Cake, hamburgers and workers' rights: Unions hold annual Labour Day barbecue

The audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results. A weekend of hard rain didn't dampen the celebration of workers and their efforts. With the crack of pop cans, splurting of ketchup bottles and bursts of childrens' laughter, a Labour Day barbecue organized by the St. John's and District Labour Council was back again Monday. Council president Michelle Reid welcomed leaders and representative workers from unions including: the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Public and Private Employees (NAPE), United Food and Commercial Workers, Public Service Alliance of Canada, Registered Nurses' Union and more. St. John's and District Labour Council president Michelle Reid addresses the gathering at the Labour Day barbecue at the Royal Canadian Legion in Pleasantville. (Abby Cole/CBC) Speaking at a microphone to the gathering, Reid said that Labour Day was a time to come together and show workers they aren't alone. "When workers stand united, we have a stronger voice to defend the good jobs, protect our rights and safety and build a better future for everyone," she said, to a round of applause. CUPE Newfoundland and Labrador president Sherry Hillier spoke to the gains for workers achieved by past generations, through organization and workers demanding better conditions and fair pay. At the St. John's and District Labour Council's Labour Day barbecue, CUPE NL president Sherry Hillier said new tariffs applied on trade between Canada and the United States are ultimately squeezing workers already challenged by the cost of living. (Abby Cole/CBC) "They didn't do it because it was easy. They did it because they believed their children and grandchildren deserved better," she said. The event was held at the Royal Canadian Legion in the Pleasantville neighbourhood of St. John's. Beneath the general positivity, there was talk of the latest in the evergreen union battlegrounds of frontline wages, worker benefits, job protection and safety on the job. A cake served at the St. John's and District Labour Council's Labour Day barbecue in St. John's. (Abby Cole/CBC) Celebration, in the shadow of tariffs At the same time, those subjects could not be entirely separated from the current turmoil being caused by tariffs and the ongoing trade dispute between Canada and the United States. "The trade war has shown how fragile and vulnerable Canada can be and our workers are paying the price," Reid said, questioning if commitments to worker well-being will match political action on behalf of corporations. Hillier described working people as already "under pressure," as the new round of tariffs arrive, questioning how working people will absorb what's to come. "Right now we do have a cost of living issue here in Newfoundland and Labrador, so any increase in products or needed goods that the community would need is going to have an impact on their take home pay," said NAPE secretary treasurer Trevor King, adding he'd like to see "proper compensation" for public workers raised for debate in the House of Assembly. NAPE secretary treasurer Trevor King said he'd like to see questions related to cost of living and compensation for public workers raised for debate in the House of Assembly this fall. (Abby Cole/CBC) NDP question if PCs will live up to campaign promises The Newfoundland and Labrador NDP were also represented at the event. Speaking to CBC's Abby Cole, Dinn said he first wanted to thank workers who are the foundation of the economy - unionized, non-unionized, and people providing unpaid labour. He said he thinks it's important not to be afraid to talk about direct, worker needs and cost of living, even in the middle of a "trade war." Dinn touched on cost of living challenges including the rising cost of housing, groceries and concerns of inflation. He said he's waiting to see if the Progressive Conservative-led government will be living up to their campaign promises to workers. "This is a negotiating year for many unions, so we're about to find out just how valuable the government considers our workers," he said. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.