International Workers’ Day 2025 Statement
May 1st, 2025
In honour of International Workers' Day, the Popular Democracy Movement extends its congratulations and solidarity to working people around the world in the spirit of proletarian internationalism. While celebrating historic triumphs and victories, the PDM also notes the militant labour struggles and strikes which have taken place in Canada over the past year at major shipping ports, Canada Post, and against a number of BCGEU employers. The PDM reiterates its condemnation of attacks against labour and collective bargaining rights by the federal government including the use of Section 107 of Canada's Labour Code. Attacks on labour have also coincided with attacks on public services, including healthcare, and a failure to enforce the Canada Health Act and prevent the growth of for-profit private healthcare. Amidst cuts and austerity, US tariffs have put additional pressure on Canada's economy, further endangering public services and leading to a rise of patriotic sentiments across the country.
While Canada's sovereignty must be defended, the solution is not to 'buy Canadian'. Mega-rich corporate interests based in Canada like Loblaw's and the Weston family have proven many times - including the recent price-fixing scandal - to be just as willing to exploit Canada's working class as US corporations and monopolies. When US tariff threats first began, the federal government argued that Canada should be treated differently than Mexico and other countries, breaking ranks when the countries facing US pressure should have been pulling together in international unity. During the same period, Canada continued to serve US imperialist interests by placing new sanctions on US targets like China and Venezuela, at the expense of workers in Canada and abroad. Supporting the Canadian working-class means more than simplv buving products from Canadian-based corporations which are more than happy to work together with US corporate interests to intensify exploitation. Rather, it demands international solidarity with workers of all countries.
Therefore, this International Workers' Day, the PDM calls on the labour movement and working class to unite and fight for the common interest of workers around the world, including:
An end to attacks on labour rights, including the repealment of Section 107 of Canada's Labour Code
Increased wages and living standards for workers across the country
Canada out of the USMCA and so-called 'free-trade' in favour of fair trade with all countries
Canada out of NATO, and a massive reduction in military spending, with funds redirected to affordable housing, and public services like healthcare and education
An independent foreign policy based on peace, disarmament, and the principles of sovereignty and self-determination enshrined in the UN
Charter
The cessation of coercive sanctions which harm workers both domestically and abroad
Full support for BDS and an immediate end to the arms trade with Israel
Decisive action to enforce labour rights for migrant workers, and the extension of complete political rights, including voting rights, to all those residing in Canada
Legislation to enforce equal pay and close the gender wage gap in all sectors
The implementation of a comprehensive and progressive tax system that makes the rich pay - not the working class
Central Executive Committee
Popular Democracy Movement
