With Labour Day nearing, the Grey Bruce Labour Council (GBLC) has its eyes on a number of ongoing issues when it comes to workers.
Dave Trumble, the labour council's 1st Vice President for Bruce and the GBLC Parade Organizer, said ongoing economic issues around the globe is causing uncertainty, but here at home, he and the labour council are hoping the federal government does its part in solves labour disputes, such as the one at Air Canada and Canada Post.
"I think labour is sitting here perched, hoping and hoping that the new Liberal government will allow the collective bargaining process run its course, rather than to interfere with it, which is obviously a big pain for labour," Trumble stated.
It was announced Tuesday morning that Air Canada and the striking flight attendants had reached a tentative deal.
Trumble adds that, despite economic uncertainties and other issues facing the labour market worldwide, there is something to be thankful for in terms of labour laws in Canada.
"We now have actual legislation that prevents the use of replacement workers, or in the labour movement we call them 'scabs', right? We know that in Quebec, where there's been anti-scab legislation for decades, that typically, labour concerns or labour disputes tend to be much, much shorter," Trumble explained.
On the topic of global uncertainty, Trumble points out that there are watchful eyes on our southern neighbours.
"We will not be able to take our eyes for one second off of what is happening with the pressures that are being put on jobs generally because of the nonsense south of the border and vast global instability," Trumble noted.
Additionally, the topic of workplace safety is always top of mind for the labour council. Trumble says there has to be an environment everywhere where workers feel empowered to speak up about unsafe work.
"The most important part about health and safety is an environment in the workplace that encourages workers to say 'I'm not sure this work is safe. Is there potentially a designated substance of some sort, or is there potentially another hazard I'm not seeing,'" Trumble emphasized. "Sometimes, training is lacking, and therefore you see workers who are then intimidated by the employer with them saying 'Well, you tell ME what's unsafe.' When in fact, the law is explicit. It doesn't require the worker to prove the work is unsafe, it actually requires the employer to prove the work IS safe."
Trumble adds the labour council is also growing more concerned with Bill 5 and its potential negative impacts on workers and the Indigenous community.
The Grey Bruce Labour Council will host its annual Labour Day Parade this year in Port Elgin.
Parade participants and volunteers should arrive at the Home Hardware/Shoreline Baptist Church, north end of Port Elgin on Hwy. 21 (Goderich Street) no later than 10:30 a.m. on September 1. Some activities will follow the parade, including a lunch at the Unifor Family Education Centre at 115 Shipley Avenue, Port Elgin.
Also, a membership appreciation event is being held adjacent to the main parking lot at the Unifor Family Education Centre. This is being put on by the Power Workers’ Union and starts at 2 p.m. on Labour Day.
On September 12, former MP and national and international advocate for Canada and Canadians Charlie Angus will be co-presented by the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, the Grey Bruce Health Coalition, and the Grey Bruce Labour Council.
The event is being held at Lakeshore Recreation, 1177 Goderich Street, Port Elgin. Tickets are only five dollars and all are welcome. See links below for tickets and a dedicated email for this event: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/resistance-tour-comes-to-port-elgin-celebrate-canada-with-charlie-angus-tickets-1533308590269?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Questions can be sent to:
charlieangusportelgin@gmail.com
"Canadians are indeed joining together to stand up for our sovereignty and our jobs and this is indeed worth celebrating on this Labour Day. Unions and the labour movement are at the leading edge of this charge and, like they always have been, will make the case for every worker and in their success raise the standard of living for all workers," said Labour Council President, Kevin Smith.