From standing up to aggressive U.S. trade attacks to fighting corporate greed at home, CLC is ready to face the challenges ahead and push for a better future for workers and their families. Read CLC President Bea Bruske’s latest newsletter outlining CLC’s plan to move forward:
Standing Up for Workers
The recent US-Canada deal has delayed tariffs on all goods by 30 days, but this reprieve was temporary and fleeting—with the US announcing tariffs on steel and aluminum coming into effect regardless of the original deal. Canada must use this time wisely to prepare for economic pressure from the U.S. As key representatives from impacted unions told Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon, we need a worker-first strategy to protect jobs and communities. With the U.S. willing to weaponize trade, Canada must act now to diversify trade relationships, strengthen domestic industries, and protect workers before the next crisis.
A recent CLC poll shows that Canadians overwhelmingly reject these tariffs—90% support investing in our economy and creating good jobs, while 80% want support for impacted workers. Three in four Canadians believe we must take strong retaliatory action.
Earlier this month, I joined NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Steelworkers in Sault Ste. Marie to demand urgent solutions that secure jobs and support workers and industries. I also spoke with Prime Minister Trudeau about the need for a united, strong response to U.S. trade intimidation. Workers expect leadership that prioritizes their livelihoods.
If there’s one thing I’m certain of, it’s that labour knows how to stand up to bullies—and we’re ready to fight back with strength and solidarity.
Speaking of bullies, Amazon’s decision to shut down its Quebec operations—just weeks after 300 workers in Laval unionized—is a blatant act of corporate union-busting.
Over 1,700 workers are out of work due to this greedy, anti-worker move by a corporation worth trillions of dollars. Canada needs stronger labour laws to protect workers’ rights and ensure corporations like Amazon cannot trample on them without consequences. Canada’s unions will not stand by while corporate greed threatens workers’ livelihoods.
Workers Together: Building Power for the Federal Election
We kicked off our first Political Action Conference of the year in Toronto, where over 300 workers gathered to gain the tools and resources needed to champion pro-worker policies ahead of the upcoming federal election.
Momentum is building. Throughout the coming months, we’re hosting Political Action Conferences and training sessions across Canada. Don’t miss the chance to get involved – register at https://canadianlabour.ca/events/ to join an event near you and encourage your members to get involved.
Our team has created an incredible new Workers Together playbook, packed with tools, tips, and tactics to elect a government that works for workers—from canvassing, to telling your story in the media, and everything in between.
You can also take action today through our new action hub at https://workerstogether.ca/action/—you’ll find quick actions, shareable materials, and other tools to help your members bring Workers Together to life.
Human Rights
Siobhán took part in a critical discussion with gender-based violence expert Jane Pillinger to expose the harsh, unacceptable realities of violence and harassment at work and concrete solutions. Watch the recording here.
We echo the International Trade Union Confederation’s calls for the ceasefire in Palestine and Israel to lead to lasting peace. This is a crucial step toward ending violence and safeguarding lives.
Embracing Diversity
February 1 marked the start of Black History Month. We’re highlighting the important role unions play in advancing racial and economic justice for Black workers. Read our new factsheet on the issues Black workers are facing, join our webinar on February 18 to hear directly from Black labour leaders, and stay connected with us by texting BHM to 55255.
On International Women’s Day 2025, Canada’s labour movement will Rise Up for Gender Justice. With actions and events from coast to coast, we will be putting politicians from every party on notice: We can’t roll back on progress—we need political leaders to commit to a truly inclusive world of work for women and gender-diverse workers in Canada.
The months ahead will be critical as we prepare for what will be a pivotal federal election year. I know our labour movement has what it takes to win for workers and build the future we deserve. Stay strong, friend!