Skip to main content

Featured

Canada’s Job Market Gains Momentum as Unemployment Drops to 6.5%

  I n October, Canada gained 66,600 jobs and the unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points to 6.9 per cent.  Canada’s labour market showed renewed strength in November , with the unemployment rate falling to 6.5% as the economy added 53,000 jobs . This marks a positive shift after months of slower employment growth, suggesting resilience despite global economic uncertainties. Key Highlights: Unemployment Rate: Down to 6.5%, the lowest in several months. Job Creation: 53,000 new positions added, driven largely by full-time employment. Sector Growth: Gains were seen in professional services, healthcare, and construction, reflecting strong demand across diverse industries. Regional Trends: Ontario and British Columbia led the way in job creation, while some provinces experienced more modest growth. Economic Context: Analysts note that the increase in employment could ease concerns about consumer spending and economic slowdown. However, wage pressures and infla...

article

LCBO Strike Continues Amidst Dispute Over Return-to-Work Protocol

 

A tentative agreement to end the two-week-long strike at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has been thrown into question, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith bargaining. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing 10,000 LCBO workers, announced that the strike would continue because the employer refused to sign a return-to-work protocol.

Despite initial optimism, the LCBO has stated that OPSEU introduced significant new monetary demands after the tentative deal was reached, which they argue should have been addressed during negotiations. The LCBO plans to file an unfair labour practice complaint against OPSEU.

The strike, which began on July 5, has been largely driven by concerns over Premier Doug Ford’s plan to allow convenience and grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, a move that OPSEU claims threatens their jobs. The LCBO, however, maintains that this issue is not relevant to the bargaining table.

Negotiations had resumed earlier this week, with the LCBO offering wage increases, improved benefits for part-time workers, and the conversion of casual workers to permanent full-time positions. However, the failure to finalize the return-to-work protocol has left the strike ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight.


Comments