Labour Day is a day for us to pause and celebrate the contributions of working people to our society. Not only for those who are in a trade union, but for every worker.
Through our work, we contribute to improving life for our families and our society. Workers are an essential part of the social fabric of our communities, as are unions.
The work done by the trade union movement is sometimes controversial or uncomfortable, but always done in the spirit of improving the lives of the members we serve. That’s the whole person—not only their work lives. Because when you show up for work, you bring your whole self and we believe that the union’s role is to be there to support our whole membership.
Some will disagree with the public statements of their union, but those statements are about making progress for the membership and for working people. And there are times that we stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
As we pause for the last long weekend of summer, I share this with you from J.S. Woodsworth:
We are thankful for these and all the good things of life. We recognize that they are a part of our common heritage and come to us through the efforts of our brothers and sisters the world over. What we desire for ourselves, we wish for all. To this end, may we take our share in the world’s work and the world’s struggles.
Happy Labour Day!
Barbara Cape
President, SEIU-West