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SOUND OFF: Labour Day 2023 – Canada’s unions lift everyone up

Aug 31, 2023 | 11:00 AM

As communities across the country will mark Labour Day by celebrating workers and their contributions, Canada’s unions are highlighting the important role unions play in making life better for everyone.

Unions have a long track record of winning for all workers. Thanks to unions, workers benefit from things like occupational health and safety laws, new investments in healthcare, commitments for ten-dollar-a-day childcare programs in all provinces and pension protections for workers whose employer goes bankrupt.

“These are just a few concrete examples of things we’ve won for workers, whether they’re unionized or not, Unions are an undeniable force for positive change, and the benefits of union representation cannot be overstated. We believe all workers, in all sectors, across Canada deserve good union jobs with decent pay and benefits,” said Lois Rugg, President of the Kamloops and District Labour Council.

Today, about one third of Canada’s workforce is represented by a union, and the gains they made have improved the lives of every worker in this country.

Canada’s unions are focused on improving the lives of everyone, with ambitious priorities to address the major issues facing workers and their families.

One of the most pressing issues facing us today is climate change. Canada’s unions are demanding that decision-makers meet this challenge with bold, worker-centred solutions. The shift to a low-carbon economy must protect and support families and communities and ensure that no worker is left behind by providing good, unionized jobs that offer good wages, benefits, and ongoing training opportunities. Following the recent announcement of the federal government’s Sustainable Jobs Act, Canada’s unions will work with governments to ensure workers are at the heart of this country’s climate policy.

Another key priority is making life more affordable for everyone. It’s unacceptable that wealthy corporations and the rich elite continue to line their pockets with record-high profits on the backs of workers. Governments must urgently address the real causes of the ongoing affordability crisis by holding the wealthiest and most profitable corporations accountable and forcing them to pay their fair share.

It’s no secret that Canada’s care systems are crumbling. Care workers are exhausted from years of sounding the alarm, and the pandemic pushed our struggling care systems to the brink of collapse. Care work is essential, and Canada’s unions will continue fighting for immediate solutions to support publicly funded, publicly delivered care.

“These priorities show why it’s so important for workers to join a union. We will continue to fight to make it easier to organize into a union, to ensure that every worker has the rights and respect that come with a union card. When unions – and workers – come together, we can lift everyone up,” said Lois Rugg.

The Kamloops and District Labour Council invites and welcomes everyone to join us for the annual KDLC Labour Day Picnic September 4th at McDonald Park in Kamloops from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. To celebrate there will be Music by the Margit Sky Project, Free Family activities including Face Painting by Denise, Fun zone Activities, BBQ by donation, displays and prizes… We will be joined by the Storm Hockey Club and many Labour and Community Organizations. Hope to see you there.

Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.