Pink Shirt Day: 2SLGBTQI+ kids should be free to be themselves
February 28, 2024
Canada’s unions are marking Pink Shirt Day 2024 by calling on all governments to support the freedom of trans and queer children and youth to be their authentic selves. “We care about the well-being of children. We also know that it is tough for kids to feel different from others growing up, and how important it is to feel safe…
Canada’s unions: confronting hate is a shared responsibility
December 10, 2023
This International Human Rights Day, Canada’s unions are calling on governments and individuals to collectively confront rising hate. Canada is facing a crisis: Statistics Canada data released earlier this year showed a record jump in hate crimes against 2SLGBTQI+, Muslim, and Jewish communities in 2021. This number continues to increase. This includes an alarming rise in incidences of hate and…
Violence and harassment should never be “just part of the job”
November 25, 2023
Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to urgently address third-party violence and harassment at work by implementing ILO Convention 190 (C-190). November 25 marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the beginning of 16 Days of Activism to End Gender-Based Violence. For too many workers – especially women and gender-diverse workers – the…
Statement from Bea Bruske: Canada’s unions reaffirm support for 2SLGBTQI+ community
September 20, 2023
I am alarmed by recent policy decisions from the governments of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan that have led to regressive claw backs on queer and trans children’s rights to privacy and safety in schools. Their actions ignore the reality of violence, harassment and bullying we know many trans and genderdiverse youth face at home and in their communities. By enacting…
Pride 2023: Together always, united in our diversity
June 1, 2023
Canada’s unions are celebrating 2023 Pride season, “Together Always, United in Our Diversity” by standing in solidarity against rising anti-2SLGBTQI+ attitudes and actions. We are committed to advancing 2SLGBTQI+ rights in workplaces and communities. “Whether on the shop floor, in union halls or in government spaces, Canada’s unions know that we are stronger together. We will continue to build unity…
Urgent action needed to end homophobic and transphobic violence at work
May 17, 2023
Gender-diverse workers in Canada are still facing disproportionately high rates of violence and harassment in the workplace. Canada’s unions are marking May 17, the international day against homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and intersexphobia by bringing attention to this pervasive problem. “All workers, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, deserve to work free of violence and harassment. Unfortunately, this reality is…
IDAHOTB: Canada’s unions call for an end to violence and harassment
May 17, 2022
Canada’s unions are marking the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOTB) by calling for meaningful action to end violence and harassment against 2SLGBTQI people in Canada. “Across the globe, we are seeing unprecedented attacks on the rights of 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “In 2022 alone, we’ve witnessed the introduction of…
Canada’s unions celebrate end to discriminatory blood donation policy
April 28, 2022
Bruske: Long-awaited victory for 2SLGBTQI advocates OTTAWA –– After waiting three decades, Canada’s unions welcome today’s decision by the Canadian government to reverse its discriminatory blood donation policy, which had been in place since 1992. “This is a positive step in addressing ongoing systemic discrimination experienced by 2SLGBTQI people,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). …
Canada’s unions mark Pink Shirt Day by calling for an end to workplace violence and harassment
February 24, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking Pink Shirt Day by calling on the federal government to ratify ILO Convention 190, a global convention to end all violence and harassment at work, including gender-based violence. Although Canada adopted Convention 190 in 2019, the federal government has yet to ratify the convention, which would turn the global treaty into law. Pink Shirt Day is…
Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with the 2SLGBTQI community
June 1, 2020
Pride season is a time for communities to come together to celebrate, show solidarity and press for change. In the midst of this COVID-19 crisis, we have to acknowledge that this year’s Pride will look different, but the need for supportive, affirmative communities is greater than ever. As celebrations across the country are cancelled, rescheduled or shifted to digital platforms…