Toronto Labour Day parade highlights how Gen Z is revitalizing the workers' movement

Participants chant as they march through Toronto during the Labour Day Parade on Monday, September 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Tijana Martin

Chants, horns, drums, pop music and even bagpipes filled the air in downtown Toronto today for the return of the annual Labour Day parade.

Hundreds of workers and dozens of unions showed up in solidarity with the workers' movement, which labour leaders say is being revitalized by changing standards as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and younger workers.

They say younger employees are entering the workforce in large numbers and taking a different approach to work than older generations.

Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, says she is seeing more young workers organizing in the workplace and signing union cards.

Unifor National President Lana Payne says members of Generation Z, including her 21-year-old daughter, are bringing an important new lens to the labour movement.

She says they're advocating for dignity and respect in their workplaces, as well as a balanced life outside of it.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 5, 2022.