The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) marks Labour Day by celebrating the achievements and contributions of the trade union movement in Canada.

In a time of unprecedented job action across the education and public sectors, we are reminded of the need for solidarity with labour unions everywhere to continue defending workers’ rights both on campus and off. Decent work and respect for professional rights promotes quality post-secondary education.

On this Labour Day we also once again condemn the hate-motivated attack of a member and students in a gender studies classroom at the University of Waterloo mere months ago. CAUT calls on universities and colleges to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Unions and academic staff associations at Canadian universities and colleges are crucial advocates for professional rights that underpin our democracy, like academic freedom and the right to access comprehensive higher education.  On this Labour Day, CAUT encourages member associations to renew their commitment to our movement’s crucial collective action.