Celebrating Beyond Borders: Labor Day in Canada and the United States

Labor Day, a tribute to the contributions and achievements of workers, testifies to the unity, strength, and transformative power of collective action. Its significance reaches beyond national boundaries, recognizing the efforts of American and Canadian labor forces, each contributing to the strength and prosperity of their nations.

Historically, the development of labor unions in the United States and Canada has paralleled each other, with workers on both sides of the border uniting to advocate for fair wages, safe working conditions, and protecting workers' rights. From the Pullman Strike in the U.S. in the late 19th century, to the Winnipeg General Strike in Canada in the early 20th century, labor movements have played a crucial role in shaping societal norms and policies around labor rights. Their shared histories and shared goals remind us that workers everywhere face similar challenges and triumphs.

Period poverty is one such challenge. In Canada, an astonishing 34% of women and girls make budget sacrifices to afford essential menstrual products, leading to period poverty. But it's not just Canada. Period poverty is also an issue in the United States, affecting millions of women, girls, non-binary people, and trans folks. It is a reality that forces people to choose between necessities like food and menstrual products, creating societal stigma that can lead to isolation.

Canada’s United Ways period poverty initiatives partner with local labor unions and communities. Through empowering initiatives such as "Tampon Tuesday," and "Period Promise," they distributed hundreds of thousands of menstrual products to those in need and influenced policy changes at all levels of government. 

Since 2017, this initiative has distributed over 3 million menstrual products across Canada, reducing stigma, and providing much-needed resources to community organizations dependent on public donations.

The unifying power of caring for each other that defines Labor Day celebrations also inspires UWC's efforts to fight period poverty. Labor Day symbolizes collective action and advocacy. It is about solidarity and the belief that everyone deserves access to basic needs.

This Labor Day, let us celebrate the Labor Movement and workers. The United Way is proud to partner with them on the transformative initiatives that have changed so many lives. The power of unity can achieve extraordinary things. Let's unite in solidarity for the causes affecting millions of people across our borders.

Happy Labor Day, everyone!