Challenges lie ahead for Canadian labourers
By Lethbridge Herald on August 31, 2024.
Editor:
As we approach Labour Day 2024, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the significant strides made by workers in Canada, as well as the challenges that lie ahead. This year, Labour Day is more than just a celebration; it’s a call to action for all of us who believe in the power of collective effort to bring about positive change.
Over the past year, Canada’s unions have secured historic victories, such as the passage of anti-scab legislation, the advancement of pharmacare, and the establishment of sustainable jobs.
These wins are a testament to what workers can achieve when we unite around our shared values and priorities.
However, these hard-won gains are now at risk as we witness the rise of anti-worker politicians being elected at all levels of government.
The harsh reality is that workers power the economy, yet many are struggling to make ends meet as the cost of basic necessities continues to outpace wage growth. Despite this politicians consistently oppose legislation designed to make life more affordable for working Canadians.
Instead of ensuring that wealthy corporations pay their fair share in taxes, these politicians are advocating for cuts to vital programs such as healthcare, pensions, and Employment Insurance—programs that countless Canadians rely on.
Workers deserve better. We deserve a country where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Voting against legislation that supports workers and their families — such as dental care, pharmacare, and sustainable jobs —while prioritizing the interests of corporations is not the path to a better future. It’s time for politicians to stop the rhetoric and start showing real support for those who keep our economy running.
This Labour Day, let’s stand together in solidarity, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard loud and clear. By working together, we can deliver governments at all levels that truly represents and serves the needs of all Canadians.
Krysty Thomas
President of the Lethbridge and District Labour Council
13-12
Not often I can comment on two letters in the same day. The biggest issue facing labourers is temporary foreign workers, you are correct, Politicians (Trudeaus) open border policy has left the labour movement reeling. On the other hand the union PSAC has made application to the Supreme Court to defy an order that requires them to go back to work at their offices three days a week. And the SC is going to hear it. Apparently the they thoroughly enjoy working from home. Wow, want it both ways.
Once again all mouth and no brains and doesn’t care that no one agrees with him, the laughing stock of the people.
Isn’t it sad that you still aren’t smart enough to understand that no one wants to read your ignorant comments proving how stupid you really are.
Watching the stupidity that Donald Trump has brought to the table spewing his sarcastic comments as his only form of intelligence we are seeing nothing different with our ignorant Alberta seniors praising these Reformers for deliberately destroying our children’s and grandchildren’s future and they aren’t smart enough to care.
In most cases the stupidity comes from easy to fool seniors who have a horrific reputation for being easy to fool. If it wasn’t bad enough that Ralph Klein almost completely destroyed our Public Health Care system now we have Danielle Smith planning to carry on where Klein left off and these seniors are more than willing to let her do it.
The big question is are Albertans going to be willing to give Reformer Pierre Poilievre a second chance at destroying our Public Health Care System when he tried to help Stephen Harper do it?
Let’s hope that like my Republican Relatives they are willing to change parties and support the Liberals , knowing Trump is a total disaster. While my conservative friends and I are are not fans of Trudeau , as lawyer friends point out , you can trust him a lot more than these Reform Party liars who continue to prove that there is nothing conservative about them. The don’t care what happens to the people , looking after themselves and rich friends is all they care about, just like Trump. Apparently they have never learned that true conservatives create jobs , not destroy them like Poilievre promised to do if elected and his pal Danielle Smith has been doing. It’s no secret that their mandate is to force Canadians into a privatized healthcare and education system and that’s exactly what she is setting Albertans up for when Poilievre is elected at the Federal level. Are you going to let her or are you going to try to help us kick her out in November?
Rural Albertans need to wake up and realize how dangerous this woman is when she shows no respect for our future generations. We can’t afford anymore food banks, can we? All this stupidity can be resolved by collecting proper oil royalties and corporate taxes but looking after the rich and not the average citizens is all these Reformers care about.
living wages are imperative. anything less should be a source of shame for societies at large.