PSAC joins the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) in calling for peace and democracy this World Day for Decent Work, 7 October, as authoritarianism and escalating military conflicts devastate workers’ lives worldwide.

Trade unions reaffirm their stance: without peace, there can be no social justice, and without social justice, peace cannot last.

Military confrontations in almost every region of the world are worsening, leading to widespread loss of life, livelihoods and rights. Working people are on the frontline of this growing crisis, facing daily injustices and oppression.

• Since 2021, Myanmar’s military dictatorship has violently repressed workers and their families, stripping them of basic rights. The people of Myanmar are demanding democracy, starting with the recognition of the National Unity Government.
• Since 2022, Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine has caused unimaginable human suffering and cost thousands of lives. The global trade union movement continues to call for peace and the restoration of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
• In Palestine and Israel, the worsening conflict has killed and displaced thousands. Trade unions demand an immediate ceasefire, the release of the hostages and all those detained without due legal process, the safe return of all workers trapped by the conflict, increased humanitarian aid and a lasting two-state solution.

Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the ITUC, said: “Governments are failing to resolve conflicts through diplomacy, while workers and their unions continue to engage in peaceful negotiations. Workers must be involved in the peace and reconstruction processes if they are to succeed and create the necessary conditions for lasting peace and stability.

“We need a complete change of priorities away from strategic competition, violence and confrontation to common security, negotiation and peace. Rising military expenditure is diverting critical resources away from social priorities. Over US$91 billion was spent on nuclear weapons alone in 2023; ten billion more than in 2022. World military expenditure totals US$2.5 trillion.

“Imagine the benefits to people everywhere if this money was invested in decent work, education, healthcare, and the transition to a green economy? With this money we could deliver the New Social Contract. We need to start investing in peace, not war. Disarmament is a question of justice and is key to building a peaceful world with shared prosperity.”

This World Day for Decent Work, workers demand peace and democracy.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.

On September 24, PSAC leaders, members, and staff—guided by Tina Vincent, Knowledge Keeper from Kitigan Zibi—gathered to raise the Survivors’ Flag, acknowledging and honoring residential school survivors and all the lives and communities impacted by the residential and day school systems in Canada. The flag, representing Indigenous resilience and strength, serves as a powerful symbol of remembrance and advocacy.

“This flag will remain flown at our national headquarters as a symbol of PSAC’s continuous commitment to Indigenous communities and in solidarity with their fight for self-autonomy, reconciliation and justice.” said Sharon DeSousa, PSAC national president. “I want to thank PSAC’s National Indigenous People’s circle, and our First Nation, Métis and Inuit activists who have encouraged PSAC to take these important steps towards achieving truth and reconciliation as a union.”

Residential schools were government-sanctioned institutions that forcibly removed Indigenous children from their families, aiming to strip them of their language, culture, and identity. This led to generations of profound trauma that continues to impact Indigenous communities today. The act of raising the Survivors’ Flag is an acknowledgment of this painful history and a symbolic commitment to solidarity with survivors and their families.

By raising the Survivors’ Flag, we not only remind ourselves of the injustices of the past, but also commit to ensuring these injustices are not forgotten. Public awareness and education are key components in addressing the intergenerational trauma caused by residential schools. Our union honors the strength of survivors and reinforces the ongoing need for accountability, justice, and a genuine commitment to repairing relationships with Indigenous communities.

Recognizing the deep-rooted trauma and systemic violence that Indigenous communities have faced for generations is a crucial step toward Reconciliation. True Reconciliation requires more than recognizing the past; it involves actively working to heal the ongoing harm caused by colonialism, racism, and the marginalization of Indigenous peoples.

Together, we must take concrete steps toward reconciliation by acknowledging both historical and ongoing injustices and committing to actions that support healing, justice, and the restoration of Indigenous rights and cultures.

Learn more 

• Find out more about the flag’s imagery and creation and read about the significance of the flag.
• Check-out these additional resources to use on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and after to learn, reflect, and consider how you can take meaningful action towards Reconciliation.

This article was first posted on the PSAC website.