Reflecting on Labour Day and the Canadian labour situation
Posted September 5, 2011 5:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
TORONTO, Ont. – Meant to recognize the contributions of the everyday working person, Labour Day is a much needed break away from work for many Canadians.
Following a challenging few months on the labour front, featuring some high profile labour disputes affecting corporations like Canada Post and Air Canada, Labour Day is a good time to reflect on the Canadian labour situation.
With common issues like wages and pensions being the sticking point for many Canadians, Sid Ryan, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour, says the situation for workers is looking bleak.
“Both governments and corporations try to take advantage, I think, of workers, in terms of the world recession, so they try to introduce clawbacks, concessions,” Ryan said.
Ryan added that many young people are graduating from University and having to take jobs that don’t pay wages that are able to sustain families.
“Real wages haven’t really increased, when you factor in inflation, over the last 20 years,” Ryan said. “A lot of the good paying jobs like manufacturing jobs are disappearing.”
Ontario is currently in the midst of another major labour dispute, as the 8,000 support workers at Ontario’s colleges are currently striking for better wages and more full-time job security.
