What’s at Stake This Election? Your Paycheque.
As Canadians prepare to head to the polls, the Kamloops & District Labour Council wants you to know what’s really on the line in this election — your ability to earn a living wage.
The Conservative Party’s Plan: Right-to-Work Laws
Clearly stated in the Conservative Party of Canada’s policy book is a dangerous proposal: bringing U.S.-style “Right-to-Work” legislation to Canada.
On Page 6 under “17. Rights of Workers” point “.iv” states:
supports right to work legislation to allow optional union membership including student unions;
These laws are sold as promoting “freedom” or “choice,” but here’s the truth:
Right-to-Work laws are designed to weaken unions — and when unions are weak, everyone’s wages go down.
This isn’t a theory. It’s been proven across more than 25 U.S. states that adopted Right-to-Work. Here’s what happened:
- Union membership dropped
- Wages fell — even for non-union workers
- Benefits like pensions and health care were slashed
- Job safety took a back seat
- Corporate profits skyrocketed
That’s the real impact. And it’s not just union workers who pay the price — it’s all workers.
Why Non-Union Workers Should Care
You might not carry a union card, but unions still protect your paycheck.
When unions fight for better wages and working conditions, employers have to keep up — or risk losing their workforce.
In states and provinces with strong unions:
- Wages are higher
- Benefits are better
- Workplaces are safer
Right-to-Work legislation cuts the legs out from under that system — letting people benefit from union wins without contributing, draining unions of the resources needed to stand up for workers.
Who Wins? Corporate Profits.
Make no mistake: this kind of legislation doesn’t exist to help workers — it exists to help corporations keep more money in their pockets by paying you less.
When unions are strong, they hold CEOs accountable. When unions are weakened, wages stagnate and profits soar — but not in your favour.
What We Need in Canada
Canadians need wages that support families, not just survive inflation.
We need:
- Strong unions that can negotiate fair pay
- Governments that understand workers are the backbone of our economy
- Legislation that protects workers, not strips them of their power
This Election, Vote With Your Paycheque in Mind
Right-to-Work laws have no place in Canada. We must stand up to any government — federal or provincial — that tries to weaken unions and lower the bar for all workers.
We’re not just fighting for union members.
We’re fighting for every Canadian who works for a living.
Keep wages strong. Keep unions strong. Vote wisely.
