Labour Day is more than a well-deserved day off. Labour Day celebrates the achievements that make our society a stronger more equitable place because of Unions. The labour movement is an important force for democracy, not just in the workplace, but beyond. Unions advocate for better social, economic and environmental policies. Today, in Canada, we have a strong social safety net in place to catch us when we need help. That’s due in part to the strength of the labour movement and the work we do together to advocate for a better community. United Way and Labour have been partners for 38 years, with the goal of ensuring workers and their families have access to social services in their community. “Labour Day is a reminder of how important the social justice movement is to working people and their families,” said Nikki Hill, Director of the CLC Labour Participation Department at United Way British Columbia. As we celebrate Labour Day this year, let’s really celebrate the contribution of working people by continuing to fight for economic equality and the rights of workers across the Lower Mainland. To celebrate the strength of the labour movement, we asked five local leaders what Labour Day means to them:
“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.” Sharon Gregson, $10 a Day Child Care
“Every Labour Day we celebrate the achievements of the labour movement and workers to improve wages and working conditions. We also remember Labour Day’s long history. In 1872 the Toronto Trades Assembly organized a huge demonstration to free 24 jailed leaders of the Typographical Union – convicted of leading strikes for a nine-hour day. Unions were illegal then, and strikes were considered criminal conspiracies to disrupt trade. The path since 1872 has been rough, but Canada’s Unions continue to be a cohesive and effective vehicle for equity and fairness in the workplace and beyond.” Joey Hartman, President, Vancouver & District Labour Council
“I’ve never had the privilege of being a part of a Union, but I am here today because of Unions. My parents immigrated to Canada in the 70’s. My father got a job and became an IWA member. My mom became a member of the HEU working in a care home. Because of working in that environment, they got a fair wage, a living wage that they could raise their kids with. Labour Day for me is not just about the people that are in their Unions, it’s also about their families, and the opportunities that their families will get and that their kids will get in the future.” Ravi Kahlon, MLA, Delta North
“What does Labour Day mean to me? On a personal level, Labour Day has always felt more like the start of a new year than January 1. The rhythm of the year starts in September for me. So it’s a good time to reflect on the gains we have made as a movement and look at what we still need to get done.” Lori Mayhew, President, New Westminster & District Labour Council
“What I like most about Labour Day is that it celebrates solidarity and the collective action of workers, it does not simply commemorate one action, one person or one conflict. It is a reminder to never stop fighting for what is right and to never be appeased in the face of injustice. It is a time to celebrate all the gains made in equality, safety, respect, fairness, social, economic and labour justice and to continue to fight injustice and improve the lives of workers and communities” Danielle (DJ) Pohl, President, Fraser Valley Labour Council