Issue 48 – 25, April 27, 2025
A Message from the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada on the National Day of Mourning
April 28th marks the National Day of Mourning, a solemn occasion dedicated to remembering the lives lost and injured in workplace tragedies. It is a day to acknowledge the profound impact these events have on families, communities, and the very fabric of our society.
For the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC), this day is more than just remembrance, it is our unwavering commitment to ensuring a safer tomorrow for all working Canadians.
For far too long, the toll of workplace injuries and fatalities has been a harsh reality for countless families and communities across Canada. The pain, the grief, the financial burdens, and the long-term consequences of these tragedies are deeply felt. We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those who have lost their lives or been harmed in the workplace. Our hearts ache with them, and our commitment to preventing future tragedies is strengthened by these shared losses.
CURC recognizes that workplace safety is not simply a matter of adhering to regulations; it is a fundamental human right. Every worker deserves a safe and healthy environment in which to earn a living, to support their families. This right is not a privilege to be granted, but a responsibility to be upheld by all stakeholders, from employers and industry associations to government agencies and labour organizations.
The current state of workplace safety in Canada demands urgent attention. While progress has been made, the numbers of injuries and fatalities remain stubbornly high. We, as a collective voice of retired union members, have witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of complacency and negligence. We have seen how a lack of adequate training, insufficient resources, can lead to tragic outcomes.
Our commitment to safety is not a fleeting sentiment; it is deeply rooted in the experiences and lessons learned throughout our careers. We have spent our working lives striving for safe working conditions.
Furthermore, we call upon all levels of government to play a crucial role in enforcing existing safety regulations and implementing stricter standards where necessary. Government oversight, coupled with robust inspections and appropriate penalties for violations, will create a deterrent effect and encourage responsible behaviour.
CURC will continue to advocate for policies that promote preventative measures, prioritize worker well-being, and hold employers accountable for creating and maintaining safe workplaces.
This includes:
Strengthening occupational health and safety laws: We need stronger enforcement of existing laws, particularly in high-risk sectors.
Improving access to safety training and resources: Comprehensive and readily available training programs are crucial for preventing incidents.
Addressing mental health in the workplace: Mental wellness is as important as physical wellness, and dedicated support systems need to be in place.
Promoting worker participation in safety initiatives: Empowering workers to identify and report hazards is vital for a proactive safety culture.
Supporting families of victims: Providing ongoing support to those affected by workplace tragedies is of paramount importance.
On this National Day of Mourning, union retirees recommit to working with active union members for a future where workplaces are not just places of economic activity but also safe and supportive environments for all who labour. Our collective action today is a promise to honor those we mourn and create a better tomorrow.
May Day: A Celebration of Workers' Rights and a Plea for Economic Justice
May Day, a global celebration of workers' rights, reminds us of the vital contributions of labor to our societies and economies. It's a day to acknowledge the struggles and triumphs of working people throughout history, from the fight for the eight-hour workday to the ongoing battles for fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize.
This year's May Day carries a particular weight. The global economy faces unprecedented challenges, including rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the lingering effects of the pandemic. In this context, the new federal government has a critical opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to workers and Canadians. May Day serves as a potent reminder that a strong and prosperous nation is built on the strength of its working people. It's time for policies that prioritize workers' and Canadians’ well-being, not just corporate profits.
The new government must address the urgent needs of Canadian workers and families. We strongly urge them to prioritize these key areas:Increase the minimum wage, a livable minimum wage is crucial for low-income workers.
Fair wages and economic security, the current cost-of-living crisis is squeezing families, and incomes aren't keeping up with inflation. Provide targeted support for low and moderate income workers, expanded tax credits and enhanced social assistance programs will provide crucial relief to those struggling the most.
Strengthen collective bargaining rights, his will empower workers to negotiate fair wages and benefits.
Implement robust cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs), these adjustments to wages and benefits will help mitigate the impact of rising prices.
Negotiating fair trade agreements: These agreements should protect Canadian industries and workers from unfair trade practices by other countries.
Providing retraining and support for displaced workers: Workers whose jobs are affected by trade disputes need support to transition to new opportunities. This should include retraining programs and support for finding alternative employment.
Diversifying Canadian exports, reducing dependence on the American market and developing new export opportunities will make Canada more resilient to trade disruptions.Strengthen the social safety nets, increasing support for those struggling with affordability, such as job seekers, single parents, and seniors will ensure that no Canadian is left behind in these difficult economic times.
Address housing affordability, high housing costs disproportionately impact low- and moderate-income Canadians. The government should prioritize policies that increase access to affordable housing.
May Day is not just a celebration; it's a call to action. The new federal government has a chance to demonstrate its commitment to the working class and the well-being of the nation. By embracing policies that prioritize worker protections, fair wages, economic security, and skills development, the government can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all. Let this May Day be a turning point towards a truly inclusive and thriving economy that benefits all Canadians.
CURC Happenings this week. Manitoba Federation of Union Retirees (MFUR)
President Paul Moist presented at the Manitoba Legislature in support of Bill 39, The Public Schools Amendment Act – Campaign Financing for School Trustees. Bill 39 provides much needed transparency and spending limits, to align with the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. You can read MFUR’s presentation here: https://www.mfur.ca/news/mfur-
Alberta Federation of Union Retirees (AFUR) held their Annual General Meeting, Congratulations to all those who were elected to lead the union retiree movement in Alberta. As part of this activity, AFUR members participated along with 500 other union delegates at the Alberta Federation of Labour Convention. As Usual the table at the AFL Convention was recruiting new members and spreading the word of the AFUR and CURC activities and Campaigns.
Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) partnered with Canadian Benefits providing a booth at the OPSEU convention attended by 2300 delegates. Thanks to the OPSEU Retirees for their support and activities promoting CURC and especially their support of the Retirement Benefits provided by CURC threw Canadian Benefits for those who retire without health benefits. Many resolutions were supported by the convention supporting the building of the union retiree movement.
CURC 15th Constitutional Convention The Fifteenth
Convention of the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada will take place at the Pan Pacific Toronto, 900 York Mills Rd, Toronto, the convention will be held June 17th, to June 19, 2025.
We are now counting down with only 7 weeks until the start of the convention, we are just over 3 weeks from the opportunity to book your room at the rate of $174.00 including parking. We are so excited to announce that Charlie Angus, Retired Timmins—James Bay NDP MP, Elbows Up! Resistance Tour will be a guest speaker, “union retirees getting their elbows up”, evening of celebration for the contributions of union retirees to everything Canadian.
Jim Stanford will be a key presenter, Economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, based in Vancouver, Canada. Jim is one of Canada’s best-known economic commentators. The convention will also focus on Health Care and Affordability, and we have excellent presenters on those panel who we will be announcing soon.
Be a delegate, participate in building the union retirement movement forward. For more information about the convention please email curc@clcctc.ca .
Election Day – April 28th - Make our Voices Heard - VOTE