Toronto & York Region Labour Council: Workers Shape Our Future - 2024 Labour Day Parade
September 02 2024 - 6:30AM
Over 20,000 workers across Toronto and York Region are taking to
the streets this morning for the 153rd annual Labour Day Parade, as
workers lead the charge in shaping a future that works for
everyone.
This Labour Day is a pivotal moment for workers. While we
celebrate victories together, we face the huge challenges of
growing inequality and the ongoing affordability crisis. Workers
are the engine that keeps our region running. We work hard, but
housing, groceries, and other essentials keep slipping out of
reach. This is the harsh reality for workers across our region
today.
We know that workers have been under attack for decades. But now
more than ever, we face rising inequality, privatizing healthcare,
cut services, suppressed wages, and efforts to undermine collective
bargaining. “Those in power—the bosses and their allies in
government—continue to extract more value from our labour while
many struggle to make ends meet,” said Andria Babbington, President
of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council.
“They use words like ‘freedom,’ ‘choice,’ or ‘Common Sense’ to
cut our essential public services—including education and
healthcare. Then, they blame us for the fallout, but they should be
looking in the mirror. We need to build towards the common good—one
that’s rooted in solidarity as we shape the future—not just for
ourselves, but for the benefit of all,” she added.
With inequality rising and the prospect of possible national and
provincial elections, the stakes for workers could not be higher.
Labour leaders from across the country will echo this message at
today’s parade in solidarity with Toronto and York Region
members—together stressing the need for workers to lead in building
a more just society.
In the words of President Babbington: “We march on Labour Day to
remind the bosses that we are here, we shape our own future, and we
are never going back. The future belongs to those of us who believe
in fairness, justice, and equality for all.”
Highlights from Labour Leaders
"The fight for workers' rights is far from over. We need to
build on our successes and push for even stronger protections and
policies that focus on creating an affordable Canada, where
everyone can access their basic needs. Change is up to us, and
working together, we will win a better deal for workers and build a
brighter future for everyone in Canada.”—Lily Chang, Canadian
Labour Congress (CLC) Secretary-Treasurer.
“I urge each of us to be bold, united, and strategic. Our
strength lies in our collective action and our commitment to
advancing workers' rights.”—Jan Simpson, CUPW National
President.
“As CUPE Local 79 enters a bargaining year, we face a crucial
opportunity to define the future of public services in Toronto. The
strength of our city depends on the quality of our jobs and our
ability to protect the services our communities depend on. At the
bargaining table this year, we will fight not only for the rights
of our members but also for a more just and resilient Toronto that
serves everyone.”—Nas Yadollahi, President of CUPE Local 79.
“This Labour Day, we’re declaring that workers' votes will shape
the future. Our votes as workers will determine if we have a
country that is about shared values, like strong public health care
so the poor are treated the same as the rich, because cancer
doesn’t care about your wallet. Today, we’re marching for the
future, and together, we’re going to shape it.”—Tyler Downey,
Secretary Treasurer of SEIU Healthcare.
For more information and media inquiries, please contact:
Yaroslava Avila
Montenegro Communications and Data
Coordinator, Toronto and York Region Labour Council
Phone: 416 441 3663 ex 1028 Email:
ymontenegro@labourcouncil.ca
About Toronto & York Region Labour Council:
The Toronto & York Region Labour Council represents over
200,000 workers from diverse sectors across the Toronto region .
Committed to fighting for economic, social, racial and climate
justice, the Council works tirelessly to create a fair and
equitable future for all.