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Labour day Parade 1905.
Q: How has the labour movement evolved even in and a transition to a low-carbon future can open up
the past 25 years and how has the Council worked to many new doors for working sustainably.
help its members with those changes?
A: We have seen a shift from industrial jobs to the As Toronto’s population changes there are more
service sector, and digital technology is disrupting women and people of colour in the workforce, and
traditional workplaces. We are seeing a rise in “gig” we have been leading struggles against systemic
jobs: labour that falls outside of traditional job racism and unequal conditions. Labour also looks
descriptions and tends to be precarious, low-paid, outside the workplace to see what is needed in our
and in many cases, dangerous. All workers deserve communities. Lobbying for childcare, better public
protection from exploitation. We are working with transit, higher minimum wages, and stronger public
allies to unionize gig workers and to advocate for health measures are all part of our collective effort
policies to ensure gig work is still decent work. for a better society.
We help create the pathway to good careers. Q: The issue of paid sick leave garnered a lot of
Community benefits policies make sure these attention and conversation in the wake of Covid-19.
careers are open to everyone in our communities, What is the position of the Council?
union training centres provide top-quality skills, A: Paid sick leave saves lives. The evidence for this
FEB 2022 | BUSINESS ELITE CANADA 49
