Unions will be at the forefront in tackling the affordability crisis. That was the message from Canadian Labor Congress President Bea Bruske in her address to the CUPE-BC Congress on Friday afternoon.

“Workers demand better; the status quo does not satisfy them. And they look to unions to improve their lot,” she said, adding that organizing will be a major theme at the forthcoming CCL annual meeting. “Our trade union movement must seize this opportunity. We must ensure that all workers can reap the benefits of having a union card in their pocket. »

Ms Bruske praised CUPE BC’s work in mobilizing its members and setting it as an example for other unions: “You work so hard to get your members involved in politics. I can’t wait to see what CUPE BC. will continue to do so to get its members involved. »

Bea Bruske highlighted many of the recent advances Canada’s unions have made through their political advocacy in partnership with the federal NDP. She pointed to promised federal anti-scab legislation, national childcare affordability measures and new legislation prioritizing work towards creditors as achievements in which all CLC affiliates, including CUPE, have played a part.

Near CUPE BC, Ms Bruske pledged the CLC would continue to support transit strikers in the Fraser Valley.

“Fair wages and fair working conditions should be the bare minimum,” she said. Rest assured that three million members of CLC affiliated unions support CUPE 561 and his fight for a fair contract. »