Monday, September 1 is Labour Day. Each year we celebrate, commemorate, and march while looking to the fight ahead.
Looking Back: Recent ups and downs
So far, the Carney Government seems to be at least as willing as the Trudeau government to violate worker rights when economic interests conflict with legal and legitimate job action.
On the first day of a strike by CUPE-represented Air Canada flight attendants, Jobs Minister Hajdu invoked section 107 of the Canada Labour Code. It’s a clause that allows the Minister to sendworkers – even on a legal strike — back to work while the Canadian Industrial Relations Board deliberates, or orders binding arbitration. The Board then declared the strike illegal.
Section 107 has been used multiple times and is very contentious. The flight attendants decided to maintain their picket lines and, with mediation, negotiated a collective agreement. CUPE President Mark Hancock later declared section 107 ‘dead.’
Time will tell. Experience tells us it will take more acts of collective resistance – in court, on picket lines, and in the streets – to protect our bargaining rights.
Think of our many members who are currently in bargaining. As our National President Teresa Eschuk said at the time, “An injustice to one group of workers is an injustice to all. Today it is the workers at Air Canada, tomorrow it could be airport workers or port workers or postal workers.”
Looking Forward: Uncertain Prospects
UCTE members who work in the core federal public service have surely heard talk about how the Carney-mandated savings targets may affect our working lives. We haven’t seen a federal budget this year, nor the fall economic statement. Nonetheless much information — and rumour too — has already come out about how different departments are reducing their costs. UCTE and PSAC are preparing to defend our jobs and public services.
Here and Now: Celebrate the Present Moment
In the 19th century, Unions and community groups started holding celebrations on the first Monday of September. These became more regular in the 1880s in Canada and the U.S.A. Soon labour organizations successfully demanded that the government of Canada make it a statutory holiday in 1896.
This long weekend is a testament to Labour’s past victories and the collective power we continue to build. If you really want to feel that power, find a labour day event in your community! Enjoy the day, join a labour march or BBQ, and get closer to your union siblings and co-workers. We have to look out for each other.
United, we can build a future that inspires hope.
In solidarity!
