Why Unions Should Join the Guelph & District Labour Council
1. Stronger Collective Voice
GDLC brings unions together to speak with a unified voice on local labour, social, and economic issues. A coordinated labour movement has greater influence with municipal leaders, school boards, and community decision-makers.
2. Local Political Influence
Through GDLC, unions can engage directly in municipal and regional advocacy, including elections, policy discussions, and campaigns that affect workers’ rights, public services, and community well-being.
3. Solidarity and Mutual Support
Membership fosters solidarity across sectors. Affiliates support one another during strikes, lockouts, and campaigns, strengthening the labour movement as a whole.
4. Community Presence and Partnerships
GDLC connects unions with community organizations, coalitions, and social justice groups, helping labour remain visible, relevant, and engaged in broader community issues. We are part of the Guelph Coalition for Social Justice, Resistance and Resilience Guelph, United Way and the More than Meals Campaign.
5. Education and Information Sharing
Unions gain access to workshops, meetings, and forums on labour law, organizing, equity, anti-racism, and emerging political issues that affect workers locally.
6. Platform for Union Voices
Affiliated unions have opportunities to present their issues, campaigns, and successes to other labour organizations, building awareness and collaboration. If you are not sitting at the table, then we do not get to hear your voices.
7. Election Engagement and Worker-Focused Advocacy
GDLC plays an active role in municipal and provincial election discussions, promoting worker-friendly policies and encouraging political engagement among union members. See the attached flyer.
8. Leadership Development
Participation in GDLC offers opportunities for activists and leaders to build skills, gain experience, and grow within the broader labour movement.
9. Strength in Numbers
When unions act collectively through GDLC, they increase their capacity to respond to attacks on workers, defend public services, and advance progressive change.
10. Building a Resilient Labour Movement
In a challenging political climate, GDLC provides a space for unions to find common ground, coordinate strategy, and strengthen labour’s long-term impact in Guelph and the surrounding region.