New Brunswick Federation of Labour calls for stronger worker protections this Labour Day  

Workers in New Brunswick will gather this Labour Day to celebrate the contributions working people make every day and to call on governments to protect the rights that help workers negotiate fair wages, safe workplaces, and a better future for their families. 

This year’s Labour Day comes as the federal government reviews the Canada Labour Code, raising concerns that workers’ bargaining power could be weakened at a time when many Canadians are already struggling with rising costs and economic uncertainty. 

Weakening workers’ rights won’t lower grocery bills, make housing more affordable, or create better jobs. It will only make it harder for working people to negotiate a fair deal. That’s why protecting workers’ rights matters this Labour Day.

Labour leaders say the right to bargain collectively and, when necessary, to strike helps workers improve wages, benefits, and workplace safety. Those gains strengthen families, support local economies, and raise standards for workers across Canada. 

Strong worker protections make New Brunswick and Canada stronger.

When workers have a meaningful voice on the job, everyone benefits. Government has an important role to play by protecting a level playing field where workers and employers can negotiate fair agreements.

The New Brunswick Federation of Labour will continue to work with the New Brunswick government towards improving worker protections in the province, including adopting pro-active pay equity legislation for the private sector and fighting back against the privatization of essential public services like cuts to large animal veterinary and laboratory services and school library services.

Chris Watson is the president of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.

Labour Day events are happening in:

Bathurst

September 7 at 10 am

March leaving from the parking lot at Bathurst High School

Dalhousie

September 7 at 11 am

Parade leaves St Baptist Church. BBQ at 125 Inch Arran Ave

Parade followed by a BBQ

Miramichi

September 7 from 11 am to 2 pm

Waterford Green, Loggie Drive

BBQ, music, face painting

Moncton

September 6 from 11 am to 2 pm

Centennial Park

BBQ and children’s games

Saint John

September 7 from noon to 4 pm

Chown Field

BBQ, live music, children’s games and more