Friday, October 30, 2026

CLAC and WOW Call for Meaningful Social Dialogue in Canada–EU Partnership

Joint statement urges Canadian and European leaders to prioritize social dialogue, workers’ rights, and fair employment opportunities.

News

As Canada and the European Union conclude their summit in Montreal, the Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC) and the World Organisation of Workers (WOW) welcome efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, create opportunities for workers, and build a more prosperous future on both sides of the Atlantic.

At a time of global economic uncertainty, closer cooperation between Canada and Europe offers important opportunities for growth, investment, and job creation. But the success of this partnership must be measured by more than economic outcomes. It must also be measured by its impact on workers, their families, and their communities.

CLAC and WOW share a commitment to the principles of dignity, fairness, justice, and solidarity. We believe that economic progress must serve people, and that workers should have a meaningful voice in shaping the decisions that affect their livelihoods.

Central to this vision is social dialogue: bringing workers, employers, and governments together to find constructive solutions to shared challenges.

As Canada and the EU pursue greater cooperation in areas such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, and emerging technologies, we encourage leaders to make meaningful engagement with workers and their representatives a priority.

This includes protecting fundamental labour rights, respecting freedom of association and collective bargaining, investing in skills development, and ensuring that new economic opportunities translate into safe workplaces, fair compensation, and secure, meaningful employment.

We also recognize that employers and workers share an interest in building strong, sustainable industries. Through mutual respect, open dialogue, and a willingness to work together, we can strengthen competitiveness while advancing the well-being of workers.

As independent, values-based labour organizations, CLAC and WOW believe that cooperation across borders, industries, and perspectives can create lasting positive change. Our shared commitment to social dialogue demonstrates that collaboration and solidarity are powerful tools for advancing workers' rights and building stronger communities.

We encourage Canadian and European leaders to embrace this approach as they strengthen their partnership, ensuring that workers are not simply beneficiaries of economic progress, but active participants in shaping it.

Christian Labour Association of Canada (CLAC)
World Organisation of Workers (WOW)

CLAC and WOW Call for Meaningful Social Dialogue in Canada–EU Partnership

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