The memory of former NDP Leader Jack Layton stayed close to Shirley Walker’s heart as she marched through the streets of Toronto for the Labour Day Parade.
The Local 1000A activist was among the thousands of workers who took part in annual event, which kicked off at University Avenue and Queen Street and finished at the CNE.
The parade, in part, was dedicated to Layton, who fought all his life to build a more compassionate and inclusive Canada. Many waved placards with Layton’s face and/or quotes, including ‘Don’t let them tell you it can’t be done’ or ‘My friends, let us be loving, hopeful, and optimistic. And we’ll change the world.’
“Jack worked for all of us,” Walker said. “He made sure the voices of the most vulnerable and powerless were heard in the corridors of power. It is up to us to now continue his work.”
The theme of defending our public services was also a major focus for marchers.
Walker said it’s more relevant than ever to participate in Labour Day as worker’s rights are under attack in this current political climate.
“In our society, we still have people who don’t have a place to live or have enough food to eat,” Walker said. “It’s up to us to take care of each other and fight for good unionized jobs. We cannot let what we have get taken away and we have to make sure we get back some of what we have lost."
Devere Walcott, a steward at a Toronto Loblaws, said it’s important for all workers to participate in the parade “at a time when corporations and governments are trying to get rid of unions.”
“Many people don’t understand the history of how hard unions have fought to advance workers’ rights in this country,” Walcott said. “Without unions, all you will have is the rich and the poor and a deteriorating work climate where employers can increasingly pay whatever they wish, fire at will, and give no benefits to their employees.”
Diane Wilmot, a steward at Stephen's No Frills in Toronto, brought her two granddaughters to the event so they can learn more about the labor movement.
“I want my grandchildren to know that unions are good for our society as they strive to make life better for workers.”
Lisa Van Altena-Walsh, a steward at a Real Canadian Superstore in Mississauga, said she was walking to support fellow workers and the union.
“This parade is about showing how strong workers are and how committed we are to our rights and good unionized jobs for all Canadians,” said Altena-Walsh.
Similar events marking Labour Day were held throughout Canada. Local 1000A also participated in a Labour Day picnic held in London, Ontario as well as the Sarnia Labour Day Parade.
