Hundreds of people gathered in downtown Ottawa on Monday to celebrate Labour Day and advocate for workers’ rights.
The annual rally, organized by the Ottawa and District Labour Council, saw a diverse crowd of union members, activists, and community members come together to show their support for the labour movement.
The event began with a march from City Hall to the Canadian Tribute to Human Rights, where a series of speeches were delivered by labour leaders and politicians.
Speakers highlighted the importance of workers’ rights and the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and job security. They also addressed current issues facing workers, such as the rise of precarious work and the need for better protections for gig economy workers.
The rally also featured live music, food trucks, and informational booths from various labour organizations.
One of the main messages of the event was the importance of solidarity and standing together as workers to fight for better conditions and rights.
Labour Day has been celebrated in Canada since the late 1800s and is a reminder of the hard-fought victories of the labour movement, such as the establishment of the eight-hour workday and the right to collective bargaining.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact workers and the economy, this year’s Labour Day rally took on added significance, with many speakers calling for better protections and support for essential workers.
The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to continue advocating for workers’ rights and to support the labour movement in their communities.
Overall, the Labour Day rally in downtown Ottawa was a powerful display of unity and a reminder of the ongoing fight for fair and just working conditions.
