Unions hold annual Labour Day parade in downtown Ottawa

Workers and unions marched through downtown Ottawa for the annual Labour Day Parade. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Workers, union leaders and politicians hit the streets of Ottawa on Monday afternoon for the annual Labour Day March.

The parade of flags and chants started at City Hall, stretching through the Centretown neighbourhood to McNabb Park.

Dozens of unions were represented in the march, including the Canadian Union of Postal Workers, where local letter carrier Rayna Lanthier reflected on a “trying year” for workers.

“It was really hard to be on strike,” Lanthier said, referencing the Canada Post strike in November and December 2024.

“We were really hoping that we were going to be able to have a good collective agreement and then to have the government intervene and send us back to work as quickly as they did… it just put a halt to everything.”

Contract talks with the union and Canada Post have been at a stalemate since November 2024.

The government intervened, forcing employees back to work, but a contract still has not been reached. Lanthier says she hopes a deal gets done soon.

“We have no idea what’s going to happen; we’re hoping for the best,” she adds.

“We’re hoping for Canada Post just to come and have a talk with us. They’re avoiding us, so we’re just looking for them just to sit and talk with us. That’s all we’re asking for right now.”

Also in attendance, Ruth Lau Macdonald, regional executive vice president for the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC).

She says the union is using the day to voice concerns over the federal government’s return to office mandate.

“Our members showed up for Canadians during the pandemic, they keep showing up and we see a lot of benefits to remote work and telework,” Lau Macdonald says.

“Why not look for savings there that doesn’t threaten the bedrock of Canadian society.”

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 279 was also in attendance for the Labour Day parade. On Saturday, the union representing transit workers reached a deal with the OC Transpo, on the 21st day of bargaining.

“We think that’s a positive thing,” President of the Ottawa and District Labour Council Sean McKenny said.

“We think that’s the way that the city should work, if you know, both sides are coming together and they hammer out a deal and we’re pleased. I’m hopeful the members will be pleased as well with that.”

The march ended at McNabb Park with speeches, music, and a call for fairer treatment of workers, heading into the fall.