OTTAWA––Cutting interest rates to provide relief to workers and families is urgently needed in the wake of rising unemployment and Canada’s underperforming economy, according to CLC President Bea Bruske. The unemployment rate jumped to 6.1% in March, a cumulative increase of a full percentage point over the past year. Meanwhile, GDP numbers released this week came in well under expectations. “High interest rates just slam the brakes on the economy. Starting to cut rates in June isn’t like suddenly hitting the gas. It just means easing off the brakes just a little bit to provide some relief to ..read more

OTTAWA––New poll reveals most Canadians agree that unions deliver better jobs, fairer working conditions and more respect in the workplace. A broad majority want governments to remove barriers that unfairly keep workers from joining or forming a union.  “As the next federal election draws closer, workers are demanding all parties agree to respect and enhance workers’ rights,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress. “Political parties must make concrete platform commitments to remove obstacles to organizing and crack down on union-busting companies that engage in wo ..read more

As workers across the country prepare to mark the National Day of Mourning on April 28, Canada’s unions are calling on employers and governments to prioritize worker safety. This year’s demand for “Safe work now!” is a call to action for employers and governments to make work and workplaces truly safe spaces for all workers. “Too many workers are still dying, getting injured or getting sick from work and year in and year out, these numbers are not going down. That is unacceptable because every death and injury is preventable. Employers and our governments are not doing enough to keep workers s ..read more

April 24, 2024, marks 11 years since the collapse of the Rana Plaza garment factory in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This terrible and avoidable tragedy killed more than 1,134 workers and injured more than 2,600, unveiling the horrific conditions of work for millions of workers in an unregulated industry, not only in Bangladesh but in dozens of other countries as well. This tragedy spurred years of global initiatives and campaigns. Echoing the demands of survivors and families of the victims, those efforts sought to bring forward the international fashion brands’ responsibility for the horrendous conditi ..read more

Canada’s unions were happy to see the Sustainable Jobs Act recently pass third reading in the House. The Sustainable Jobs Act says a net-zero economy should be built on well-paid and safe jobs with benefits and a union. In today’s rapidly changing climate, it’s workers who have the skills, knowledge, and expertise to shift to a sustainable economy for today’s workers and for future generations. The net-zero economy must be built to benefit workers.  As we mark Earth Day on April 22, workers are on the frontline of extreme weather events, including drought, floods, forest fires, and more ..read more

OTTAWA–– The Canadian Labour Congress will convene representatives of millions of workers from across Canada Thursday to discuss how they will advance the rights of workers. Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, will lead the Council’s discussion and make an announcement about the Canadian Football League Players’ Association. “Representatives of millions of workers will gather in Ottawa this week ready to deliver a clear message to politicians of every stripe: if you want our votes, you must respect and enhance our rights. Not with pretty words, but concrete action,” warned B ..read more

OTTAWA––Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, is available for comment on what workers are looking for in the upcoming federal budget. “Powerful corporations do better than ever while families are forced to pay for the affordability crisis. The upcoming budget is an opportunity to deliver much-needed help and address these inequities,” explained Bruske. “We must invest in non-profit rental and social housing, to make homes affordable for every family. And the budget can take additional steps to make life more affordable, including cracking down on corporate price gouging and j ..read more

By Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress as published in iPolitics We hear a familiar call coming from wealthy interests – joining forces once again with Conservatives – banging the drum for more corporate tax giveaways and deeper cuts to government spending in the upcoming Budget. Bay Street analysts and bank lobbyists loudly lament Canada’s “tumbling productivity”, sneeringly spreading blame on both workers and the government. As Budget 2024 approaches, we must confront these anti-worker narratives head on. Because we’ve seen this movie before and, spoiler alert, it ..read more

Bruske: Premier Kinew’s commitment to workers is evident in the enactment of vital legislation to support them. WINNIPEG – Canada’s unions celebrate today’s historic announcement from the Manitoba government, marking a significant step towards ensuring worker’s rights are protected and supported in the province. By introducing laws to ban replacement workers and restoring card check certification, Premier Kinew’s government is prioritizing the well-being of working families by restoring fairness at the bargaining table. It’s a great day for workers in Manitoba. Premier Kinew’s commitment to wo ..read more

OTTAWA – To protect workers and restore fairness at the bargaining table, we need strong anti-scab legislation, in every jurisdiction. On February 27th, while Parliamentarians from all parties voted unanimously in support of Bill C-58, legislation that would ban replacement workers, 239 Unifor members in Nova Scotia went on strike. By the end of that very same day, the employer, CN Rail, brought in scabs. Although this is a provincially regulated workplace, it merits every politician’s attention. “I’ve heard some concerning stories from workers who faced direct conflict during a strike, threat ..read more