This Labour Day, Unifor members came together across the country at marches, BBQs, family fun days and fairs to celebrate worker power, and stand united to protect Canadian jobs as the U.S. trade war escalates.

Unifor's national and regional leaders continue to sound the alarm that the tariff crisis is a country-wide fight that demands governments at every level defend Canadian jobs, invest in domestic industrial strategies, and put workers at the centre of the response.

Downtown Toronto became a sea of "Protect Canadian Jobs" shirts as Unifor members marched in this year's Labour Day parade, demonstrating unwavering resolve to defend workers' livelihoods.

"Workers did not create this crisis, and they should not have to pay the price for it. In the face of tariff threats and attacks on Canadian jobs, our response must be bold, united and unapologetically militant," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.

"Today is a reminder that when working people stand together, we have the power to defend our jobs, strengthen our economy and build a better future."

This year's celebration came at a consequential moment for Canadian workers. As tariff threats and escalating economic attacks by the Trump administration put jobs and entire industries at risk, Unifor is renewing calls for governments to defend workers with the same urgency they bring to defending corporate interests.

"Labour Day honours everything workers have won through collective action, but it also reminds us that none of those gains can be taken for granted," said Unifor Secretary-Treasurer Len Poirier at the Labour Day event at Unifor's Family Education Centre in Port Elgin, Ontario.

"At a moment of profound economic uncertainty, workers need strong unions prepared to defend their jobs, their rights, and their communities. That is what Unifor members are demonstrating across the country today."

Each year, the Family Education Centre hosts a community BBQ following the local Labour Day parade, bringing people together for food, music, and family fun. The event takes place during the annual Retired Workers' Council.

This year's Labour Day comes hot off the heels of Unifor's Canadian Council in Ottawa, where hundreds of Unifor members and leaders rallied at the steps of Parliament, demanding the Canadian government protect Canadian jobs.

"Ontario workers are on the front lines of this economic attack, particularly in industries that sustain entire communities and support tens of thousands of families," said Unifor Ontario Regional Director Samia Hashi.

"There's power in numbers and you can see the solidarity shining through today. These are scary times, but workers don't have to fight this fight alone."

In Vancouver, members came together at the Maritime Labour Centre (MLC), with the escalating threats from Donald Trump top of mind.

"These threats do not stop at provincial borders. From manufacturing and transportation to forestry, energy and mining, workers across Canada are facing the consequences of economic decisions made without them," said Unifor Western Regional Director Gavin McGarrigle.

"Our strength lies in responding together, across regions and sectors, with one clear demand that workers and their communities must come first."

Following the meet up at the MLC, free passes to the Pacific National Exhibition grounds were distributed to Unifor members and their families so they could spend time celebrating the labour movement together at the popular Vancouver landmark.

In Atlantic Canada, workers came together this Labour Day to celebrate the contributions of working people and build solidarity around the issues facing workers in the region and across the country.

Atlantic Regional Director Jennifer Murray said Labour Day is an important opportunity to celebrate what workers have achieved while recognizing the work still ahead.

"Across Atlantic Canada, we know that when workers stand together, we can make a real difference. This Labour Day, we're celebrating the strength of our movement while continuing to fight for affordable housing, good jobs, and communities where working people can thrive," Murray said.

"Our power comes from our solidarity, and there is no better way to show that than by coming together in our communities this Labour Day."