workers

As some were spending the Labour Day holiday at home, dozens gathered in downtown Halifax to celebrate the history of unions and voice their concerns about the ongoing struggles in different industries.

But Marc-Édouard Joubert, executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress, says he wants to recognize that, as they rallied and walked through the streets, union workers were in Cape Breton, helping with flood relief and road repairs.

“I want to say and to recognize the critical work of emergency workers, municipal workers, workers that hold community together, and all-around citizens helping one another. That’s the true meaning of Labour Day,” says Joubert.

The Canadian Labour Congress organized the rally, with several different union representatives and workers attending.

Joubert added that Nova Scotia has several key industries for the whole country, like fishing and shipbuilding.

The federal and provincial governments recently announced a submarine contract that would bring a lot more jobs and production to the Halifax harbour.

At the same time, Joubert says they are hearing some port workers are concerned about artificial intelligence and automation taking their jobs.

Part of Labour Day, however, is recognizing that nothing was ever given to workers. They fought for the rights and benefits they have now, he says.

“We have to be aware that things can change rapidly—and they are in Ottawa—and that we may be called upon to keep on organizing and make demands to the government and to the one holding power in this country.”