Last week, more than forty IAM Union representatives from all Canadian provinces attended the 2026 Canadian Labour Congress Convention in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The event brought together union members from across the country to participate in engaging panel discussions on inspiring topics, vote on resolutions, and connect with peers who share a commitment to shaping the future of the labour movement.
The atmosphere throughout the convention was both energizing and inspiring, filled with enthusiasm, thoughtful dialogue, and a strong sense of community. With this year’s theme, “We Build. We Care. We Fight.”, delegates had the opportunity to collaborate, share personal stories, and amplify the voices of everyday workers.
We are thankful for the opportunity to take part in this year’s convention and look forward to carrying these conversations forward as we continue the important work of advancing workers’ rights!
Post Credit : IAM Union Canada
Reports from the Local 1231 Delegates that attended the event.
Drupati Bazil – Recording Secretary Local 1231 :
The 31st Constitutional Convention of the Canadian Labour Congress was held on May 11-15, 2026 in Winnipeg, held under the theme, “We Build. We Care. We fight.”
The event drew delegates from different Unions across Canada including from the IAM Union such as David Chartrand, General Vice President; Ralph Martin, Chief of Staff of the Canadian office; Eric Johnston, Director Business Representative of district 78; as well as Merry St. Bernard, President of Local 1231, among others.
The CLC Convention addressed several topical issues such as the Cost of living and affordability Crisis; protecting Canadian Jobs, Artificial Intelligence, Automation and the future of work; Public Healthcare and Social Services; Climate Action and a Just Transition; Democracy and Worker Rights; and Equity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Reconciliation.
The forum was aimed at engaging deepening delegated understanding of workers’ rights, advocacy, and the importance of solidarity. It also strengthened participants’ leadership abilities, and organizing skills through active participation.
The overall tone of CLC 2026 was highly activist and worker-focused. The Convention presented organized labour as a force fighting for economic fairness, dignity, stronger public systems, climate justice, and democratic worker power.
Lystra Mohammed – Secretary Treasure Local 1231 :
WE BUILD WE CARE WE FIGHT
The convention started of with the new Delegation Orientation, it gave us all the information needed for the conference. It was well planned. At the Plenary, the main hall of the conference, it had different artists and DJ playing live music for the delegates. It was very powerful and uplifting. It put us in the right mood for the day. The conference started with a prayer from Geraldine Shingoose Indigenous Elder, her prayer was beautiful singing, she talked about the eagle feather and what it means to the indigenous people and the CLC has earn that feather for the great work that they do.
The different speakers were very powerful, The democratic process at the convention shows the leadership at the convention, all the different resolutions that was voted in, The delegates were very passionate about different resolutions, if they did not agreed about one they would go up to the Podium and speak on that resolutions, whether it was PRO or CON everyone agreed in the end.
The different caucuses were very educational, Women’s caucus, Young workers, Indigenous, workers of color, Workers with disabilities ,2SLGBTQI+ Workers’ Caucus to name a few.
Highlights for me at the conference.
No workers should have to choose between there health, it should be a Human Right. Workers are building power on the picket line. Not allowing workers to strike, we don’t legislate people back to work. We bought in the strongest anti scab – legislation. If you exercise your constitutional right to strike .We need to completely delete 107 (right to strike) We need universal childcare for all. WE CARE FOR ALL.