Brothers and Sisters,
Labour Day is rooted in the struggles of working people. From the first strikes in the 1870s to the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, labour unions have been the glue to bond the working class. Collectively, we have shaped Canada by securing fair pay, safer workplaces, and a stronger middle class. Unions are the voice of workers, and we continue to stand for dignity, fairness, and opportunity.
We saw this voice in action during the recent CUPE strike at Air Canada. More than 10,000 flight attendants and union leaders stood together despite mounting pressure from both the company and our government. Their courage and solidarity remind us of the role unions play in holding corporations accountable and demanding fair wages and better working conditions. Their stand extends beyond their workplace; it strengthens the fight for every worker in Canada.
Strikes and work actions are never easy. They disrupt lives and the economy, but they also push change forward. Without them, unchecked corporate power would continue to erode the stability of our middle class. Unions protect the interests of many over the luxury of a few, and our country’s prosperity depends on strong wages and secure jobs.
Across the country, our local unions negotiate in the best interests of their members—sometimes through no-strike clauses, sometimes through collective action. What matters most is that we act with unity and strength to protect our members and advance our shared goals.
Behind the scenes, we continue to work toward building strong relationships with government: to educate politicians on the value of unions and share the benefits that IBEW local unions across Canada bring to both working Canadians and the larger economy. Our locals have opened their training centres to government leaders, forging partnerships to modernize skilled trades and invest in the next generation. We continue to lobby for the funding needed to upgrade facilities and expand opportunities for underrepresented Canadians to enter the trades. We will always be ready to sit at the table with government and industry to build a stronger future for workers and with that, a brighter future for our country.
Labour Day is a time to celebrate, but it is also a reminder that our work is not finished. We owe it to those who came before us to remain vigilant, to keep the voice of workers strong at the bargaining table, and to ensure that voice is heard at every level of government. The well-being of one worker is tied to the well-being of all. When we stand together, we protect not only our rights but the future of Canada’s middle class.
Today and every day, I urge you, our members and leaders, to honour those who fought before us, to support those still on the front lines, and to build a fairer, more just country. Unions remain as essential to Canada as ever, and together, we will continue to deliver security and prosperity for generations to come.
I encourage all members to take part in Labour Day festivities through their local union or community. These gatherings are an opportunity to celebrate our shared history, connect with one another, and show the strength of our movement. By standing together we remind all Canadians of the important role unions play in building a better future.
Happy Labour Day.
In solidarity,
 | Russ Shewchuk International Vice President IBEW First District, Canada |