PEOPLE LABOUR DAY 2024
IT’S ALL ABOUT
Hon. Mitzi Dean MLA, ESQUIMALT - METCHOSIN Mitzi.Dean.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-5885
Hon. Grace Lore MLA, VICTORIA -BEACON HILL Grace.Lore.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-952-4211
Hon. Rob Fleming MLA, VICTORIA - SWAN LAKE Rob.Fleming.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-356-5013
Hon. Murray Rankin MLA, OAK BAY - GORDON HEAD Murray.Rankin.MLA@leg.bc.ca 250-472-8528
SEPTEMBER 2, 2024
Join me in thanking BC’s nurses for their skill and unwavering commitment to our health-care system.
Even when working short-staffed in often unsafe conditions, they continue providing the best care possible to vulnerable patients.
This Labour Day let’s recognize nurses for keeping BC healthy and strong, and all workers for making our communities great places to live and work.
Adriane Gear
President BC Nurses’ Union
to celebrate
LLabor Day
It’s easy to think that Labor Day commemorates the unofficial end of summer rather than the North American worker, but those who want to celebrate more mindfully can consider these ideas.
abour Day was created by the labour movement to shine light on the achievements and contributions of workers. Without hardworking men and women, the economy would not thrive and the prosperity of a nation would be unlikely.
Like many other holidays, Labour Day’s message may play second fiddle to the more widespread celebrations that take place. It’s easy to think that Labour Day commemorates the unofficial end of summer rather than the North American worker, but those who want to celebrate more mindfully can consider these ideas.
· While many people are off on Labour Day, essential workers may not be. Bring lunch to a police station or firehouse, or simply thank workers you come across, such as grocery store employees, for doing their jobs.
· Active military who are deployed may be missing home, especially during national holidays. Send a care package to them that they can enjoy overseas.
· Purchase items made domestically to support national industry.
· Bosses can reach out to employees with words of praise and encouragement. Too often employees are told what they need to improve rather than what they are doing right. A few words of gratitude can buoy spirits.
· Employers can start the three-day weekend early by enabling workers to leave a few hours early on the Friday preceding the holiday weekend.
· Organize a company-based competition, like a chili cook-off, pie-eating contest or video game competition. This can boost morale and strengthen connections among staff.
Labor Day is often dominated by backyard barbecues and trips to the beach. Those who want to be more in touch with the meaning behind the holiday can look for additional ways to celebrate it.
FR OM Y O UR SO UTH ISL AND M L AS
Celebrating 50 Years
This Labour Day marks a significant milestone for the Professional Employees Association as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Over the decades, the PEA has diligently worked to balance the diverse professional responsibilities of our members, who span a broad spectrum of fields within public service, education, legal, union, and healthcare sectors across the province. What unites them is a shared commitment to serving the people of British Columbia with unwavering dedication.
The recent years have been a period of vibrant activity and expansion for the labour movement. However, workers continue to grapple with serious challenges, including understaffing, reduced autonomy, and stagnating salaries, all of which complicate efforts to attract and retain skilled professionals. Despite these obstacles, PEA members are resolutely making the same choice today that we did 50 years ago—standing firm for selfrespect and equitable treatment. By harnessing the strength of our solidarity, we are achieving significant progress and securing important victories.
Our Members Build B.C.
The United Brotherhood of Carpenters (UBC) was established in 1881 by Peter J. McGuire, who is also considered the father of Labour Day, having proposed the idea for a workers’ holiday in 1882. Today, the UBC has local affiliates throughout the U.S. and Canada and is the largest construction union in North America, representing over 500,000 tradespeople.
Victoria’s UBC affiliate, Local 1598, was chartered in 1917. It’s one of 30 local unions in the Carpenters’ Regional Council, which comprises the provinces from B.C. east through Ontario, as well as the territories.
Local 1598 currently represents approx. 1000 carpenters, scaffolders, wall and ceiling mechanics, concrete finishers, and
insulators on southern Vancouver Island.
Notable recent projects in Greater Victoria that Local 1598 members have helped carry out include: Customs House in the inner harbour; 1515 Douglas across from City Hall; Capital Park in James Bay; Victoria Firehall #1 on Johnson Street; the Student Housing and Dining Project at UVic; and One Bear Mountain, Langford’s tallest building. Projects that Local 1598 members are currently working on include: ‘Parkway,’ at the site of the former Wellburn’s Market; the Telus Ocean Building at 757 Douglas; and the Cowichan District Hospital Replacement Project. Local 1598 members can also be found working at the Esquimalt graving dock, the Royal
Hospital, performing fleet maintenance at CFB Esquimalt, and carrying out public works projects for the City of Victoria.
Local 1598 is committed to raising working standards by providing its members with work opportunities where they can earn employer-paid health benefits and a pension, providing pathways to a debt-free career through sponsored apprenticeships, providing its signatory contractors with the most highly skilled workforce in the construction sector, improving safety standards on construction sites, and providing our communities with well-built, lasting infrastructure.
Vancouver Island Building Trades Council Represents over 6,000 Proud Union Members.
Wishing you a wonderful Labour Day filled with relaxation, celebration, and appreciation for all the hard work you do. Let’s honour and recognize the contributions of workers across our great country.
PRESIDENT Jim Noon
TREASURER/RECORDI NG SECRE TARY Jason Pedersen
Moving Forward Together
With labour unions, you prosper: organize, en masse, for a properous middle class
Happy Labour Day
Thank you to all who have gone before us in the labour movement and thank you for joining us as we move forward
BEING USED TO BUILD VICTORIA’S FAMILIAR INNER HARBOUR CAUSEWAY IN 1902. (IMAGE M05799 COURTESY OF CITY OF VICTORIA ARCHIVES).
Vancouver Island Building Trades Council
The Vancouver Island Building Trades Council is the voice of the 5,500 union workers throughout the cities, towns, and villages on Vancouver Island.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The Vancouver Island Building and Construction Trades Council members not only work around our Island Communities, we live within them. Our interests are the same as other working families, having access to good education and health care, along with parks and community centres.
APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING
Building Trades Unions Craft
Apprenticeship and Training can be retraced well over 100 years, and the Vancouver Island Construction Trades Unions of Today have carried on this very important role. We know an
educated member is more than just a productive worker, they are an important part of the community.
The Vancouver Island - Building and Construction Trades Council represents about ten percent of all registered apprentices of the 136 apprenticeable trades on Vancouver Island, who attend the 3 recognized Trades Colleges.
South Island - Camosun College in Victoria
Mid-Island - Vancouver Island University/College in Nanaimo
North Island - North Island College in Campbell River
For more info: vibuildingtrades. com
VANCOUVER ISLAND BUILDING TRADES COUNCIL
Jubilee
TOP: LOCAL 1598 MEMBERS IN FRONT OF VICTORIA’S INNER HARBOUR CAUSEWAY IN 2024. (PHOTO BY MATT CARLOW).
Travis Tambone, Marketing & Content Specialist, Carpenters’ Regional Council
CARPENTRY
Having a voice in how their jobs get done
IT TAKE S A TEAM
We at U.A. Local 324 reflect on our achievements since inception in 1902. We are proud of the remarkable work of our members past and present who have dedicated themselves to the movement as staunch advocates for the interests of workers. Our Members demonstrate a high degree of quality craftsmanship necessary to construct residential townhomes, condominium’s, schools, office buildings, water/ sewer treatment facilities, Pulpmills and Shipyards within our jurisdiction on Vancouver Island.
The United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada, or “UA” as it is commonly known, was a pioneer that recognized no political or
geographic boundaries between Canada and the United States of America. UA 324 has consistently ranked within the top 10 locals in growth across North America. With expanded training programs and education provided to our members we are ready to move forward into the future, maintaining the high standards required in today’s highly technical and changing workplace.
By means of a strong strategic plan U.A. Local 324 will endeavour to keep acquiring a larger share of the construction market and continue growing our membership within our jurisdiction.
We have established a legacy that future generations of UA Local 324 can be proud of and build upon.
ualocal324.com
United with the Front Lines
Labour Day belongs to workers, marking the victories and challenges we’ve faced together. From factories to hospitals, construction sites to classrooms, and every other workplace: Workers deserve respect. Not just on Labour Day, but every day.
This Labour Day, Canada’s unions are celebrating some historic wins. We’ve made significant progress on key issues like anti-scab legislation, pharmacare, and sustainable jobs. These achievements are a testament to what workers can achieve when we come together.
Unions are our best tool to push for fair treatment and hold corporations accountable. Unions have always been at the forefront of the fight for workers’ rights, advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. We all know that workers and their unions keep this country running. We build the infrastructure, care for loved ones, educate young people, and service communities.
Working people are coming together to fight corporate greed and demand the fairness we deserve – and together, we can improve the lives of all workers, our families, and our communities. Together, we can create a society where every worker can live with dignity and respect. Let’s make our voices heard and ensure that no one is left behind.
Join us this Labour Day at Memorial Park to celebrate worker solidarity.
The Victoria Labour Council (VLC) is the local organization of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) at the city level. The CLC represents 3.2 million unionized workers across Canada. The VLC was founded over 100 years ago and is one of the oldest labour organizations in BC.
We organize local unions in our jurisdiction to carry out the national policies of the CLC: to participate in national action campaigns; to assist unions on strike; to organize political action; to develop international solidarity and to work for social justice in the community.
Creating health
THE VICTORIA LABOUR COUNCIL
Creating a culture of health and safety at every workplace
No matter what type of work you do, every worksite has potential hazards. An occupational health and safety (OHS) program focuses on the specific workplace hazards and the steps to control them.
An OHS program helps to establish the workplace health and safety culture and should be constantly adapted, evaluated, and improved. But what works for one workplace may not meet the needs of another. That’s why it is important to manage risks in each specific workplace.
Managing risks in the workplace involves thinking about what might cause harm to workers and determining whether reasonable steps are being taken to prevent that harm from happening.
FOUR STEPS TO MANAGING
RISK:
1: Understand the level of risk in the workplace
Identify hazards. A hazard is anything that can cause harm, such as chemicals, electricity, or equipment. Assess the risk these hazards pose to workers so the appropriate attention and level of control can be applied to each one.
2: Implement control measures
The greatest risk should be
addressed first. If a risk cannot be eliminated, a control measure needs to be implemented to minimize it.
3: Communicate
Employers need to provide workers and supervisors with information about what measures are being used to control the risks.
4: Monitor and update
Managing workplace risks is an ongoing process. Control measures need to be monitored for effectiveness, and those that are not working as intended need to be improved.
PREVENTING INCIDENTS IS A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
While safety rests with the employer, contributing to a healthy and safe work environment is a shared responsibility. Working together, employers and workers can complete risk assessments and address health and safety concerns to help prevent workplace incidents.
Improving health and safety doesn’t have to be costly, but the potential return on investment is huge.
To learn more about managing the risks in your workplace, visit worksafebc.com/create-manage
Building and repairing vessels on the West Coast of Canada since 1954
Island Metal Trades Council
•
•
T• Promote and develop safe work practices in the shipbuilding and repair industry.
• Develop and foster partnerships with our communities, employers, and customers.
• Participate in legislative activities that promote Metal Trades Unions and their members.
• Promote and develop strong, fair and meaningful labour/ management cooperatives.
• Assist and cooperate with other recognized Trade and Labour Councils.
Labour Day is celebrated on the same day in canada and the United States each year. An annual holiday to celebrate the achievements of workers, Labour Day, occurs on the first Monday of September each year.
Though its status as the end of summer is not technically accurate, Labour Day marks the unofficial end to the season of fun in the sun for millions of people across both the U.S. and Canada. That makes the weekend preceding Labour Day one of the most popular times to travel. Indeed, data from the Transportation Security Administration indicates that the Friday before Labour Day 2022 was the second busiest travel day at U.S. airports that summer. Travel was equally popular on Labour Day weekend 2022 in Canada, where the online booking platform Kayak reports searches for international flights had increased by 104 percent compared to the year prior.
Labour Day weekend travel figures to be just as popular this year, so travelers can keep these tips in mind as they plan one last summer getaway.
· Book as early as possible. With so many people interested in traveling on Labour Day weekend, it behooves all travelers to plan ahead. Competition for hotel rooms and other lodging might be steep, and individuals who plan to fly might have trouble finding seats on flights that leave during peak travel hours the longer they delay.
· Consider traveling by car. Air travel afficionados had some good news and bad news as the summer travel season began in 2023. Data from FlightAware indicated that flight cancellations were down in 2023 compared to 2022. However, FlightAware data also indicated there were an average of 7,000 to 9,000 flight delays per day in the U.S. in the first half of 2023. No one wants to send off the last weekend of summer with a lengthy flight delay, so travelers who want to spend as much time as possible celebrating may want to drive rather than fly to their destinations.
· Drive during off-peak hours. Air travelers must cede some control over when to depart, but drivers can pick their own time to hit the road. Starting a trip during off-peak hours, such as early in the morning or even after rush hour on Thursday night, may enable drivers to avoid traffic.
Labor Day weekend travel tips
Labor Day weekend travel figures to be just as popular this year, so travelers can keep these tips in mind as they plan one last summer getaway.
it also allows travelers to deplane and leave the airport without having to wait around to claim their bags.
· Extend the trip. An extra day at the end of the trip can help travelers avoid the crowds on the way home. Parents may need to travel on Labour Day if school is already in session or starting on Tuesday. But travelers who have no reason to rush home can get an extra day of fun in the sun and travel home on a day that tends to be less hectic.
Labour Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer. Travelers can keep various strategies in mind to get the most out of summer’s swan song.
· Travel light. Warm weather tends to linger into Labour Day weekend, so there’s no need to pack heavy. That’s especially noteworthy for air travelers. The lighter travelers can pack for a flight, the less likely they will need to check a bag. That decreases the likelihood bags will be lost if a flight is delayed or canceled, and
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