The post-pandemic years have been an exciting period for the labour movement in Canada. Driven by unprecedented levels of inflation, our country is seeing an increasing number of strikes and labour actions. Workers are organizing and new unions are being created in places previously unimaginable, challenging corporate giants like Uber and Amazon. In 2023, our members, along with PSAC, engaged in the largest public service strike in Canadian history. Workers are simply unwilling to settle for contracts that don’t meet their needs in an economy where prices climb but wages stand still.
While the union movement fights for workers’ rights across the country, Agriculture Union members can impact change on a municipal level by getting involved in a local labour council. Labour councils are an important and dynamic way to build networks, grow your community, and get involved in issues that might fall outside the immediate scope of your workplace.
What is a labour council?
You can think of a labour council as a big table where workers from different unions come together to strategize, align on priorities, and build solidarity. They are inter-union spaces where action is taken on issues of regional importance. Some examples include the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, the Regina and District Labour Council, or the FTQ Montreal Metropolitan Regional Council. Labour councils exist in most mid to large-sized cities in Canada. If you’re unsure, ask your Regional VP in the Agriculture Union!
Labour is also organized on the provincial level into various labour federations, such as the Newfoundland & Labrador Federation of Labour or the Fédération des travailleurs et travailleuses du Québec. Since many labour laws fall under provincial jurisdiction, these labour federations mobilize to enact legislative change in the halls of power.
Benefits of labour council affiliation
The advantages of having your Agriculture Union local affiliate with a labour council can be huge. Take it from Krysty Thomas, a proud member of the Agriculture Union. She sits on the AU’s human rights committee, and also serves as the Alternate REVP for the PSAC Prairie Region and as president for the Lethbridge and District Labour Council.
“Labour councils are vital hubs for building community and inter-union solidarity. When your union is working on a campaign or petition, you can bring it to the council, where affiliated unions help amplify it to hundreds of locals and thousands of workers. They are powerful spaces to connect with like-minded people, advance shared causes, and collectively build worker power.”
What issues to labour councils take on?
Labour councils provide a unique opportunity for workers to have a united voice on local issues. For example, Krysty talks about how the Lethbridge Labour Council is getting involved in the upcoming municipal election this fall, “We will evaluate all local candidates on their positions regarding labour issues and we’ll be endorsing those who will make decisions with workers’ interests in mind.”
On a city-wide level, labour councils have also launched campaigns for better public services, marched in their local pride parades, supported picket lines and fought against anti-worker legislation.
On a provincial level, labour federations are fighting for improved access to healthcare, defending public education, and pushing for legislation to protect the human rights of Indigenous people, queer and trans folks, immigrants and other equity-seeking groups.
“One of the valuable aspects of participating in a labour council is the sense of community, highlighted by events such as the annual Labour Day BBQ,” says Krysty. “While these gatherings are important, they are just one part of what labour councils offer. If you’re unsure how to get involved, I encourage you simply to attend a meeting. Immediate affiliation isn’t necessary. From my experience, having people at the table is what matters most. The formalities can come later as you become more engaged.”
Affiliation
Affiliation to a labour council must be initiated through your local. The cost of to affiliate can vary depending on the labour council and the size of your local. The Agriculture Union will cover 50% of your dues for labour council affiliation, so a lot of the cost will come back to your local. And again, the benefits of getting involved can be massive.
As the old mantra goes, think globally, and act locally. While the problems we face as a movement today can seem unsurmountable, labour councils are a great way to come together to build community, power and solidarity.
Talk to your local Agriculture Union president or RVP about affiliating with a labour council today!