New Poll: Canadians Back Unions to Deliver Worker Protections, Fairer Wages
02 May 2024 - 5:28AM
New poll reveals most Canadians agree that unions deliver better
jobs, fairer working conditions and more respect in the workplace.
A broad majority want governments to remove barriers that unfairly
keep workers from joining or forming a union.
“As the next federal election draws closer, workers are
demanding all parties agree to respect and enhance workers’
rights,” declared Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour
Congress. “Political parties must make concrete platform
commitments to remove obstacles to organizing and crack down on
union-busting companies that engage in workplace threats and
intimidation. Any party that fails to back their words with action
will face serious consequences at the ballot box when the next
election comes.”
Bruske shared findings from a new poll commissioned by the
Canadian Labour Congress. The national survey was conducted by GQR
Canada from 1-8 April 2024 and surveyed 1,549 eligible voters. Full
details of the poll are available on the CLC's website.
The poll found:
- A majority of Canadians, 62%, believe belonging to a union is a
good thing. Support is highest amongst women and in the electoral
battleground regions of Ontario and the Maritimes.
- An overwhelming 80% of young workers (18-29), think there are
obstacles to joining a union, such as workplace intimidation,
employers spreading misinformation, and too many bureaucratic steps
that impede organizing.
- 70% of Canadians want governments to remove barriers to forming
or joining a union. Only 9% strongly disagree.
“So many struggle with higher prices, worsening work-life
balance, and deteriorating working conditions. The reality is
employers always start out with the upper hand. It’s no wonder so
many Canadians see the value of having a union to protect them,”
explained Bruske. “But as part of a union, workers can negotiate
better. A union card in your back pocket is your ticket to fairer
wages, decent benefits, respect in your workplace, and financial
security when you retire. That’s why the labour movement is seeing
so much momentum and growth across the country.”
The Canadian Labour Congress is the largest labour organization
in Canada, bringing together dozens of national and international
unions, provincial and territorial federations of labour and
community-based labour councils to represent more than 3 million
workers across the country.
For more information please contact:CLC Media
Relationsmedia@clcctc.ca