Canada’s unions applaud overturning of Lula convictions
April 20, 2021
Canadian unions welcome the overturning of criminal convictions against former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. “At last, there is justice for Lula, Brazilian workers and people who have ceaselessly defended his innocence,” says Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, which supported the global Free Lula campaign. On Thursday, the Supreme Court of Brazil confirmed lower court…
Canada’s unions call on Ottawa to protect Uyghurs in China
February 24, 2021
Canada’s unions applaud Parliament’s recognition that the Chinese government is committing genocide against its Muslim minority and is now calling on Ottawa to act accordingly. The Government of Canada should now move to officially recognize the genocide and implement the recommendations of the Subcommittee of International Human Rights of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Development (SDIR). Witnesses…
Canada’s unions stand with India’s farmers and farm workers
December 22, 2020
Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with farmers and agricultural workers in India as they continue to protest recent reforms to agricultural laws that deregulate the industry and leave farmers and farm workers vulnerable to exploitation by international corporations. “Deregulating local produce markets will have a devastating impact on farmers, farm workers and food security in India,” said Canadian Labour Congress…
Canada’s unions applaud cancellation of U.S. tariffs
September 15, 2020
OTTAWA – Canada’s unions commend the federal government for acting decisively to end the standoff over U.S.-imposed tariffs on the country’s aluminum exports. Earlier today, the American government reversed the highly contentious tariffs just hours before the Canadian government was set to impose its own retaliatory actions. Those actions would have had significant repercussions in the U.S. and would have…
Canada’s unions call on government to fight U.S. tariffs
August 6, 2020
OTTAWA – Tariffs imposed today on Canadian aluminum exports by the United States put thousands of workers at risk and the Canadian government must act aggressively to oppose the move. “The announcement today by the U.S. President undermines the stated purpose and spirit of Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement,” said Hassan Yussuff, president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “The Canadian government must…
Supreme Court ruling on Uber underscores workers’ rights
June 26, 2020
OTTAWA – By ruling today that Uber drivers have a right to reasonable dispute resolution, the Supreme Court of Canada has defended the workers’ rights. “This decision underscores the message that a worker is a worker,” said Canadian Labour Congress President, Hassan Yussuff. “This ruling sends a clear message to employers that they can’t skirt around workers’ rights by using…
Canada’s unions stand in solidarity with citizens of Hong Kong
June 3, 2020
The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) stands in solidarity with labour unions, workers and citizens in Hong Kong as they battle for their democratic freedom. The latest escalation in this long-fought struggle is the recent introduction of national security legislation by the Chinese government which will allow Chinese state security forces to operate in Hong Kong. “Our Brothers and Sisters are…
Canada’s Unions call on the Canadian government to fight to stop the annexation of Palestinian lands
June 2, 2020
The Canadian Labour Congress condemns the recent unilateral move by Israel to annex parts of Palestinian territory. This move dismantles decades of work towards a just and negotiated settlement between Israel and Palestine. Israel’s new coalition government has announced it will move forward with the process of annexing West Bank settlements and the Jordan Valley as early as July. The…
Protect the women who make our clothes: Canada’s unions and civil society organizations call for action
April 24, 2020
Seven years after the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse, Bangladesh garment sector workers now confront even more risk and vulnerability in the fight against COVID-19. Canada’s unions and civil society organizations are calling for immediate relief for workers and protection of rights in global supply chains. The coalition says that concerns for workers cannot stop at Canada’s borders and the…
Canada’s unions mark 30th anniversary of Polytechnique Massacre
December 6, 2019
It has been thirty years since fourteen lives were lost in an act of misogynistic violence at Montréal’s École Polytechnique. Every year since, communities across the country have mourned those, and innumerable others, lost to gender-based violence with a National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. While recent federal initiatives have progressed the drive to end institutionalized…