Labour councils in the Ontario labour community

by Jeff Donkersgoed and Dave Warda

In the Canadian labour world, there are umbrella national organizations, provincial and territorial federations, and local labour councils, all which act as a centralizing power of organized labour in the country. Specifically, local labour councils work as arms-length extensions of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), with over 100 affiliated councils active at the time of writing. The goal of councils is to unify representative voices from labour federations and unions at the local level, allowing them to focus on meaningful community organizing that will impact people living and working in these communities. Their primary role is to coordinate and support the activities of local unions, advocate for workers’ rights, and promote labour solidarity, often through events such as those held on Labour Day, the Day of Mourning (commemorating workers who have been killed, injured, or suffered illness due to workplace related hazards and occupational exposure), and International Women’s Day. A labour council is a place to learn about and support the issues and concerns of other unions and workers. In essence, labour councils are the pivotal grassroots spot of solidarity in hometowns, cities, and communities across the country.

It is a common misconception that labour councils only host the above-mentioned Labour Day and Day of Mourning events along with some health and safety training— but labour councils are involved in so much more. One of the first objectives of a labour council is to build solidarity across the community. Labour council members show up at strike lines for workers regardless of affiliation. They show up for Drag Storytimes, environmental clean-up days, Pride events, and peaceful demonstrations. A significantly important connection is when labour councils partner with smaller not-for-profits in a region and share in communications and networking. The councils are an opportunity to discuss strategies and updates on the issues faced by our labour colleagues. Larger partnerships with groups like the United Way have opened the door to advancing a renewed understanding of the value of unions as driving forces in supporting robust and healthy communities. As union members, we are lifted, knowing that we always have people to call upon when the chips are down. Everyone at the labour council understands that the work is anchored in defending our members first but that along with this work comes a commitment to improving living and working conditions for everyone in our community.

Jeff Donkersgoed (centre) with D24 District president Dave VandenBerg (right) and TBU member Mike Miller (left) at Day of Mourning ceremony, April 28, 2023

Labour council is a space where stepping into politics is manageable and practical. Local labour councils are regularly involved in municipal, provincial, and federal elections, canvassing for candidates, and working to hold them accountable. Councils endorse, promote, and support candidates who campaign to respect and support worker and union rights. Not all of us are political animals, but supporting issues in your community only builds possibilities for future wins. Legislators who begin their careers in municipal politics learn that we can provide electoral support, but we are also a resource to pursue legislative objectives that benefit everyone. Pharmacare, anti-scab legislation, equal pay, housing rights, and human rights on a larger scale are battles that support strong, healthy communities everywhere.

Small towns and big cities around the province all face similar issues. Across the board we are experiencing a housing and poverty crisis. People living in our communities have been slammed by inflation as the cost of living has gone through the roof. We have concerns about the deterioration of our environment and about funding cuts for programs and resources we need to live safely. This is where the labour council really spreads its wings; it is where community and labour can stand side by side to empower positive change for all.
A number of years ago, leadership in OSSTF/FEESO called for greater active involvement in labour councils, and since then we have seen an explosion of local Federation leaders get involved. These smaller councils provide our active and engaged OSSTF/FEESO members opportunities to build community and hone skills in public speaking, communications, organizing, and building relationships beyond our education sector bubble. In showing up for others, we are not just an active part of our labour community; these folks have become stronger leaders within our Federation and have significantly influenced the labour movement.

Sometimes, we think that we are all on our own in the education sector, that no one understands our issues, and we cannot possibly have any allies outside of our tent. In our concern to meet the changing and complex needs of our students and to recognize the value of our crumbling public school system, we have plenty of allies. You can find them in every labour council across Ontario.

Seeing worker power and community in action inspires us and gives us hope that we can make the world a better place. This is the work OSSTF/FEESO must continue to do moving forward to ensure our province has the public education system that we need. This is why we need members in labour council spaces, as there is no telling what they can do for us.

Do you want to get to know your community better? Do you want to know what is going on beyond social media? Want to show up for the working people in your community? Talk to your District or Bargaining Unit leader about being a labour council delegate where you live—and see for yourself just how powerful the labour-community alliance can be.

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Jeff Donkersgoed (he/him), OSSTF/FEESO Regional Organizer
Dave Warda (he/him), President, Teachers’ Bargaining Unit, District 14, Kawartha Pine Ridge