Union activists who for decades have marched through the streets of Canadian cities on Labour Day to celebrate workers' rights will commemorate the event differently this year as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to put the brakes on mass gatherings.
John Cartwright is among those whose plans were dashed by public health measures meant to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. The president of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council said he has been taking part in Labour Day marches for 40 years.
However, he said they have come up with alternative measures to ensure that workers' rights are celebrated, with a virtual parade that will air on YouTube and Facebook. Derek Johnstone, of United Food and Commercial Workers Canada, said COVID-19 had proven to be a game-changer in the way unions advocate for themselves.
UFCW said it will be participating in parade drive-ins, food drives, Facebook Live events and Zoom panels to discuss worker issues.Roughly 1,400 members of Unifor Local 597, who work for Loblaw Co. at grocery stores in Newfoundland, are on strike demanding higher wages. The workers at 11 Dominion grocery stores have been on the picket lines for two weeks demanding higher wages, full-time positions and access to benefits.
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nova Scotia reports no new COVID-19 cases for sixth straight day; three activeNova Scotia is reporting no new cases of COVID-19 on Sunday. Two previously reported cases have recovered and there are now three active cases of COVID-19 in the province.
Read more »
Turnout for Day 1 of advance voting during N.B. election unusually highVoters have turned out in unusually high numbers for advance polls in New Brunswick, with the chief electoral officer saying she believes people are eager to avoid election day lineups during a pandemic.
Read more »
Johnson turns rough day into 1-shot lead at East LakeDustin Johnson got a one-shot lead over Sungjae Im at the halfway point of the chase for the FedEx Cup and the $15 million prize
Read more »