At a time when workers are facing increasing attacks on their rights and livelihoods, Local 1000A members, activists and staff rallied together in downtown Toronto to show their support for a more fair, just and equitable society with a strong middle class.
“We are here today because we want fairness for all Canadians, not just union members,” said Andy Rostoks, a Local 1000A steward who works at a Valu-Mart in Scarborough (Guildwood). “I am a proud union member and Labour Day is about showing the kind of power we can have if everyone worked together.”
Rostoks brought his family to the Toronto Labour Day parade.
“If workers and the labour movement don’t come together, the middle class will disappear.”
Alicia Lumandez, who works at Kretschmar, also came to the parade with her family.
“I am here because I want to fight for the rights of workers. Labour day is about standing up for fairness.”
Participants also celebrated the contributions of workers and the labour movement to Canadian society. These include universal health care, vacations, sick days, maternity leave, 8-hour workdays, pensions, health and safety standards at workplaces and much more.
"Workers are the ones who helped build Canada into the extraordinary country that it is today," said Kevin Benn, Secretary-Treasurer for Local 1000A, who marched in the parade. "By coming together and fighting together, our movement continues to make life better for millions of Canadians from coast to coast."
Thank you to all those who participated and we hope to see you next year!
