Sept 3, 2024 | Barry Weisleder
Over 20,000 people marched in the 153rd annual Labour Day Parade organized by the Toronto and York Region Labour Council.
“Workers are the engine that keeps our region running. We work hard, but housing, groceries and other essentials keep slipping out of reach” read a statement issued by the Council.
What should be done about this sad state of affairs? The news release did not elaborate, but a leaflet widely distributed by Socialist Action (see below) filled a few gaps.
The Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA), Unifor, CUPE, OPSEU, PSAC, UFCW, the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (now approaching a potential strike), IATSE ATU and the Steelworkers’ Union rallied the largest contingents on the occasion. Dancing broke out en route as musicians and DJs on flat-bed trucks animated union members and observers alike, featuring folk songs, rock, reggae and calypso tunes.
Solidarity with Palestinian workers and the global campaign to end the Zionist genocide in Gaza and the West Bank dominated the last parade contingent — although Palestinian flags and placards bearing the slogans “Free Palestine” and “We Stand with Fred Hahn”, CUPE leader under attack by Zionists and labour fakers, could be seen throughout the march.
Overhead, the CNE Air Show hosted the ear-splitting sounds of acrobatic, fuel-spewing military jets, serving to remind labour of the need to curtail the bosses’ war machine.
Strike!
Against Binding Arbitration! Uphold the Right to Strike. For Workers’ Control of Canadian National Railway and CPKC!
For a swift Wage Catch-up. For Health & Safety on the job!
For unlimited Paid Sick Leave. Tax corporations & the rich!
For Climate Justice. Nationalize Big Oil and Gas.
For Indigenous Self-Determination. Reconciliation through Restitution. Defend Trans rights. For Queer Liberation.
For Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against the Apartheid Zionist state. Free Palestine. Hands Off CUPE National V.P. Fred Hahn! Canada Out of NATO.
For Accessible, Supportive, Rent-geared-to-income Housing for All in Need. For Free Public Transit, not more highways.
De-fund, Disarm and Disband the Police.
For Free, Quality, 24-Hour Childcare. Choice on abortion.
To Repair Schools, Hire more staff, and Reduce Class Size.
To Nationalize Giant Landlords, Banks, Telecoms, Retail and Grocery Chains, Big Pharma, under workers’ control.
For Greater Local Democracy, not stronger mayors.
Dump Thug Ford with a General Strike! For a Workers’ Gov’t.
Visit: www.socialistaction.ca
Call: 647-986-1917 socialistactioncanada@gmail.com
