Bulletin
Labour Day 2026: Labour is Political. Use your Power.
August 31, 2026
To: MoveUP Members
On behalf of our executive board, executive council, and our MoveUP staff, we hope our members and their families a safe and happy Labour Day next week on Monday, September 7.
Labour Day isn’t just about picnics and parades, although there are plenty of those happening in your local communities as well.
Labour Day is meant to be a day where we celebrate the historic and ongoing contributions of workers to our communities, to building our economy, and to building a progressive world.
Labour is political. When workers unite, we achieve great things politically, and these achievements impact our everyday lives.
Historically, because of workers and unions, we have achieved many things that people today take for granted:
- The 8-hour workday
- Weekends off
- Safety regulations at work
- Maternity and parental leave
- Paid sick days
- Paid time off for survivors of domestic violence
Today, workers are still fighting to improve our communities. We’re fighting to preserve our public services, our public healthcare system, for a living wage, for affordable childcare, for affordable housing, and so much more.
Use Your Power
In just over a month, our members who work in BC, Manitoba, and Ontario will be heading to the polls for municipal elections. Our members who work in Quebec will also soon be headed into a provincial election.
The ballot box is where all of us, as workers, can influence change the most. It is critical that we ensure workers’ rights are top of mind for the people who put into public office, and that they are committed to ensuring that our communities are inclusive, friendly places where people feel safe and families can thrive.
On Monday, September 7, let’s come together as workers and celebrate the historic achievements of workers. And remember when we are at the ballot box in October that we continue to support working people by casting our vote for progressive, labour-endorsed candidates.
Labour Day Events
If you are in the Lower Mainland, Fraser Valley, or Victoria, join MoveUP at the below Labour Day events on Monday, September 7! Bring your family to enjoy these free and fun celebrations, while honouring the legacy of and power of workers.
Burnaby – 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Join the Vancouver & District Labour Council (VDLC) and the New Westminster & District Labour Council (NWDLC) as they co-host Metro Vancouver Labour Day at Edmonds Park. There will be free food, bouncy castles, and live music! Guest speakers include NWDLC President (and MoveUP VP) Christy Slusarenko. More Info
Abbotsford – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the Fraser Valley Labour Council (FVLC) at the Ultimate Labour Day Celebration at Mill Lake Park. Enjoy fresh and local Chilliwack corn, face painting, and balloon creations! MoveUP VP Rysa Kronebusch is the President of the Fraser Valley Labour Council. More Info
Esquimalt – 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Join the Victoria Labour Council (VLC) for their Labour Day Picnic at Memorial Park in Esquimalt. This year’s event includes a Youth Action feature, and a Women & Gender Rights Committee bargaining highlights wall, where you can celebrate our collective wins! More Info
In solidarity,
Annette Toth, President
Brenda Chu, Secretary-Treasurer
Rysa Kronebusch, Vice-President, Utilities
Brian Martens, Interim Vice-President, ICBC
Christy Slusarenko, Vice-President, Combined Units