Labour Community Services

Our Impact

Labour Community Services is committed to achieving a just and equitable society for all.

Partnerships

The historic partnership between Toronto & York Region Labour Council and United Way Greater Toronto allows us to amplify the voices of many who are in need of support.

Training

Core to our work is the delivery of a 10-week program designed to train union members to become referral agents in their workplaces. Participants receive training on social issues faced by working people and the resources available in their community.

Campaigns

We strongly believe in the power of social movements to bring about social change. That is why we are invested in ensuring improvements to minimum wage, the elimination of poverty, building healthy communities, advancing diversity, and equity.

Network

The city of Toronto is composed of a diverse population, with almost 50% of residents belonging to racialized groups. We work with Filipino, Somali, Chinese, Tamil, and Ethiopian & Eritrean networks to advance social justice and employment goals.

Our Shared Victories

$15 & Fairness

We congratulate the Ontario government on the steps it has taken today toward updating Ontario’s outdated labour and employment laws, and on their plan to increase minimum wage across the province because of the hard work of activists like yourselves.

Maternity Benefits

Before 1971, a new mother had to quit work or return to work if her family depended on her income. Today, with 35 weeks of maternal/paternal leave, we advocate for better access to quality and affordable child care for all workers.

Community Benefits

Thanks to our community allies, 10% of certain industry developments must employ community locals. This means provincial strength and $130B investment for projects across Ontario over the next 10 years.

Workplace Safety

Unions fought hard to give Canadians three important areas of power: the right to refuse unsafe work, the right to know about hazards in the workplace and the right to participate in health and safety discussions.

Youth Power

As one of the United Way Peel Region’s initiatives, people ages 14 – 24 have been able to address a range of societal issues through creative means. Additionally, over 70,000 children and youth were placed on a path to succeed in school and life.

40 Hour Work-Week

The 40 hour work-week or less, instead of 60 or more, is because railroad unions went on strike for a shorter week with the same pay in the 1950s. Thanks to their efforts, work-life balance is on the horizon.

Next Step

The Bridge Between Community & Labour