An important Labour Day message from the Toronto & York Region Labour Council:
Dear Friends,
This Labour Day is the first time in 149 years that we will not be on the streets showing our pride in what we do and raising our voices for social and economic justice. But health and safety must come first! While we will miss seeing our Sisters and Brothers out Monday morning showing our labour pride, we are excited about the launch of our A Just Recovery for All campaign.
Over 30 local and national affiliates have jumped on board and the solidarity shows: over 130 buses will feature our ad, each directly sponsored by an affiliate, and banners will be up on six highway bridges in Toronto. Digital ads are appearing across social media and we launch our virtual parade – this Sunday at 2pm on Facebook and YouTube – featuring the wonderful diversity of Toronto and York Region’s labour movement.
It’s been a hard year for workers and our communities with COVID-19, the impact of systemic racism and the economic uncertainty facing us all. This year, it’s more important than ever to show our union pride, celebrate and speak out for justice.
Here are ways you can participate and help spread the message:
Virtual Labour Day Parade – Premieres Sunday at 2pm on Facebook and YouTube
A dynamic variety show featuring the wonderful diversity of Toronto’s workers from teachers, nurses, paramedics, construction workers, grocery clerks, public servants, actors and more.
Trailer
Link to shareable assets
SPOT-A-BUS Contest – New draw every week all month
Keep your eyes peeled to catch one of our 130 A Just Recovery for All bus ads across Toronto and York Region. All you have to do is take a photo, post it on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #JustRecoveryForAll and each week we’ll do a draw for a chance to win a spot in the next issue of Labour Action Magazine and other prizes!
Link to shareable assets
A Just Recovery for All
Our theme this year is a call to action for decision-makers at all level of government to tackle the deeply entrenched economic and racial inequality of our society. And our imagery features some of the essential workers who make up our membership and continue to work on the front-lines to keep our communities safe.
Read about our campaign
Find assets to share online
History of Labour Day – Did you know Toronto inspired the creation of Labour Day? We have created some assets to share that fun facts widely on social media!
Link to shareable assets
Virtual Programme – Launches Sunday at 2pm online
Featuring our participating affiliates and our labour community, the virtual programme will be live along with the virtual parade. Check out our website and social channels to get your copy!
Forward Together, A Canadian Plan
Monday 1pm on Facebook – The Canadian Labour Congress invite you to celebrate Labour Day with Canada’s unions! Canada has weathered the pandemic better than the United States, because we all worked together. Now we need to keep sticking together and disaster-proof Canada for the future. Join the movement for an economic recovery that work for all persons living in Canada. Tune in to their Facebook page on Labour Day at 1 p.m. EDT to help launch their new campaign Forward Together, A Canadian Plan. Featuring: a message from the President, and special tributes and stories from workers about their experiences.
We wish everyone a happy and safe Labour Day!