MAY DAY - International Workers’ Day. Check out these events happening in Toronto.
When: Friday, May 1st at 5 PM
Where: Christie Pits Park (750 Bloor St. W.)
A food and cultural gathering featuring a community barbecue, music, political tabling, a fire pit, and more. All are welcome to come out and enjoy an evening of food, culture, and community..
When: Saturday, May 2
Where: United Steelworkers Hall
Doors: 6:30 PM | Event: 7:00 PM
This cultural event celebrates International Workers’ Day under the theme Resisting imperialism: workers’ solidarity, sovereignty, and peace. Dinner will be served.
The Labour for Palestine GTA Chapter is hosting an in-person Hot Cargo Townhall this Sunday, May 3 in Toronto.
Palestinian trade unions are calling on the global labour movement to treat Israeli goods and investments tied to genocide, from arms and military shipments to pension funds, as hot cargo.
This Durham Region Labour Council endorsed event will bring together union members from across the GTA to learn what hot cargo means in practice and how it can be applied across workplaces, industries, and sectors. Participants will also take part in strategic discussions and explore ways to build commitments within their locals and bargaining units ahead of the May 9 Hot Cargo Day of Action.
We encourage folks to attend, support, and share this event.
When: Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Where: Downtown Toronto (location shared with confirmed registrants) register at https://bit.ly/HotCargoTownhall
VIRTUAL TOWN HALL May 5th - THE STATE OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN ONTARIO
Across Ontario, education workers, students, and families are feeling the effects of increasing pressures on our public schools and campuses. This is a space to come together, share experiences, and talk honestly about what’s happening, and where we go from here.
Join OSSTF/FEESO for an important virtual town hall on: The State of Public Education in Ontario.
When: May 5, 2026, 7:00–8:30 PM
Where: Zoom
REGISTER: /forms/osstffeeso-education-townhall
Today, April 28, we observe the National Day of Mourning.
This is the labour movement’s most solemn day. A day to remember the workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill because of their work.
Across Canada, thousands gather with friends, families, and coworkers to honour those we’ve lost.
But remembrance is not enough. No one should have to sacrifice their physical or mental health to earn a living.
As we mourn for the dead, we must continue to fight for the living.
We hope to see you today, April 28th at our Day of Mourning event happening in Oshawa at 11am.
Fallen Workers Monument (north side of Oshawa City Hall)
*DRESS FOR RAIN
At our April 14, 2026 General Membership Meeting, the Durham Region Labour Council adopted a public statement opposing the war on Iran.
This is our full statement in opposition of the Imperialist War on Iran.
We encourage locals unions, labour councils, and labour organizations to consider taking a similar position and sharing it within your membership.
One week today is Day of Mourning
On Tuesday, April 28th we will gather to mark the National Day of Mourning, a day to honour workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill on the job.
Join the Durham Region Labour Council as we come together to remember those we have lost and recommit to protecting the living.
DETAILS:
Tuesday, April 28 at 11:00 a.m.
Fallen Workers Monument (north side of Oshawa City Hall)
50 Centre St S., Oshawa
Light reception to follow at the Art Resource Centre (45 Queen St., Oshawa).
Please share this event with your family, friends, co-workers, fellow union members, and community.
Workplace injuries and deaths are preventable. Together, we continue to fight for safer workplaces for all.
Remember the Dead. Fight for the Living.
🚨Webinar Alert: Municipal Elections 101 🚨
🗓 Saturday, April 11, 2026
🕤 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM (free lunch included!)
📍 603 Palace St, Whitby, ON
Curious about how municipal government works and how you can make an impact? Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop focused on the power of local elections to advance workers’ interests.
Whether you’re thinking about running for office or want to support progressive candidates at the city, regional, or school board level, this workshop is for you.
You’ll learn:
✔️ How municipal governments are structured in Ontario
✔️ How local decisions shape housing, transit, infrastructure, and public services
✔️ Practical tools for winning campaigns, including the Five M’s and the Ganz organizing model
✔️ Proven strategies from successful progressive campaigns across North America
✔️ How to recruit and support strong candidates within labour and community networks
By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer understanding of Ontario’s municipal landscape and the tools to help build winning local campaigns.
👉 RSVP to let us know you’re coming, and please include any dietary restrictions! https://durhamlabour.ca/events/municipal-elections-101/
SEE YOU TODAY at 11AM for FREE SKATE in WHITBY at 11am
📍Iroquois Park Sports Centre – Arena #5
🗓 Saturday, March 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bring your family, friends, and coworkers for a fun morning on the ice!
👉Share this event to help spread the word.
Bring your own skates and come have a warm cup of hot chocolate!
RSVP: https://ofl.ca/event/join-durham-labour-council-ofl-cupe-local-
⛸️Democracy On Thin Ice - Free Skate!⛸️
Join us Saturday, March 21 at 11 AM in Whitby for a FREE community skate.
All are welcome to come out for this amazing opportunity to meet folks and discuss what’s happening in your community!
📍Iroquois Park Sports Centre – Arena #5
🗓 Saturday, March 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bring your family, friends, and coworkers for a fun morning on the ice!
👉Share this event to help spread the word.
Bring your own skates and come have a warm cup of hot chocolate!
RSVP: https://ofl.ca/event/join-durham-labour-council-ofl-cupe-local-53/
Co-hosted by Durham Region Labour Council,CUPE Local 53 and Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)
⛸️Democracy On Thin Ice - Free Skate!⛸️
Join us Saturday, March 21 at 11 AM in Whitby for a FREE community skate.
All are welcome to come out for this amazing opportunity to meet folks and discuss what’s happening in your community!
📍Iroquois Park Sports Centre – Arena #5
🗓 Saturday, March 21, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Bring your family, friends, and coworkers for a fun morning on the ice!
👉Share this event to help spread the word.
Bring your own skates!
RSVP: https://ofl.ca/event/join-durham-labour-council-ofl-cupe-local-53/
Co-hosted by Durham Region Labour Council, CUPE Local 53 and @onfedlab
On Monday, March 16th at 12PM, communities across Canada will RALLY outside the offices of local Liberal Members of Parliament as part of a National Day of Action to defend public health care.
Public Medicare is facing unprecedented threats from privatization and underfunding. We are calling on the federal government to uphold and enforce the Canada Health Act, protect universal access, and stop the erosion of our public system.
LOCAL ACTION IN DURHAM REGION:
WHEN: Monday, March 16 at 12:00 noon
WHERE: Office of MP Jennifer McKelvie - 100 Old Kingston Rd., Suites 1 & 2, Ajax
Bring your signs, flags, noisemakers, and your friends, family, and co-workers.
PLEASE SHARE THIS POST!
Housing Townhalls, Part 2: Decoding the Crisis, Shining Light on Solutions with Dr. Carolyn Whitzman - March 9th at 7PM
Join Oshawa City Councillor @derek.giberson , co-presented by @backdoormission for Part 2 of the Housing Townhall Series of this important series featuring housing expert Carolyn Whitzman, author of ‘Home Truths’ and widely regarded as one of Canada’s leading authorities on the housing crisis. Learn how decades of policy choices led us here and discover real, practical solutions that can build a housing system that works for everyone. Let’s explore how our community can get engaged and organized to push for change right here at home. You are part of the solution!
WHEN: Monday, March 9th | Doors open at 6:30 PM | Event begins at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Back Door Mission, 66 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa
