The Way We WorkQuotes From LabourLeaders Transformingthe World

The countries in which uniondensity rates are higher are also theones in which the welfare state ismore developed, taxation levelshigher and more progressive,collective bargaining morecentralized and labour law bothcloser to international labourstandards and better implemented.

The gains that union membersmake at the bargaining tablespill over into creating healthierand more prosperouscommunities for everyone. Unionmembers can be goodambassadors in a campaign forgreater fairness for all Canadians.

Unions are about fairness:workplace fairness; economicfairness; opportunityfairness; political fairness;and democratic fairness.Unions promote fairness, notjust for their members, butfor all Canadians.

No worker is inherently vulnerable.Workers are made vulnerable bylaws that facilitate relationships ofinequality and laws that fail toaddress exploitation. We need toname both: how that inequality isconstructed and who benefits fromit.

Labour rights are humanrights. Unions fought forstrong labour rights. Whenlabour rights are weakened,then unions have lessability to fight for humanrights for all workers

Canada's reputation as aninternational champion of humanrights falls appallingly shortwhen it comes to the question ofworkers' rights. While we areamong the first nations to signinternational labour conventions,too often we break them whenthey prove inconvenient at home.

Strong labour laws andhigher unionization ratesreduce income inequality byraising wages for all workersand ensuring more workersreceive a higher proportionof national income.

Strong labour laws andhigher unionization ratesreduce income inequality byraising wages for all workersand ensuring more workersreceive a higher proportionof national income.

Recognizing that workershave the right to bargaincollectively as part of theirfreedom to associatereaffirms the values ofdignity, personal autonomy,equality and democracy.

Legislating workers back towork instead of letting theprocess of collectivebargaining unfold simplycreates bad labour relationsand does not resolve issuesthat can only be solvedthrough negotiation.

Labour rights are at theheart of the fight for humanrights. The freedom toassociate, to organize and tohave equal opportunities inthe workplace – every yearwe see these rights underattack around the world.