Unions celebrate fair-paying jobs on Labour Day

Unions across the northeast are taking time to celebrate jobs, fair wages and growth on Labour Day.

But it comes at an uncertain time for organized labour because some say unions are gaining strength with potential mergers, while others feel they're losing their rights.

Glen Hodgson is the president of the union representing English secondary school teachers in North Bay.

He said workers are facing challenges they've never faced before from various levels of government regarding back-to-work legislation.

"Both the Harper and Liberal governments seem to be putting workers and workers' rights squarely in their crosshairs," said Hodgson.

But not all unions are feeling that pressure.

Richard Paquin is the president of the Canadian Auto Workers in Sudbury.

His union recently voted in favour of merging with another major union - the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union.

Paquin said the local CAW has continued to be strong.

"Our local, we've been growing since the mid-1990s and we're still growing. We're still getting new employers to join us so that's a good thing," said Paquin.

However, Hodgson said back-to-work legislation could result in stronger unions.

"The average person is under attack and I think they're recognizing the value of unions and the ability of people to join together," said Hodgson.

Hodgson said all workers deserve to be protected and have fair labour rights.

John Closs is the president of the Sudbury and District Labour Council.

He said unions are an important part of the community because about 38 per cent of the workforce in Sudbury is unionized.

"Union advantage in terms of wages is about $6.4 million per week because a unionized employee earns about $6.50 more than a non-unionized employee in our community," said Closs.

Closs said that benefits the local economy because workers are spending more money.