers and their families
May 1, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking May Day by urging the federal government to act quickly to implement its most recent budget promises, which include significant investments in child care, job creation and skills training. May Day is an annual celebration held every May 1st during which workers from around the world celebrate the achievements made by trade unions. This year, the…
National Day of Mourning: the human cost of COVID-19
April 28, 2021
By Hassan Yussuff as published in The Hamilton Spectator Every year, workers and their families come together on April 28, the National Day of Mourning, to mourn those lost to workplace illness and injuries. This year, Canada’s unions are shining a light on the human cost of the COVID-19 pandemic. The enduring call to “Mourn the Dead; Fight for the…
We need smart public policy to address vaccine hesitancy
April 20, 2021
When the first COVID-19 vaccines were injected into the arms of Canadians last December, there was a widespread sense of optimism as people could see the beginning of the end of this pandemic. Now, with more contagious and deadly variants surging in most regions of the country, this third wave threatens to be the most-deadly phase of the pandemic that…
Canada’s unions mark Injured Workers Day by calling on governments to improve working conditions and supports
June 1, 2020
On this Injured Workers Day, in the midst of COVID-19, Canada’s unions are calling on all levels of government to do more to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, and to strengthen the workers’ compensation system. The current pandemic presents a monumental challenge in the fight to prevent workplace injury, illness and death. As Canadian jurisdictions begin to open up…
Health and Safety Conditions for Re-Opening Sectors of the Economy
May 8, 2020
As Canadian jurisdictions begin to open sectors of their economy it is important that working people have the protections they need to be able to do their jobs safely and get home to their loved ones at the end of every day without being injured, made ill or killed as a result of their work. This is a monumental challenge…