OTTAWA – As Parliament adjourns for the summer, Canada’s unions are celebrating major and historic victories for the labour movement. However, the struggle is far from over.

We are finally charting a course towards a sustainable future with workers at the forefront. Last October, Poilievre’s Conservatives stalled Bill C-50 in committee for over a month, engaging in nothing but shenanigans and squandering time and public funds.

Today, workers can celebrate the Royal Assent of the Sustainable Jobs Act, a landmark legislation that grants workers a decisive voice in shaping their future.

The CLC would like to thank the government and the NDP for moving Bill C-50 through the House of Commons and Senator Hassan Yussuff for sponsoring the Bill in the Senate.

The next imperative is for the government to collaborate with industry and workers to set concrete goals that create and protect good union jobs as we confront climate change and establish the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council.

“This legislation might never have materialized if workers from coast to coast hadn’t raised their voices,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “By bringing together workers, unions, and businesses, governments now have the potential to drive innovation, decarbonize existing jobs for long-term sustainability, and generate new low-carbon job jobs that enable workers to support their families.”

Another monumental triumph for the labour movement is the passage of Bill C-58, the Anti-Scab legislation, which received unanimous support from MPs and clearance by the Senate. After decades of relentless advocacy, Canada now has federal anti-scab legislation. This is crucial for protecting workers and their right to strike. The use of scab labour not only undermines this right but also exacerbates labour disputes and intensifies hostility on picket lines.

“I’ve heard countless stories from workers who have faced direct confrontations during strikes, jeopardizing their safety and livelihoods. This must never happen. We are pleased to see this long-overdue protection for workers that will significantly restore balance at the bargaining table,” added Bruske.

Earlier this week, CLC President Bea Bruske, alongside Jason Maclean, Chair of the Canadian Health Coalition, and Manuel Arango, Vice President at the Heart and Stroke Foundation, urged Senators to pass Bill C-64, the Pharmacare Act, without amendments or further delays.

“Canadians could be accessing free birth control and diabetes medication this summer if the Senate were to pass Bill C-64 now. People have waited long enough to access free birth control and free diabetes medication and devices. Our message to the Senate is clear: pass this bill now and let’s get these medications to people who need them immediately,” stated Bruske

As the countdown to the next election begins, workers stand united with a clear message to all political parties: if you want our votes, you must respect our rights and deliver real help to workers and families. We demand concrete actions, not empty promises.

Last April, Canada’s labour leaders from across the nation issued a stern warning to politicians from all parties that workers demand more than just supportive rhetoric.

“Workers will hold politicians accountable if they fail to support concrete measures to protect workers’ rights and continue allowing employers to have the upper hand,” warned Bruske. “All parties must commit to concrete actions that dismantle barriers to joining or forming a union and crack down on any company that unfairly obstructs workers from organizing.”

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As we mark Earth Day on April 22, workers are on the frontline of extreme weather events, including drought, floods, forest fires, and more. They know firsthand the dire consequences facing their communities if our governments don’t address climate change. 

“Canada’s net-zero future must be built with good, unionized jobs,” says Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Through the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council and through real, tripartite action, we can ensure that sustainable jobs are good union jobs with decent pay and benefits to support families, communities, and the country as a whole.”  

“Through dedicated, worker-focused supports, as well as union-led, not for profit training and worker-centered regional economic development, change for the better is possible – but only if we act now,” said Larry Rousseau, Executive Vice-President of the CLC.  

“Workers are taking note of leaders who support their futures – and those who don’t. The Poilievre Conservatives fought tooth and nail against the Sustainable Jobs Act, proving yet again that they are no friend to workers,” said Bruske.

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“Thanks to the hard work of union members across Canada, the federal government is making sustainable jobs and a shift to net zero a top priority. Workers have the expertise to help decarbonize our economy, and this bill will guarantee unions and workers seats at the table on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “We now call on Senators to pass this legislation quickly, so we can continue this important work while keeping workers and communities at the heart of Canada’s climate plans.”

This major milestone would not have been reached without the continued advocacy of workers, and the dedication of New Democrats and the federal government. Bill C-50 will ensure that sustainable jobs are good union jobs, with good pay and benefits. It will create new sustainable jobs, help shift energy workers into sustainable jobs, and decarbonize good jobs to make them sustainable.

Workers and unions were incredibly disappointed that Conservatives chose to fight the inclusion of worker voices in shaping a sustainable future built on good, unionized, net-zero jobs. The best outcomes for workers will come from ensuring the Partnership Council is up and running as soon as possible, so workers can contribute to delivering on the investments, training, and programs to create, support and protect sustainable jobs across Canada.  

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OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are pleased to see the federal government launch a Union-Led Advisory Table to help workers succeed in Canada’s economic future, announced today. 

The Advisory Table will be chaired by Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, and will include 15 labour leaders from across Canada with expertise across sectors. The table will advise the government on pressing issues facing workers and will provide recommendations on how best to support workers affected by economic change. 

“I am proud to chair this advisory table and thank the government for taking this much-needed step,” said Bruske. “Unions have led the way in the face of the ongoing affordability crisis, and we know that to stabilize our economy, we need workers at the table. They are at the heart of Canada’s economy.” 

The union-led advisory table will complement the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council included in the Sustainable Jobs Act and will not duplicate it. This new initiative will guide conversations on what Canada needs to do to strengthen the workforce and ensure workers find their footing in a changing economy. 

“The workforce is changing rapidly with the environmental transition and the digitalization of work. To achieve a smooth transition, it is crucial for workers to be considered and heard,” said Bruske. “Our economy is shifting, and Canada’s unions are ready to work with the government to ensure no workers are left behind.” 

The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million workers across the country. 

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Originally created by the UN, this year’s International Day for Persons with Disabilities urges unity in action to rescue and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals for, with, and by persons with disabilities.

“As the federal government works to pass the Sustainable Jobs Act and make workers a key part of its climate plans, we urge them to also meaningfully include workers with disabilities,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Canada’s shift to net zero must be built around high-quality unionized jobs, which must be available to all workers. People with disabilities deserve equal access to these high-quality jobs, that offer decent pay and benefits. Canada’s sustainable jobs plan must be equitable, and inclusive.”

Earlier this year, the federal government announced Bill C-50, the Sustainable Jobs Act. Bill C-50 recognizes the vital importance of unions, industry, and governments working together to ensure that workers are the focus of a sustainable path to a net-zero economy. It also includes a commitment to address barriers to employment for persons with disabilities in Canada as part of the transition. Once implemented, this legislation will put Canada at the forefront of the global energy shift.     

“Climate change is the defining crisis of our time and its workers who will move us toward a truly sustainable economy. Workers have the expertise to boost our economy by making Canada a leader in the green energy transition,” said Lily Chang, Secretary-Treasurer of the CLC. “Persons with disabilities have a right to work on an equal basis with others, but systemic barriers deprive many from meaningful access to decent work. A sustainable future is only achievable if workers—all workers—are at the heart of our climate plans.”

To date, Canadian governments have struggled to adequately integrate a disability lens into climate policies, denying people with disabilities meaningful socio-economic inclusion in our low-carbon future. Workers with disabilities are more likely to face systemic discrimination in recruitment, training and retention, and are often unable to secure appropriate workplace accommodation. 

According to the United Nations, people with disabilities are also disproportionately impacted by climate change. The federal government must seize the opportunity to create an inclusive, worker-centered low-carbon economy, that provides access to high-quality, barrier-free jobs to all. Find out more about the CLC’s worker-powered plan to create a #FutureThatWorks.

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OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), released the following statement:

“The CLC is proud to join a delegation of labour representatives from across Canada at the United Nations’ global climate summit, COP28. At this critical juncture, Canada’s unions are advocating for decision-makers to address the concerns of workers. It is imperative that governments around the world take swift and decisive action to tackle climate change and build a sustainable economy for generations to come. As the driving force behind our economy, workers must have a seat at the decision-making table as decisions are made about our collective future.

Throughout the summit, representatives from Canada’s unions, including CLC Executive Vice-President Larry Rousseau, will engage with trade unions from around the world as well as global and local political leaders. We have a clear
call-to-action: governments must prioritize good union jobs that will ensure prosperity for workers and communities in the shift to net-zero.

Decisions made at COP28 will impact the future of work; we’re there to make sure that workers are at the heart of decisions made. A key priority is ensuring that the Just Transition work program being negotiated prioritizes workers. Governments have a responsibility to provide the tools and support necessary so workers can lead the way forward to a sustainable tomorrow and we’re ready to hold them accountable.

At our event at COP28, titled ‘Workers and Work in Canadian and Global Just Transitions’, we presented concrete policies to support and empower workers as countries take action to decarbonize their economies. We will soon release a report expanding on the topics discussed during the event. This report calls for meaningful investments in sustainable jobs and provides clear recommendations for net-zero industrial policy.

Labour rights are fundamental to building a sustainable economy. This means ensuring that workers in Canada and around the world can engage in meaningful discussions with their employers and governments to define the parameters of a good job.

Workers have the tools and solutions to create a sustainable economy and a future that works for all of us. Whether it’s at COP28 or here at home with the Sustainable Jobs Act (Bill C-50), Canada’s unions will be a strong voice for work and workers.”

The CLC recently launched A Future That Works, a campaign to bring workers together to shape a worker-powered plan for good, sustainable jobs. For more information, visit www.futurethatworks.ca  

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OTTAWA—Canada’s unions are joining forces to launch “A Future That Works,” a worker powered‑ plan to secure the jobs we need to tackle climate change head on and lead the way to a sustainable tomorrow.

“Workers have the solutions and new ideas to tackle climate change. They know what needs to be done to make their jobs sustainable. It’s workers who will make the shift to a sustainable economy possible by creating sustainable energy, upgrading our buildings, bridges, and roads, and developing low-carbon transportation,” said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Working people are the engine that powers Canada’s economy, with the right tools and opportunities they can tackle climate change head on.”

Workers across Canada are on the front lines of climate change. Farm workers, who are often racialized or without status, are grappling with the impact of floods and droughts on crops, while PSWs, who are disproportionately racialized women, are fighting to stay cool in patients’ homes during heatwaves.

The A Future That Works campaign marks a significant step forward in the pursuit of a sustainable, more equitable future. A key objective of the campaign is to ensure the federal government moves swiftly to pass a robust Canadian Sustainable Jobs Act. Canada’s unions are calling on parliamentarians to give workers a voice in decisions about their futures, with meaningful representation on the Sustainable Jobs Partnership Council. 

We are also calling for strong investments to create low-carbon jobs with the protection of a union card, and pathways into these jobs for women, Indigenous and racialized workers, and those in industries impacted by climate change. Comprehensive training initiatives, Employment Insurance (EI) and other financial assistance are also needed to ensure workers and their communities can remain resilient as Canada tackles climate change.

“Canada’s unions have a significant role in shaping the shift to a sustainable economy. They represent the interests of workers who are directly affected, including in the energy sector. We will be there every step of the way to press for safe work, fair wages and benefits, and social programs that benefit our communities,” Bruske added. “Together, we can create a future that works for all of us.”

More information can be found on the campaign site: https://futurethatworks.ca/

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“Canada’s unions are looking to MPs from all parties to come together behind swift action to make sure help is there for people facing high prices, stretched budgets and a weakening economy,” urged Bruske. “Parliament must also act urgently on the dual challenges of addressing climate change while creating sustainable jobs.”

Bruske said Canada’s unions expect MPs to make it a top priority to strengthen the Sustainable Jobs Act, C-50, and get the bill passed before the winter break.

“The Americans’ Inflation Reduction Act has challenged the world to act, and many countries are responding. The Sustainable Jobs Act provides a roadmap for Canada’s governments, businesses, and unions to work together and make sure our workers aren’t left behind in the global transition to a low-carbon economy,” warned Bruske. “Climate change is real and getting worse. MPs must make it job one this fall to take smart action that creates the kind of good, sustainable, union jobs that are the cornerstone to building thriving communities.”

Bruske said that Parliament must also act to make things a bit easier for those struggling the most through urgent action to create more affordable homes, make sure EI is there for people when they need it, and pass a new pharmacare act so Canada can implement public, universal pharmacare.

“Building affordable homes and implementing publicly funded and publicly delivered pharmacare are tangible ways we can make sure no one is left with the impossible choice of choosing whether to pay for rent, groceries, or their kid’s medicine. MPs must deliver on pharmacare this fall,” declared Bruske. “3 in 5 unemployed people don’t even qualify for benefits. With unemployment rising and more people being thrown out of work, it’s critical we finally reform EI so help is there for workers when they need it.”

Bruske added that it is also critical the government introduces, and MPs pass, anti-scab legislation this fall.

“We have seen years of record corporate profits while workers’ pay lagged far behind. Workers are rightly demanding more balanced workplaces,” said Bruske. “If we ban the use of scabs once and for all, we can take a real step towards greater labour peace, avoiding work stoppages and building a more balanced economy.” 

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Please contact:
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613-526-7426

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