Labour advocates urge voters to put workers at forefront when at polls

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 4, 2021.

https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews

Local labour advocates are calling on Hatters to support workers and public services in the pandemic recovery when they go to the polls this fall.

“Without workers, there is no recovery – that must be our message, on Labour Day and beyond,” reads a statement from the Medicine Hat District Labour Council in a Labour Day statement.

“This pandemic has exacerbated the inequality in our systems,” said Cliffton Campbell, a paramedic and member of the Health Sciences Association, which represents paramedics and health lab technicians. He is a vice-president of the labour council.

“Housing insecurity, food insecurity, mental health and addictions all impact the quality of life in our neighbourhoods … We have an opportunity to hold our political leaders accountable and demand better investments in social programs that help people.”

For a second straight year in the pandemic, labour council will not hold its traditional Labour Day barbecue for the unemployed and underemployed, but will instead donate its costs to local charities.

The Mustard Seed, Medicine Hat Food Bank and Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter will receive the cash and food-drive donations at an event on Monday.

Officials say the Labour Day holiday is meant to recognize the contributions of working people to society and push for policies to help the working class.

“Workers are the heart of the economy and have been keeping our community strong and safe through this incredibly difficult time,” said labour council president Sharon Stolz, also president of CUPE No. 829, which represents educational assistants.

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