This Labour Day marks an increase in militancy and solidarity amongst unionized workers from coast to coast. The soaring cost of living has pushed workers to take up the fight for higher wages and better. The horror of the genocide waged by Israel against the people in Gaza, and the federal government’s continued support for Israel’s war on the Palestinian people has stirred the organized labour movement into opposition.
We extend our utmost solidarity to the workers currently on the picket lines, hotel workers in Quebec and BC, brass workers and university faculty in Ontario, aerospace factory workers in Nova Scotia, commercial actors across the country and many other workers who are locked out or on strike. Notably, postal workers and pilots are all facing looming possible job action.
We salute all the workers who have taken part in collective actions in the past year. Across industries and sectors, the strike wave of 2023 has continued into 2024. From coast to coast both private and public sector workers had exceptionally high votes for strike mandates with significant turnout. It was noteworthy when workers at a Cargill meat packing plant in Calgary voted unanimously for a strike in June with over 340 workers voting representing 84 percent of the bargaining unit.
Deals being rejected by the membership is another trend that has continued into this year. Workers are more willing to hold out for gains. The continued inflation on essentials has devastated real wages. Wages continue to be a common theme for workers across the country, regardless of the nature of the work or expected remuneration.
The most significant advance and action in the workers movement since last year’s Labour Day was undoubtedly the Common Front in Quebec. Over half a million workers worked collectively not only for better wages and conditions for their own, but also for more accessible, quality social services to be operated publicly for all. The bargaining and mobilizing strategy of the Common Front is a model and a target for unions across the country.
Another step forward has been the solidarity actions taken by unions for their sister organizations in Palestine and for the Palestinian people in general. Unions and their representatives have taken heat from politicians and the bourgeois press for openly expressing their solidarity. Workers have faced a chill factor from employers trying to prevent solidarity actions.
Nevertheless, it has been a marked step forward that unions are democratically organizing collective actions against war and genocide. Peace is a workers’ issue, occupation is a workers’ issue, genocide is a workers’ issue.
Labour organizing mass independent political action is the way forward to a stronger movement capable of forcing concessions, winning real gains and ultimately building the class consciousness for working class political power.
From its onset in the late 19th century, Labour Day was always more of a parade than a march. Many unions and labour councils have a tradition of holding a picnic. Labour day has always been more about leisure than struggle – and there is nothing wrong with that, as long as we recognize it for what it is. More leisure and recreation have always been part of the workers’ demands.
Labour Day also has origins linked to the 8-hour work movement, just like International Workers Day, May 1. With the increased militancy of unionized workers across the country, political slogans and speeches are appearing at Labour Day parades and picnics. Labour Day gives rank and file members an opportunity to meet union members outside of their workplace. It shows workers the significance of unions. It is a demonstration of collective strength.
Despite the increased chutzpah of the labour movement, big business remains on the offensive. Corporate profits continue to break record highs while large layoffs are announced. Parliament, dominated by the ruling class, continues to provide generous handouts to the largest corporations in the form of subsidies and tax breaks. And despite the massive increase in military spending, the corporate media and bourgeois politicians continue to demand more weapons as part of the arbitrary NATO spending guidelines.
In the face of unlimited war budgets and social spending austerity the Communist Party calls for peace and prosperity:
- Cut military spending by 75 percent and convert to civilian spending and universal social programs; get out of NATO and NORAD, end all arms exports including to Israel, and adopt an independent Canadian foreign policy of peace and disarmament.
- Develop an emergency plan to reduce emissions to net zero now; nationalize energy and natural resources and transition to renewable energy now; build public transit including inter-city rail.
- Curb corporate power and profits by rolling back prices on food, fuel and housing; doubling corporate taxes; and closing tax loopholes and tax havens. Build public and social housing, and enact strict rent control legislation across Canada to reduce rents to no more than 20 percent of income. Cancel free trade deals and enact multi-lateral and fair trade with all countries. Create value-added jobs and raise wages and living standards.
Working people need to unite and to fight together for these policies to win real change. A People’s Coalition comprised of the labour and democratic movements, the Communist Party and others can mobilize working people across Canada to secure big gains.
This Labour Day the Communist Party extends militant greetings to all workers across the country. Let’s all enjoy one of the many fruits of class struggle – a day off or holiday pay. We can use our long weekend to reflect on the fights we’ve had and victories to come. Workers of the world unite!
Central Executive Committee, Communist Party of Canada