Progress towards a world of work free of violence and harassment
August 11, 2022
Bruske: Now we must turn to the hard work of implementing this landmark international agreement to better protect workers OTTAWA––Canada’s unions welcome today’s announcement by the federal government that they will finally live up to their commitment to ratify the International Labour Organization Convention no. 190 (C-190) on Violence and Harassment. “We are happy to see Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan’s…
Bruske: Canada’s unions urge the federal government to work with the premiers to protect our communities by giving every worker access to paid sick leave OTTAWA – On the eve of federal, provincial and territorial labour minister meetings, chaired by Minister Seamus O’Regan, Canada’s unions are urging Canada’s leaders to protect our communities from COVID-19 and other future viruses by…
By Bea Bruske I think almost everyone can agree 2021 was a rough year. The pandemic we hoped was ending now rolls on with new variants and new disruptions. But in 2021 we also saw some hopeful signs of what’s possible when people work together in common cause. Workers with newfound confidence demanding better. People seeking out jobs that offered…
Canada’s unions: We all have an important role to play in ending gender-based violence
December 6, 2021
On December 6th 1989, 14 women were murdered in a horrific act of gender-based violence at Montreal’s École Polytechnique. This tragic event exposed a reality that many already knew and experienced: that gender-based violence is a constant threat to women and gender-diverse people in Canada, fueled by sexism and misogyny. “Here in Canada, we’ve made progress on recognizing gender-based harassment…
Canada’s unions welcome federal legislation on paid sick leave and protecting health care workers
November 26, 2021
Bruske: we will keep fighting until every worker in Canada has access to paid sick leave OTTAWA – Canada’s unions are welcoming today’s announcement of new legislation making 10 days of paid sick leave available for all workers in federally-regulated workplaces as a positive step forward for public health and worker protection. “Paid sick leave saves lives. We thank…
Canada’s unions call on federal government to ratify and implement C-190
November 24, 2021
Canada’s unions are marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by urging the federal government to live up to its commitments and finally ratify and implement International Labour Organization Convention no. 190 (C-190) on Violence and Harassment. November 25 marks the beginning of the internationally commemorated 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence. Gender-based violence and…
Canada’s unions are standing in solidarity with hospital workers amid anti-vaccine protests being held in front of hospitals across the country. “Hospital staff across Canada have been working tirelessly throughout the pandemic, providing essential care and helping to keep our communities safe. Protesting vaccine mandates in front of hospitals where workers are providing life-saving care and some patients are fighting…
The COVID-19 crisis is not over. COVID-19 is not the seasonal flu. It is much more deadly and has inflicted far greater damage on our health system, our economy, our livelihoods and the individual health of Canadians. Canada’s unions strongly support vaccination against COVID-19 for every Canadian that can be vaccinated. Science has demonstrated that vaccinations – alongside other measures…
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…
Friends and Allies, A few short weeks ago, I was truly honoured to be elected to serve the working people of Canada as president of the Canadian Labour Congress. My fellow officers and I do not take this responsibility lightly – and it is not a job anyone can do alone. We are counting on you for your support ……