Canada’s unions mark National Indigenous Peoples Day by calling for two-year extension of MMIW public inquiry
June 21, 2018
This National Indigenous Peoples Day, Canada’s unions are calling on the federal government to grant the two-year extension to the mandate of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Earlier in June, the Commission was only granted a six-month extension in response to its request to add an additional two years to their mandate. “We must…
Canadian and Colombian labour ministers sign action plan
May 24, 2018
In May 2016, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), together with the CUT (Central Unitaria de Trabajadores) Colombia and Colombian unions , submitted a complaint to the Canadian National Administrative Office (NAO) stating the Government of Colombia failed to comply with its obligations under the Canada-Colombia Agreement on Labour Cooperation (CCOALC). The complaint addressed issues of anti-union violence and the abuse…
Remembering Rana Plaza: Canadian corporations must do more
April 23, 2018
Canada’s unions are marking the fifth anniversary of the Rana Plaza disaster by urging Canadian companies to commit to protecting and promoting the human rights of textile workers. On April 24, 2013, over one thousand garment workers were killed or injured when the Rana Plaza factory collapsed. Investigations showed that working conditions in the building did not meet safety standards.…
Canada’s unions continue to challenge racism, xenophobia and discrimination
March 21, 2018
On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Canada’s unions are urging the federal government to take comprehensive steps to address race-based discrimination including systemic racism, anti-Indigeneity, anti-Black racism, and xenophobia. “As we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Canada’s unions are proud to continue to stand up for human rights.…
Canada’s unions call on federal government to create national strategy on anti-Black racism
February 1, 2018
To mark Black History Month, Canada’s unions are renewing their call on the federal government to commit to an anti-Black racism strategy. Such a strategy would require the government to commit to analyzing race-based statistics on how various institutional policies impact Canada’s Black communities. The key objective would be to eradicate institutionalized racism that is disproportionately harming this specific segment…
October 7, 2017 will mark the 10th anniversary of the World Day for Decent Work, a day when unions around the world unite in action for decent work. What is “decent work”? Access for all workers to quality jobs, dignity, equality, and safe working conditions. Putting workers at the centre of development and giving them a voice in what they do.…
On international day against racism, unions build solidarity with refugees
March 21, 2017
On March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, unions are on Parliament Hill with a unique experience that will let Members of Parliament and their staff see through the eyes of a refugee. “Refugee Crisis” is an immersive virtual reality experience that simulates the harsh reality of being forced to flee one’s home as a refugee;…
All parties must unite behind anti-Islamophobia motion
February 21, 2017
Canadian Labour Congress President Hassan Yussuff is urging all parties in the House of Commons to unite behind M-103, the Private Member’s Motion condemning Islamophobia. “Now is a crucial time for our country to stand up against Islamophobia. Unanimously passing this motion in the House of Commons would be a strong signal that we will not stand by and let…
Marie Clarke Walker to receive African Canadian Achievement Award of Excellence
February 15, 2017
The Canadian Labour Congress is congratulating Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker for receiving the African Canadian Achievement Award (ACAA) for excellence in business. Walker is one of fifteen recipients being honoured for their work as contemporary Black history-makers by the ACAA. The ceremony is considered one of the African Canadian community’s most prestigious Black History Month events. “I’m very proud…
The past, present, and future of working while Black
January 31, 2017
by CLC Executive Vice-President Marie Clarke Walker In 1946, Halifax businesswoman Viola Desmond went to a movie and sat on the main floor. The staff asked her to move: as a Black woman she was only allowed to sit in the balcony. When she refused, she was hauled out of the theatre by police and held overnight in jail, without…