Union women across Canada are marking International Women\u2019s Day by celebrating our collective victories and preparing for the coming challenges in the ongoing fight for women\u2019s rights and gender equity. Canada\u2019s unions are lifting up women\u2019s voices, highlighting examples of how women have organised to win, and pledging to continue to be a driving force for progress in workplaces and in society.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo much of what we have accomplished when it comes to women\u2019s rights and gender justice at work in Canada is a direct result of union women working together to push for change; sector by sector, workplace by workplace, in our communities and on the national stage. It\u2019s time we celebrate what we can achieve when we work together,\u201d said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Union women are not strangers to being on the frontlines of advocating for and achieving victories in the name of working women, victories that ultimately benefit all workers and their families. These wins include the introduction of paid maternity and parental leave in Canada back in 1971<\/a>, legislated paid domestic violence leave<\/a>, and progress in organising new bargaining units in women-dominated sectors like retail<\/a>. Union women have been leading the charge delivering results for gender justice at work. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since the launch of #DoneWaiting, thousands of activists have taken action and committed themselves to championing women\u2019s rights and gender equity in workplaces across Canada. We demanded \u2013 and won \u2013 progress at all levels of government to end wage discrimination, end sexual harassment and violence, fix the child care crisis and make work fair for women. In the last five years, we won some incredible victories, including: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cFrom coast to coast to coast, union women have blazed the trail in the fight for a more feminist and equitable Canada. We are emboldened by our victories to keep pushing the envelope as gender justice champions in every workplace and community,\u201d added Siobh\u00e1n Vipond, Executive Vice-President at the CLC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As we look ahead, Canada\u2019s unions are committed to continuing to push decision makers to take further actions to #EmbraceEquity from coast to coast. Our vision includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
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