Pride in our solidarity: Canada’s unions celebrate 2SLGBTQI+ workers this 2026 Pride season
Across the country, Canada’s unions are gearing up to showcase our unwavering solidarity and support for 2SLGBTQI+ workers and communities this 2026 Pride season.
“Solidarity as a labour movement looks like participating in Pride events from coast to coast to coast, as well as continuing to celebrate and stand with 2SLGBTQI+ communities in defence of their human rights at work and in our communities all throughout the year, “said Bea Bruske, President of the Canadian Labour Congress.
2SLGBTQI+ communities continue to be disproportionately impacted by the affordability crisis facing workers and their families across Canada. This is due to several factors including persistent wage gaps, employment discrimination, housing instability, rising health care costs and barriers, and higher rates of poverty.
- In 2025, 46% of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals found it difficult or very difficult to meet financial needs, compared to 39% of non-2SLGBTQI+ individuals. In addition, research also shows that racialized 2SLGBTQI+ communities face even greater income gaps.
- A report from EGALE Canada revealed that 72% of Two Spirit, trans, and nonbinary workers report facing workplace discrimination; and nearly half have quit jobs due to lack of acceptance. From that same report, 74% of 2SLGBTQI+ people shared that they hid or minimized their identity during the job search process, fearing the consequences of widespread discrimination.
- Finally, a new report on harassment and violence at work from the CLC highlights that this issue continues to disproportionately affect 2SLGBTQI+ workers, with approximately a third (65%) of respondents reporting experiences of harassment and violence at work due to their sexual orientation, the most common form of harassment being sexual harassment (53%).
The reality of ongoing inequities facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities highlights the importance of continued advocacy on 2SLGBTQI+ rights both at work and in our communities.
“Supporting inclusive workplaces where everyone can feel safe and proud to be themselves benefits everyone. And when workplaces flourish, so do our communities, and our economy.” said Bruske.
Unions are an essential part of this equation.
- Unions push to end violence at work: We pushed for and won Canada’s ratification of ILO C-190 in 2023, for a world of work free of harassment and violence, including gender-based violence.
- Unions challenge discrimination: Union reps used the collective bargaining process to pioneer anti-discrimination clauses, anti- harassment policies, recognition of same sex spouses and 2SLGBTQI+ families in benefit and leave policies, as well as access to gender affirming care.
- Unions defending our democracy: We called out governments and conservative right-wing forces for attacking the human rights of 2SLGBTQI+ communities to distract us from their economic mismanagement by scapegoating the most vulnerable among us.
- Pride in our trade union movement: We will continue to loudly and proudly be led by and uplift 2SLGBTQI+ workers and fight for a safe, just and inclusive Canada.
“Whether it’s in the streets proudly representing our labour movement at marches and parades, defending workers at the bargaining table, and fighting for human rights in every decision-making space, we’ll be there.
Canada’s unions are unwavering in our commitment to celebrate and advocate for the rights 2SLGBTQI+ communities, with solidarity at the heart of our pride.” said Bruske.
—
You can show your solidarity this 2026 Pride season by taking the pledge to stand up for 2SLGBTQI+ workers’ rights with the CLC.