“The long weekend in September.”
“The last, big hurrah before going back to school.”
“Your last chance to wear white this season.”
There are many ways to think about Labour Day. Unfortunately, they are often far-removed from the day’s origins and the outstanding achievements of the Canadian labour movement – principally, its commitment to building a stronger, more-equitable society for all.
100 years strong
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the “1918 Vancouver General Strike”, a one-day political protest against the murder of labour activist Albert “Ginger” Goodwin. Although only one day in duration, the 1918 strike was an important marker in the Canadian labour movement.
Orion Irvine is the Director of the Canadian Labour Congress. He believes it’s important to remember that weekends, holidays (like Labour Day) and safer working conditions are a direct result of the work of unions, while at the same time championing the recent social progress the labour movement has helped drive – at all levels of our society. This is how members of the labour community show their local love.
Members of the Lower Mainland Labour community at a local Day of Caring
“The impact unions have had on policies that affect our day-to-day lives is much greater than a 5-day work week,” says Orion. “Maternity and paternity leave, LGBTQSI+ rights and protection for victims of domestic violence are just a few of the more recent policy and legislative changes in which unions have played a large part.”
At their core, unions and the labour movement have been, and continue to be, integral forces for democracy. In both the workplace and government, they advocate for better social, economic and environmental policies, and address social issues that for many, can be difficult to talk about.
Breaking new ground
One example is Tampon Tuesday, a nation-wide campaign that has been raising awareness of the barriers vulnerable people face in accessing menstrual products.
“Labour’s involvement with Tampon Tuesday may have seemed a little different from other initiatives because menstruation can be somewhat ‘taboo’ to speak about – particularly with men,” says Orion. “But access to hygiene products should be a human right. We understand the importance of ensuring every person in our community can live in dignity.”
Sussanne Skidmore is the Executive Vice-President of the BC Government and Services Employee Union. A passionate supporter of Tampon Tuesday, she was excited to see Labour’s support of this movement and the awareness that’s been raised around a topic that is regularly stigmatized.
Sussanne Skidmore (L) at Tampon Tuesday with Nikki Hill (R)
“Menstruation is a fact of life,” she says. “Products can be quite unaffordable, especially to those trying to make ends meet.”
Orion says that because of its “taboo nature”, the labour community’s involvement with Tampon Tuesday caught many people’s attention.
“I was thrilled to see how unions really stepped up for this initiative. It’s a great example of our partnership with United Way.”
Looking ahead
The labour movement has always been at the forefront of social change. It’s no surprise then, that leaders like Orion and Sussanne are naturally forward-looking, excited and energized at continued progress towards a truly healthy, caring, inclusive community.
A poster championing inclusivity and diversity at this year’s Canadian Labour Congress Winter School
“Across the country, unions are negotiating for intersectional language, trans inclusivity, improved pensions and increased health care,” says Sussanne. “We’re also using new and exciting ways to communicate with our members – whether through social media or other digital tools – to engage people on social justice issues like housing affordability and childcare.”
“Progress is always exciting,” says Orion. “Watching the labour movement evolve in how it organizes and communicates with members and community is fascinating, and the results of that evolution should excite all of us.”
United Way has a long history and partnership with the labour community
United Way and the labour movement have been partners for more than 40 years, working towards the common goal of ensuring workers and their families have access to life-changing social services across their communities.
As we head into the Labour Day long weekend, count us more than excited for the many years to come.
Join United Way and our Labour partners this Monday, September 3rd to celebrate Labour Day at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE)!
Read more about United Way’s partnership with the Labour movement here.
Topics : Building strong communities, Labour, Local love
