RadioLabour

Canada's nurses are saying yes to better health care but no to under-staffing, violence against their co-workers and more. The president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions, Linda Silas, spoke to 1,200 delegates at the Federation's national convention in Niagara Falls, June 2-6, 2025. Plus: the LabourStart Report. And singing: 'A Nurse's Lullaby.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Unifor has called for the use of existing legislation to penalize corporations that relocate jobs to the US.  Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "We Belong to the Union.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

While Canada negotiates new trade relations around the world Mark Carney did not include a Labour Minister in his cabinet. A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Mark Hancock. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: Rockin' Solidarity. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) wants the province's Workers' Compensation Board to improve its practices before more people suffer. An interview with MFL president Kevin Rebeck. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "We Just Come to Work Here, We Don't Come to Die." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Because of higher interest rates and market activities there has been a growth in pensions surpluses. The Ontario Federation of Labour held a webinar to discuss how unions can address surpluses. Also: the LabourStart report of union events. And singing: ‘To Old to Work But Too Young to Die.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis) is a sacred time in many Indigenous cultures that honours the return of vibrant blooms and the healing energy of nature. A report about Indigenous unionists featuring Charmaine St. Germain, a UFCW 401 labour relations officer. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

CUPE has joined with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Labour Congress and other labour organizations to demand an end to the use of the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "Every Stitch." "Every Stitch" used with permission. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.  

Telus Digital workers in Turkey spend eight hours a day monitoring disgusting TikTok videos. They are asking for mental health services. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "A Union for the Workers.” RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The turmoil in the United States is encouraging US scholars to think about moving to Canada. What would that mean to them and scholars in Canada? An interview with the president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, Peter McInnis. The LabourStart about union events. And singing: "A Woman's Place is in Her Union." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The Ontario government has been underfunding the education of special needs students and that affects all students. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has released a report about the situation and what can be done. An interview with ETFO first vice president David Mastin. The LabourStart Report about union events. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The 1,200 employees of the American-owned company LifeLabs in British Columbia have been conducting rotating strikes to improve their wages, working conditions and medical services in the province. An interview with the president of the BC General Employees' Union, Paul Finch. Plus: the LabourStart Report about union events. And rappin' 'We Shall Not be Moved." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The Nova Scotia Government General Employees Union has reacted to a rise of domestic and intimate partner violence in the province with a campaign called 'Turn The Tide.' An interview with NSGEU president Sandra Mullen. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "I'm Not Your Punching Bag."  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Thousands of CUPE education workers in Alberta are standing up for the province's students. Many of the workers have not had a raise in ten years, work multiple jobs and rely on food banks to feed their families. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Kevon Stewart is the director of District 6 of the United Steelworkers union. In November 2024 he was elected the international union's first Black district director. Plus: the LabourStart report about union events. And celebrating in song Viola Desmond. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

A secret office of the Alberta UCP government has been preventing school divisions from paying decent wages to their workers for years. The lack of adequate funding has been hurting students. A RadioLabour interview with the president of CUPE Alberta, Rory Gill. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Black workers often need to fight just to be recognized in the workplace. A report from a United Steelworkers District 6 conference on the Black Experience in Canada. The LabourStart Report about union events. And rappin' "Africville." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

With the closing of warehouses in Quebec Amazon is trying to stop its workers from unionizing. But Unifor's director of organizing, Justin Gniposky, says workers are fighting back and still want the protection of labour unions. Plus: Billy Bragg singing' "There is Power in a Union." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.  

Unions in Ontario have come together to condemn Doug Ford's call of a provincial election instead of taking action. An interview with the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, Laura Walton. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "We Shall Not be Moved." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Jim Stanford, the director of the Centre for Future Work, says Trump's claims that Canada is subsidizing the US are complete nonsense but democracy is in peril. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "Freedom and Justice." RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

How fascism is at the core of the US national project. An interview with Jon Milton, a senior communications officer at the Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives. The LabourStart report of union events. And singing: 'All You Fascists Bound to Lose.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.    

Teamsters Canada is fighting corporations such as CN that are trying to destroy the constitutional right of workers to bargain collectively. An interview with Paul Boucher the president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Plus: Joe Glazer singing  'Union Train.'  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.   

Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are on strike not only for themselves but to protect the jobs of many more workers. An interview with the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, Bea Bruske. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: 'She's a Rebel Girl.'  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.      

Donald Trump has threated to impose a tariff of 25 per cent on goods from Canada. A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, Laura Walton. Plus the LabourStart report on union events. And singing: 'Hold That Line.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The federal government has mandated against telework. But the Public Service Alliance of Canada is fighting back for its members - and all Canadian workers. Also: the LabourStart report about union events. And the Workers' Song Community project.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

A report by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions  has shown that there has been a sharp increase in spending on for-profit nursing agencies. Billions of dollars are being spent in the sector without much regulation and transparency on how the private companies operate. An interview with the report's author Queen's University  professor Joan Almost. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

When 200 Amazon workers in Laval Quebec unionized the company argued in court that signing cards to join the union was unconstitutional. No. Card-signing is legal in Canada and the best way to organize a union. An interview with McGill assistant professor Barry Eidlin. The LabourStart report about union events. And Billy Bragg singing: 'There is Power in a Union.' RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The United States has elected a fascist president with unchecked powers. What the effect on Canada will be. An interview with the president of Unifor, Lana Payne. The resistance against fascism in the US. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: 'All You Fascists Bound to Lose'.   RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Albertan consumers and businesses have overpaid $24 billion in electricity costs since the sector was de-regulated in 2001. The Alberta Federation of Labour has released a report calling for re-regulation and a new Crown Corporation to be called Alberta Power. An interview with AFL president Gil McGowan. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Artificial Intelligence is changing workplaces with some benefits and many risks. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has produced an AI guide for unionists. An interview with CUPE Senior Researcher Sarah Ryan.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

If Donald Trump is re-elected as US president he may once again impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. A RadioLabour interview with USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: U N I O N.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.  

In this, the second in a two part series the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is described. A RadioLabour interview with Harris Freeman, a professor of labour and employment law at Western New England University.   RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.  

Unifor - Canada's largest private sector union – has developed a national industrial strategy for the country's aerospace sector. Plus: the LabourStart report.  And rappin' for a new solidarity.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The Republican policy document 'Project 2025' calls for an end to public service unions, mass deportation of immigrant workers and other attacks on labour. A RadioLabour interview with Harris Freeman, a professor of labour and employment law at Western New England University. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

After the 2020 elections in Hong Kong, 47 pro-democracy activists were arrested. Two weeks ago fourteen activists who pleaded guilty were convicted. Carol Ng, chair of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) has been jailed without bail for three years. A RadioLabour interview with the executive director of the Hong Kong Labor Rights Monitor, Christopher Siu-tat Mung. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Labour Leaders are meeting at the conference of the International Labour Organization  in Geneva to discuss issues such as social justice, decent work and biological hazards. Canada has joined the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice which will hold its inaugural meeting at the conference. Unions in Canada are represented at the ILO by the Canadian Labour Congress. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

A UK court has allowed former Wikileaks editor Julian Assange to further appeal his extradition to the United States. The US government has charged him under its Espionage Act of 1917 which includes execution and severe solitary confinement. The International Federation of Journalists has been fighting to have Assange released from the UK's Belmarsh prison where he has been held for the past five years. In Canada IFJ affiliates include Unifor and the Canadian Media Guild. RadioLabour journalists are accredited by the IFJ.   RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The global union IndustriALL has been helping workers at the Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz plants in the traditionally anti-union south of the United States. The workers at Volkswagen won their union with the UAW. The Mercedes-Benz workers are voting. Right-to-work laws have been introduced in Alberta. In Canada IndustriALL represents unions such as Unifor and the Teamsters. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

With four billion people going to the polls this year the international labour movement has started a global campaign to support democracy against authoritarianism and fascism.  A special focus on the elections for the European Parliament and in the United States. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

In 2020 the United Conservative government in Alberta introduced the country's first Right-to-Work legislation which restricted how unions worked, even restricting their charitable contributions. But the Alberta Federation of Labour has been fighting Bill 32 with success. Its "Everything is Core" strategy provides lessons for labour in other provinces. A RadioLabour interview with AFL president Gil McGowan.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Public banks are banks owned by public institutions such as government agencies. But not all are pro-public banks that finance vital public services or enterprises. Thomas Marois, the director of the Public Banking Project at McMaster University explains why labour organizations should support and lobby for pro-public banks. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The International Transport Workers Federation has established a global network, called Rights4Workers, to support gig workers such as food deliverers. In Canada the ITF represents unions such as Unifor. A RadioLabour interview with the ITF's Young Transport Workers and Future of Work Officer, Baker Khundakji. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution will be conducting a conference in Montreal April 23-29, 2024. The intergovernmental body is working on the creation of a global treaty on plastics. Labour will be represented at the conference by Public Services International. The PSI represents more than 30 million workers in 154 countries. In Canada it represents unions such as the Canadian Union Of Public Employees and the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Comments by PSI policy officer Daria Cibrario.  RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

Thirty-two years ago the Westray mine in Pictou county, Nova Scotia, exploded killing 26 miners. Ten years later the United Steelworkers, other labour organizations and individuals were able to get a federal Westray Law enacted which can help workers today. A memorial held on Tuesday March 26, 2024, was attended by members of the Westray Families Group, Rev. Glen Matheson, Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske, USW National director Marty Warren, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Danny Cavanagh, USW District 6 (Atlantic Canada) director Myles Sullivan, E.B. Anderson who performed his song “26 Ghosts” and many others. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

After 42 years the magazine of quality labour journalism, Our Times, is closing. In a special webinar organized by the Toronto Workers' History Project (TWHP) labour media activists and historians discussed the closing of the magazine, the state of labour journalism in Canada and what may come next. The webinar was moderated by Frank Saptel and included presentations by Ron Verzuh, Derek Blackadder, Lorraine Endicott, Michelle LeBlanc, Marc Belanger and Nora Loreto. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The forestry sector in BC supports 44,000 direct jobs and close to 100,000 more indirect jobs. Since 2001, the industry has seen a 45 per cent drop in employment. Unions in the province recently held a conference to plan how to respond to the crisis. Comments by Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor's western regional director and Scott Lunny, director of United Steelworkers District 3 (Western Canada). RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The international labour movement has started a global campaign to protect democracy. This RadioLabour report features comments by Luc Triangle, the general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation which represents the Canadian Labour Congress at the world level. It also includes a presentation about democracy in the US by the president of the AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

The United Nations has released a report decrying the world crisis in education: a shortage of millions of trained teachers, low pay for educators, inadequate teaching facilities and more. A RadioLabour report featuring comments by the general-secretary of Education International, David Edwards. EI's affiliate in Canada is the Canadian Teachers' Federation. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

February 20 is the International Day for Social Justice. This year the International Labour Organization used the day to inaugurate a Global Coalition for Social Justice. Canada has joined the coalition as has the International Trade Union Confederation. One of the ITUC's affiliates is the Canadian Labour Congress. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

February is Black History month in Canada and the United States. About 1.5 million Canadians report being Black. They need their history, culture and experiences in the workplace better understood. Why are Black people leaving the teaching profession? What is anti-Black racism? A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Ontario Teacher' Federation of Ontario, Karen Brown. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

As the federal government opened its 2024 parliamentary session Unifor called for faster implementation of anti-scab legislation in the federal jurisdiction plus the need to reform Employment Insurance and why Canada needs to adopt effective industrial strategies. A RadioLabour interview with the president of Unifor, Lana Payne. RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.

January 24 was the International Day for Education. The global union federation Education International used the day to mark the one year anniversary of its 'Go Public! Fund Education!' campaign with a special webinar. EI is represented in Canada by the Canadian Teachers' Federation.   RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.