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Unifor participated in Labour Day parades and events across Canada today, sending the strong message that this is the time to fight for workers, whether it’s at bargaining tables, on picket lines or in the streets.
In her uplifting speech in Toronto, Unifor National President Lana Payne welcomed the thousands of new members who joined the union since last Labour Day.
“This Labour Day and every single day, let's remember that we are stronger when we work together. When we use our collective strength,” Payne told members. “So, say yes to a union, say yes to Unifor and join our fight for workers' rights.”
Payne also highlighted major labour movement wins from the past year, including federal anti-scab legislation, but said the work is far from done with the need to fight for anti scab laws in every province and jurisdiction of Canada.
“We won at the federal level because we organized, because workers stood on picket lines over many decades and because we refused to give up,” said Payne.
With the victory came a warning from Payne that powerful corporations are mobilizing to roll back the clock on union rights, including the right to strike.
“We celebrate this Labour Day at a time when we are also vigorously defending our rights and campaigning for stronger ones. We can never rest. There is no room for complacency in the workers movement,” Payne cautioned. “Free and fair collective bargaining is the most powerful tool we have as workers and we are not going to give it up. Not today. Not tomorrow. Not ever.”
Hundreds of members attended Unifor’s pre-parade celebration in front of Toronto City Hall where Payne was joined by Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi, Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles, international union representatives and others. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also visited to chat and take pictures with Unifor members.
“Today is an incredible day to recognize the working class shaping our future of work. A day to recognize and celebrate the tremendous contributions, struggles, and triumphs of working people in Canada,” said Hashi as she brought a message of hope to members. “Union members are organizing like never before. Fighting hard to lift wages, protect our rights, and build a future of work that leaves no one behind.”
The theme of hope was shared by Ontario Opposition Leader Marit Stiles.
“Workers are rising across the province. That gives me hope. Hope is at the very core of what we do. Hope is the driver of progressive politics. You know what gives me hope? Everyone here today,” said Stiles. “Thank you for being here, for standing up for workers, for labour rights and for this province.”
Following the Unifor rally, Payne and Hashi led Unifor members in the Toronto & York Region Labour Council’s annual Labour Day Parade, marching a sea of red t-shirts through downtown Toronto to Exhibition Place in solidarity.
Watch the video of the Toronto Labour Day celebrations here.
In Port Elgin, Ont., a contingent of the Unifor Retired Workers Council gathered for their parade, ending with a solidarity barbecue for the community at Unifor’s Family Education Centre.
Hundreds strong, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Grey Bruce Labour Council representatives and other unions and community members, Unifor retired workers showed pride and tradition, reflecting on the history, struggles and wins of Canada’s labour movement, as they marched down Goderich St.
Labour Day in Port Elgin coincides with the Retired Workers Council, which meets during this week, bringing retirees from across Canada to take part in Monday’s parade.
“This is the largest Labour Day gathering of seniors in Canada,” said Barb Dolan, Director of Unifor’s Retired Workers department. “We have four busloads of people coming in from Oakville, Oshawa, Brampton and Kitchener. We’ve built friendships across unions and labour councils. Our members are passionate and so proud to be here and want to make a difference.”
Since 1996, Port Elgin has been the site of the annual Labour Day parade.
In British Columbia, Unifor Western Director Gavin McGarrigle hosted BC NDP Premier David Eby at a gathering of members and their families in Vancouver. Premier Eby spoke about the stark contrast between the pro-worker policies his government has implemented versus the reactionary and regressive policies offered by the far-right B.C. Conservative opposition in this fall's provincial election.
"It was terrific to see members enjoy Labour Day with their families and their union family as well. Today we can celebrate and take some hard-earned time off," said McGarrigle. "This fall, Unifor members are well-positioned to mobilize for the election and fight to protect the worker-friendly government in B.C. and finally throw out the tired and regressive Scott Moe government in Saskatchewan."
In Alberta, Unifor participated in the Edmonton District Labour Council picnic and barbeque where member volunteers served community members food fresh from the grill. Unifor members in Regina were joined by NDP Leader Carla Beck as they prepare to mobilize for the upcoming provincial election.
In Saskatoon, members staffed a booth at the Labour Day festivities and distributed union swag to members of the public.
In Winnipeg, NDP Premier Wab Kinew and federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh joined Unifor members to lead the annual march through the streets.
In Halifax, Nova Scotia members were joined by Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray to take in the fun at the Labour Day Classic match between the Halifax Wanderers FC and York United FC. Members cheered and waved Unifor flags as the home team took the win with a 2-1 game.
“It was great to sit and cheer together, celebrating teamwork of all kinds - on the pitch and the kind we do every day to build better working conditions for all,” said Murray. “Labour Day continues to be a day we own our wins and look forward to our future successes.”
Murray also stopped by Moncton’s annual Labour Day event with members from the area on Sunday, September 1.
Check out the photo gallery of Unifor Labour Day events from across the country here.
