
Canada Needs a Plan for Progress, Not a Return
to Normal
By Janet Andrews, Secretary-Treasurer of New
Westminster and District Labour Council & Stephen von Sychowski, President,
Vancouver and District Labour Council -- Sept 2020
Labour Day is
coming up on September 7 and, as always, it is a time to celebrate and reflect
upon the hard work, struggles, and victories of working people and the labour
movement both past and present.
This year, it
is especially important that we recognize the contributions of front-line
workers, and those behind the scenes, who are making it possible for us to
weather the storm of COVID-19.
That’s why the
virtual Labour Day event hosted by jointly by the New Westminster &
District Labour Council and the Vancouver and District Labour Council will
focus this year on recognizing the work of
Awesome Unions Activists, Dedicated Front Line Workers,
Outstanding Job Stewards, and Caring Community Activists with the
first ever Elsie (Labour Council) Awards.
But we can’t
stop at thanking these workers and honouring their crucial contributions. This
Labour Day we also must commit ourselves to fighting for a better world for
them, and for us all.
The COVID-19
pandemic is shining a harsh light on the inequalities and injustices that
characterize our current economic system. At the very same time, we are
witnessing a tremendous upsurge against systems of oppression in our society,
especially systemic racism.
On Labour Day
2020, we are calling for societal transformation. Canada’s labour movement has
a plan for progress that includes everyone. Labour’s plan will even the playing
field, promote better jobs, improved health and safety, and a stronger social
safety net.
We cannot and
will not accept austerity and cuts as a path to recovery, nor should we seek a
return to normal. Instead we must chart a bold new path to a just and equitable
society. We must also stand together to confront racism and all forms of
oppression and bigotry.
Please join us
on Labour Day at 11:00am on our Labour Council websites and social media
accounts for a celebration of our accomplishments as workers. Then, let’s set
to work on pushing forward our plan for progress, for a just recovery and a
better society for all of us.
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