It’s Labour Day. In any other year, many of us would be planning gatherings with friends, sharing hugs and food, and enjoying the final stretch of another beautiful BC summer. Someone may say, “Hey, why do we get a day off for Labour Day anyway?” Normally local Labour Councils would be hosting events in parks around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley to help us answer that question, but this year they’ve all gone virtual (you can find them here and here, if you’re interested).
The labour movement is an important partner of United Way, and unions from across British Columbia have played a vital part in helping all of us during COVID-19. Reflecting upon and celebrating those successes are why we have Labour Day. We thought we would join by highlighting what Labour Day means to local leaders from the labour movement – and, in recognition of the changing face of unions, we asked six women to help us out. Check out what they had to say below.
“Unions have always stepped up in our fight for quality affordable child care that pays early childhood educators a decent wage for their important work. The labour movement is an integral ally in our fight for women’s equality and quality affordable child care in BC and across Canada.”
Sussanne Skidmore
Secretary-Treasurer, BC Federation of Labour
Co-Chair, United Way Period Promise Campaign
“On Labour Day, we reflect on the history and struggles of the labour movement, all that has been achieved by working people, for working people, their families, friends and neighbours. It is a celebration of our past and our commitment to a better tomorrow for all.
The COVID-19 pandemic has starkly revealed both the critical importance of working people and the weaknesses in current economic and social systems. This Labour Day, we will fight for a strong recovery that focuses on health and safety, good jobs and building inclusive, resilient communities.”
Janet Andrews
Secretary-Treasurer, New Westminster & District Labour Council
Board Member, United Way British Columbia
“Labour Day is an important celebration of the resiliency of the labour movement and working people that ties us back to our shared struggle. It unites us as workers, and the more we see ourselves united together the more we can advocate for each other in solidarity where we work and across worksites. In 2020, during a pandemic, when so many people are without work, we must keep advocating, lifting each other up, bringing people alongside, and finding new ways to bring new workers with us into this movement. And we have to see who isn’t with us, who we need to make space for, and identify who we need to mentor for the work ahead of us. This is part of how we support our community – and it is all part of how we celebrate and reflect Labour Day.”
Joulene Parent
Executive Member, International Longshore and Warehouse Union Local 500
Indigenous Workers Representative, BC Federation of Labour Executive
“Labour Day is the annual commemoration of all that workers give to make this world more just and equitable. On Labour Day, we remember the power of collective struggle and recognize that our work is not done. 2020 has made it clear that the labour movement has an integral role in eradicating oppression in all our communities. On these lands, we must begin decolonizing and recognize the impact of systemic racism on all working people. After all, an injury to one is an injury to all!”
Shanee Prasad
2nd Vice President, Burnaby Teachers’ Association
Workers of Colour Representative, BC Federation of Labour
“To me, Labour Day is a time to celebrate and reflect on gains made by the Labour Movement, to better working conditions for working people. It is also a time for review: how can we do better? I cannot think of a more important time to continue to advocate for safe workplaces than during a global pandemic. It is not lost on me that we ‘stand on the shoulders of giants’ and as such, it is up to us to continue to do the work, to strive for a more inclusive, diverse and equitable world.”
Karin Vik
Fraser Region (traditional and unceded territory of the Stó:lō nation) Vice President
Hospital Employees’ Union
Secretary, Fraser Valley Labour Council
“This year, Labour Day is a call to action as we are presented with unique labour activism opportunities harkening back to the origins of the day: themes of solidarity, workers’ rights, health and safety, equity, and mobilizing together are at the forefront of the labour movement more than ever before. This is our invitation to go beyond education and reverence for the holiday, and participate in meaningful ways, across various platforms, together but with diverse voices – this is what I love about Labour Day. No contribution is too small! ”
Monika Dean
Park Technician, City of Surrey Communications Executive, CUPE 402
Alternate Regional Vice President, CUPE BC
Topics : Building Community, Building strong communities, COVID19, Labour
