Thousands mark Labour Day for first time since COVID sidelined parade

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Thousands took to the streets for the Labour Day Parade on Monday for the first time since the pandemic forced the cancellation of the event in its in-person form two years ago.

“Together with our sisters, brothers, and comrades, we will continue to fight for working people everywhere,” said Andria Babbington, president of the Toronto and York Labour District Council. “The prolonged pandemic, return to austerity by governments, employers ignoring workers’ sacrifices, and high inflation keeps raising a growing voice of worker dissatisfaction in many sectors.”

Noting the province has only offered education workers a four-year deal in which offers those making less than $40,000 annually a yearly wage hike of 2% and all others 1.25% a year, Babbington said “together we will show our power and strength as a labour movement. Labour organizing and worker activism are on the rise.”

The Canadian Labour Congress said it is pushing members to “reclaim their power and stand up to employers and governments” as the country recovers from COVID.

“The pandemic and its devastating effects aren’t behind us yet, but workers in Canada have an opportunity to help shape the future we want,” said CLC President Bea Bruske.

“More and more workers are pushing back and demanding better: better wages, better benefits and better working conditions,” added Bruske. “This is our moment to seize, to shape the world of work we want.”

Mayor John Tory said at the march that all levels of government need to work together to get the labour sector back on track after the pandemic.

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“They are worried like a lot of people. We need to work for their interest,” Tory said.

Tom MacNeil, with the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Local 128, said he was happy to see a return of the parade.

“It’s nice to get out and show support for the labour industry,” MacNeilo said.

Justin Antaeunis, with the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, was also pleased to have the march back.

“It’s been difficult to celebrate the union over the past few years. It is good to march again,” Antaeunis said.

Premier Doug Ford celebrated Labour Day in a tweet:

“We have the best workers anywhere in the world right here in Ontario. As premier, I’m so grateful for the men and women who go to work every day to build this great province. Our government will never stop working for you, the workers,” Ford said,