As communities across the country mark Labour Day by celebrating workers and their contributions, Canada’s unions are highlighting the important role that unions actually play in making life better for everyone.
For over a hundred years, unions have had a track record of winning for all workers. Thanks to unions, all workers have benefitted from the provisions of occupational health and safety laws, new investments in healthcare and, most recently, commitments for ten-dollar-a-day childcare programs in all provinces and pension protection for workers where employers may experience bankruptcy.
Unions have been, and are, an undeniable force for positive social change. Unions of the Grey Bruce Labour Council, and in organized labour across the country, believe all workers in all sectors across Canada deserve good jobs with decent pay and benefits.
All workers, unionized or not, have benefitted from Canada’s unions and how they have led to improved working conditions, including safety and benefits for everyone. Unfortunately, for many however, working conditions continue to be eroding as many workers now experience reduced hours to the point where they have to maintain two or three jobs just to survive.
There are also issues affecting almost everyone, whether unionized or not. At the top of the list is affordable housing, sustainable public services, such as public and accessible healthcare for everyone, and fair and decent wages for all workers.
Another pressing issue today is climate change and Canada’s unions have expressed that they will work with governments to ensure workers are at the heart of Canada’s climate policy.
Another key priority is making life more affordable for everyone. According to reports, wealthy corporations and banks have made more profits than ever before as workers continue to struggle with today’s rising costs across the board, that include food, rents and costs of utilities.
In addition, it’s no secret that healthcare systems are crumbling and with the unexpected COVID pandemic, health care was pushed to the edge of collapse. Health care is essential under our publicly funded universal health care system that appears to continually be falling apart with failures in emergency care and long-term care.
There is the old saying, that “there is strength in numbers” and the focus of unions has been to stand together in times of tribulation.
Labour Day has become an opportunity for unions to display their fight for workers across the country and here in Bruce County.
The entire community is invited to watch, march or help on September 2nd when the annual Labour Day Parade is held in Saugeen Shores (Port Elgin) at 11:00 a.m. followed by an open BBQ at the UNIFOR Family Education Centre (on what is locally known as CAW road).
