World Day for Decent Work: Canada’s unions fighting to protect the right to strike

As workers around the world mark the World Day for Decent Work on October 7, Canada’s unions are sounding the alarm over the federal government’s proposed restrictions on the right to strike.

Canada’s unions have been clear: decent work means decent rights, including the right to strike. Expanding government powers to restrict workers’ constitutionally protected right to strike is the wrong direction for Canada.

“At a time when workers are already facing economic uncertainty from the US trade war, the federal government should be strengthening workers’ rights and improving working conditions — not weakening them,” said CLC President Bea Bruske. “Canada should be setting an example on workers’ rights, especially when we look at what workers are facing in the United States.”

 “You don’t build a stronger, more resilient economy by weakening workers’ rights. You build it by ensuring workers have a real voice and the power to negotiate for better wages, safer workplaces, and secure jobs,” said Bruske.

This year’s World Day for Decent Work theme, set by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), is Young workers organising for the future. The ITUC is highlighting the challenges facing young workers, including low wages, insecure work, and the rising cost of living.

“There’s so much at stake for young workers. If we allow workers’ rights to steadily erode, young workers will enter the workforce with fewer protections and less bargaining power than previous generations,” said Lily Chang, CLC Secretary-Treasurer. “We should be raising the bar for workers’ rights in Canada and setting an example at the global level. That means decent wages, secure jobs, strong protections, and a meaningful voice at work.”

“This is how we build a truly resilient economy: one that works for workers today and gives the next generation a fair shot at a better future,” said Bruske.