We celebrate Labour Day by fighting local

“Labour Day is an important time for us to reflect on and celebrate workers’ rights, struggles and victories,” says Erin Ariss, ONA Provincial President. “As nurses and health-care professionals, we know better than most the value of a publicly-funded, publicly-delivered health-care system, and I’m proud that ONA members have the courage to fight for it.” 

ONA members participated in Labour Day events across the province, from Brantford to Sarnia to Toronto and many places in between. They enjoyed barbecues and camaraderie with workers from all industries and walks of life. ONA member also marched and joined rallies to continue the fight for workers’ rights and stand up for our health-care system. In communities across Ontario, ONA members gave life to the theme Fight Local.  

Members of ONA7 joined hundreds of attendees at the Brantford & District Labour Council’s 69th annual Soap Box Derby and community barbecue on Labour Day. ONA members collected petition signatures and distributed pamphlets and materials promoting the #nursestalktruth campaign. 

“Being an affiliate member of our local labour council provides an opportunity to give mutual support to other unions. The union solidarity within the communities of Haldimand, Norfolk and Brantford is strong because of the connections that are built when unions support other unions,” says ONA7 Local Coordinator Melanie Holjak, when asked why it’s important for ONA members to participate in Labour Day events.  

“Engaging the community through events such as the Labour Day celebration also fosters support from residents. Events intended to give back to the community promote the important work union members perform and allows for an opportunity to highlight the value of unions within the community and in society. Celebrating the gains made by unions and the advocacy still ongoing is forward movement to achieving better working conditions for all.”

Region 5 Vice-President John Lowe joined members of ONA19 at Sarnia’s 123rd annual Labour Day Parade. Emily Webb, Local Coordinator of ONA19, spoke to F-Word about Sarnia’s long labour history and the continued importance of Labour Day. 

“Sarnia’s deep roots in organized labour, especially through its petrochemical industry, have made this parade a cornerstone of local identity. I walked as a young girl with my dad, uncles and grandpa with their union, UA Local 663 (Unionized Plumbers, Steamfitters & Welders). Today, I involve my kids and it’s a family tradition to walk and celebrate, marching with pride, purpose and mutual respect,” says Webb. “Labour Day serves as a reminder that the fight for equity, justice and fair labour practices is ongoing. Considering the recent arbitration decision for the hospital collective agreement, standing strong and united feels just as important as it did 123 years ago.” 

Members from Region 3 marched in the Toronto parade alongside more than 20,000 members and their families from local, provincial and national unions as well as the Toronto and York Region Labour Council. The parade ended at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) where participants were given free admission to the event, part of a long-time agreement between the CNE and labour movement. 

Organizers counted about 55 ONA members and family/friends at the parade, including Ariss, First Vice-President Alan Warrington and Region 3 Vice-President Karen McKay-Eden. Signage read, “fight local for public health care.” The ONA contingent featured a truck this year, so the lead event organizer and Member Mobilizer Tania Liu could keep upbeat music playing throughout, while volunteers distributed water and snacks. Organizers shared their live location throughout the parade, so members could find them easily. 

“It’s important that workers band together and unite to face looming cuts and health-care privatization with solidarity and resolve,” says Ariss. “Our families, friends, coworkers and community all deserve better working conditions and an affordable life.” 

We continue to face economic uncertainty, which makes the role of workers and their unions as important as ever. We can create the Canada we want by fighting for it in our local communities. Together, we can remind bosses and billionaires that Canada works because we do.