The first Monday in September is Labour Day in Canada. Let’s check in on some of the issues that are weighing on members’ minds.
For federal public service workers, it’s a tense time, and a time to join together in support of our bargaining teams. UCTE is well-represented on these teams, working hard to resist the employer’s insulting wage offer and make real gains for our members.
The Treasury Board wage offer currently on the table is less than 1% per year—well below projections for inflation. We have to fight for better. The next National Day of Solidarity is September 16—wear black to work and find other ways to show your support at this link.
For members unfamiliar with the collective bargaining process, this FAQ is helpful: FAQ: Treasury Board bargaining Your local may have more information and resources for you.
For our members at other employers, it’s been another year of tight budgets and incremental progress. In the COVID years, inflation far exceeded negotiated wage gains and took a bite out of our spending power. In 2024, average wage growth in collective agreements surpassed inflation for the first time since the runaway inflation of 2022 and 2023.
But our sector is taking up the fight. During this time, the transportation sector accounted for over half of all work stoppages (in person-days) in Canada. This led to settlements with first-year wage increases averaging 7 per cent in the private sector in 2025.
For one bright example: UCTE members at NAV CANADA ratified a new collective agreement this spring with 18% wage increases over five years, among other gains.
The best thing to celebrate this Labour Day is our collective power! Just as we always have, unions are mobilizing for better collective agreements and workers’ rights. Get involved! Contact your local to find a role that will fit you and make the most of your time and energy.
