MEDIA ADVISORY: Canada’s largest unions unite in Ottawa to challenge Carney government over right to strike

OTTAWA – CLC President Bea Bruske will join David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice President of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and Marty Warren, United Steelworkers National Director for Canada, at a news conference in Ottawa on Thursday, October 29, to address the growing fight over workers’ right to strike.

Canada’s unions are standing together against federal legislation that threatens workers’ constitutionally protected right to strike. Labour leaders are urging MPs and Prime Minister Mark Carney to listen to Canadians and protect workers’ fundamental rights.

Several leaders, including Bruske, have recently appeared before House of Commons and Senate committees studying Bill C-39 to ensure MPs and Senators understand what’s at stake here and how their decisions will tip the scales even further. Bruske has warned that if the government’s goal is greater stability and more collective agreements, the proposed changes would have the opposite effect — emboldening employers to hold out rather than work toward a deal.

The news conference comes as Canada’s largest unions gather in Ottawa for the Canadian Labour Congress’ Canadian Council meeting.

WHO: Bea Bruske, President, CLC
            David Chartrand, Canadian General Vice President, IAM
            Marty Warren, National Director, USW Canada

WHAT: News conference (Audio feed available on site for media)

WHERE: Rogers Centre, Ottawa

WHEN: Thursday, October 29, 11:30 am

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact:

Canadian Labour Congress
media@clcctc.ca
613-526-7426

Karyne Vienneau
kvienneau@clcctc.ca
819-209-6706