The Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) has called for stronger Employment Insurance and protection of the right to strike as trade tensions create uncertainty for workers.

Bea Bruske, President of the CLC, stated that Canada is right to stand firm against Trump but warned of real costs and disruption for working people. Unions argue that workers should not shoulder these risks alone.

Policy Demands

The CLC is urging the government to implement specific measures to protect livelihoods during this period of economic instability. Key demands include:

• Stronger Employment Insurance with easier access and increased benefits.
• Support for workers directly and indirectly affected by the trade war.
• Maintenance of public services and government support for companies to protect Canadian jobs.

Labour Code Review

As Ottawa reviews the Canada Labour Code, unions are calling on the government to reject new powers that could interfere in legal strikes. Bruske emphasized that the right to strike is fundamental to fair bargaining.

"Government's job is to be a fair referee, set fair rules, and let workers and employers negotiate," Bruske said. "It should not step in and tip the scales when employers don't like where negotiations are going."

The CLC asserts that economic uncertainty cannot be used as an excuse to weaken workers' rights. The organization states that choices made now will shape the post-trade war economy.

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) President Bea Bruske stated that a trade agreement weakening labour standards or undermining workers' rights is not a good deal. Speaking at the AFL-CIO Constitutional Convention in Minnesota on June 9, 2026, Bruske emphasized that no deal is better than a bad deal as governments prepare for the upcoming review of the Canada—United States—Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The AFL-CIO represents more than 15 million workers across the United States and is the largest federation of unions in the country. Bruske warned against repeating past trade models that weakened industries and hollowed out communities. She also rejected the uncertainty of trade wars, noting that workers often pay the price in such scenarios.

Bruske argued that working people should not have to choose between a trade model that sacrifices them and a trade war that uses them as collateral damage. She insisted that workers must be part of discussions about the future of trade between Canada and the United States.

"Trade policies are not just about markets and supply chains. It is about jobs. It is about communities. It is about what kind of economy we're trying to build," said Bruske. She highlighted that workers have a direct stake in the outcome of the CUSMA review and must have a seat at the table.

The CLC outlined its expectations for the upcoming review, stating it must focus on creating and protecting good jobs. The organization also called for strengthening labour standards, supporting domestic industrial capacity, and building a more resilient economy.