Emerging and rebuilding in the wake of the pandemic will require a concerted, unified effort that brings together individuals and organizations across all sectors working with a common purpose.
Our partners in labour will be central to success in recovering from all that has been lost, disrupted and shattered by this virus over the last 18 months. That list is long and can seem discouraging and overwhelming.
We know COVID-19 isn’t going to just fade away. There is little doubt the road ahead is long to conquer this crisis and begin the journey of recovery.
But there is much to be optimistic about.
Those of us at United Way Halton & Hamilton know that we can always count on our friends in labour to be with us and to do whatever it takes to make this community a better place to live, work, raise a family and build a meaningful, productive life.
I am constantly amazed by the dedication, energy and creative ideas of our labour partners in the public and private sectors as they build critical workplace campaigns and sponsor, support and participate in our fundraising.
In many ways, labour organizations are a key piece to the beating heart of what we are all about.
For decades, since the very founding of the United Way, labour has led the bringing together of community to do great work for those in need. The commitment of labour leaders and workers of all kinds remains strong.
We have never needed them more than we do now.
Out of crisis comes opportunity. In so many points in history, including world wars, depressions and recessions, strikes and natural disasters, labour has pushed for progress and forced society to learn from the lessons that these emergencies have taught.
This pandemic is no different. We have a chance to be better and to build a system that is fairer and more equitable. The pandemic laid bare inequities based on race, gender and income that must be addressed if we are to move forward and be stronger than we were before.
We have an obligation to act on the lessons of this pandemic and it is with gratitude that we celebrate how labour partners have been there every step of the way.
Happy Labour Day.
