Labour Day is our day to celebrate the achievements of CUPE members and workers across Canada and around the world. It’s our chance to reflect on the struggles we’ve overcome and the challenges we face ahead – and an opportunity to celebrate the strength we draw from worker solidarity and unity.
Our movement has marked some historic achievements over the past year, including defying the federal government’s unconstitutional back-to-work orders and standing up for our members’ Charter rights.
We have also celebrated some important political wins, including the re-election of an NDP government in British Columbia, and helping keep Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre out of the Prime Minister’s office.
Across Canada, right-wing governments have continued their assault on public services and our rights over the past year – whether it’s privatizing health care, attacking the rights of vulnerable communities, or introducing lawless special economic zones to bypass consultation with Indigenous and local communities. The right in Canada is united in its fight to dismantle our hard-won gains. Those threats remind us that our fight is far from over.
But CUPE members have continued to rise up in the face of governments and employers who did everything they could to see us fail. We showed yet again just how tough and resilient our members are when they stand united.
This Labour Day, let us take a moment of celebration, reflection, and resolve. Let us celebrate our victories — and the thousands who made them possible. Let us honour the spirit of solidarity that carries us through adversity and hard times. And let us renew our commitment to stand up, organize, and protect every Canadian worker and public service.
On behalf of over 750,000 CUPE members across Canada, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every CUPE member, staff, and retiree for your unwavering commitment to public services, social justice, and working-class solidarity.