USW Rejects Endorsement of Former Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau for OECD Role

Late on Friday, October 30, the Canadian Labour Congress, without consulting any union affiliate, announced a joint endorsement with the business lobby group, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce of former Finance Minister Bill Morneau for the role of Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

This was a shocking action by the CLC, which is responsible to speak on behalf of working people – defending and strengthening the rights of workers. The CLC and its leadership team has roundly failed workers in its co-sponsored endorsement of Morneau. The USW, its Canadian leaders and members are outraged by this irresponsible and ridiculous action by CLC President Hassan Yussuff.

As Federal Finance Minister, Bill Morneau put forward Bill C-27, which had it been successful, would have imperilled retirement security for Canadians and set workers and pension plans back decades. Morneau was also a key part of a government which interfered in collective bargaining by legislating postal workers back to work, botched paying federal employees with the much-maligned Phoenix system and took numerous other actions that show Morneau has not been on the side of working people.

Partnering with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, without the input of any CLC affiliate, is also deeply troubling and shows a disregard for the labour unions that form the CLC. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a body that has historically pushed for anti-worker policies that would either halt progress or set working people back.

It’s time for a leadership change at the Canadian Labour Congress that prioritizes the needs and concerns of working people over its own self-promotion.USW leaders and members are demanding better from our national labour leaders

USW Endorses Team Unite for CLC Leadership Race

USW leaders have thrown their support behind Bea Bruske and Siobhan Vipond for Canadian Labour Congress President and Executive Vice-President at the upcoming CLC Convention in Vancouver (May 4-8).

“These two strong and experienced union leaders are stepping up to run for top roles at the CLC at the right time and for the right reasons,” said Ken Neumann, USW National Director.

“Our movement is strongest when we work together. I know that Bea and Siobhan are motivated to rebuild the unity of our movement through mobilizing and engaging our grassroots membership.”

The United Steelworkers union continues to believe in the viability and strength of the CLC despite challenges in recent years. The union knows the value a strong CLC can bring to all workers – not just those with the benefits of union membership. USW believes in the necessity of mobilizing together as a movement to make positive, progressive change for those who are marginalized and experiencing unfairness and injustice.