The President of the Ontario Federation of Labour spoke to Quinte News following Wednesday’s meeting of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC).
Belleville’s Laura Walton, who oversees more than one million OFL members, says they discussed the tariff threats made by the Trump administration.
Audio Player“This is bringing together all of the affiliates of the Canadian Labour Congress, to provide some updates and some insights. There has been a lot of work cross-border, so to be able to hear from them last night what’s actually happening to the south of us, under the Trump administration, was very important.
She says the tariffs will hit everybody.
Audio Player“Steel off the top could be facing 50 per cent tariffs. That is mind boggling when you think about it. The auto industry, the farming industry, meat packing. It is really, very widespread.”
Walton argues this is not North America’s first rodeo with tariffs.
Audio Player“When this happened in the States, it lead to the great depression and that was caused by America. That is what we are saying, how do we learn from the past, so we’re not destined to repeat it?”
The CLC meeting involved high-ranking union leaders south of the border.
Audio Player“They see it as the real deal. They have been going through a variety of different scenarios of what would happen. Trump definitely has escalated how quickly he is doing things. Right now in the States, there are massive layoffs happening.”
The Ontario Federation of Labour is made up of more than 1,500 locals from 54 affiliated unions.
Our full interview can be heard below.
Audio PlayerQuotes from President of the CLC below:
“As these tariffs roll in, workers must be at the heart of Canada’s response,” said Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress. “There is no time to wait. Workers need a bold, worker-first strategy to respond to this crisis. Families are feeling anxious. Workers expect more from their governments. Workers need strong job protections, and a plan to safeguard communities.”
“These tariffs threaten good union jobs and entire industries. Canada must fight back with a comprehensive response that strengthens our economy, reduces reliance on U.S. trade, and ensures workers aren’t left behind.”
