ATU Canada Attends 30th Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress in Montreal, QC
Like the AFL-CIO, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) is Canada’s major umbrella organization of national unions, provincial federations of labour, and local labour councils. The main purpose of the Congress is to advocate for working people, promote labour’s ideas and policies to the federal government, and support local unions through education and training.
In May 2023, the Canadian Labour Congress held its 30th Constitutional Convention in Montréal, Quebec, which brought together over 2,200 delegates from across the country to chart a progressive path forward – and create a better future for everyone. A future where life is more affordable, where we have true reconciliation with and justice for indigenous peoples, good sustainable jobs that tackle the climate crisis and build the infrastructure that we need, and a future where our loved ones are cared for.
ATU Canada was proud to attend with over 40 delegates from our Canadian ATU Locals, including the three Co-chairs of the ATU Canada Equity and Inclusion Committee.
ATU Recognized for Our Work
The ATU delegation was well-received and applauded by national affiliates who recognized ATU Canada’s movement and momentum in the transit sector and participation in several actions, including the call for the Repeal of Bill 124 in Ontario and how together we shut down Queen Street during the strike of our Local 1587-Toronto, ON, in November 2022. Several resolutions were debated and resolved at the convention, including the importance of one of the most vital services Canadians enjoy – Public Transit.
ATU Canada held a breakout session with all ATU delegates in attendance and reviewed the events and strategies leading into this convention and a path forward. During the breakout session, the ATU delegation were visited by Team Unite, led by CLC President Bea Bruske, Secretary-Treasurer Lily Chang, and Executive Vice Presidents Larry Rousseau, and Siobhan Vipond. After a compelling presentation by Team Unite – the ATU Canadian delegation proudly endorsed Team Unite in their re-election bid. Some will remember that Bea Bruske spoke at the 2022 ATU International Convention and brought greetings to the delegation in Las Vegas about the work and efforts of the Canadian Labour Congress, which helped reinforce the endorsement for Team Unite.
After five days of successful convention business and dialogue, we were proud to see the re-election of the current leadership, and ATU Canada is committed to working collaboratively with the Canadian Labour Congress and all our affiliates across this country to make change for workers and set a new path for the Labour movement in Canada.
The convention wrapped up with an explosion of energy as delegates took to the streets in a true show of solidarity, demonstrating the power of having a union. When employers or governments come after one of us, they come after all of us!