Unions are winning real wage gains for workers

Unionized workers across Canada saw the biggest wage increases in more than ten years. And the most important part: those gains beat inflation.

New federal numbers show union workplaces negotiated close to 4 percent in wage increases in 2025. That means workers moved ahead instead of falling behind.

Most of those gains came from private-sector unions, which hit 4.2 percent on average. First agreements were even higher. New collective agreements saw seven percent in their first year. That’s huge.

High inflation hit everyone’s wallets; workers pushed and unions went to the table ready to fight for better pay and bette0onr conditions, backed up with strong strike votes and member support.

Ten thousand Air Canada workers held the line and won major improvements, including getting paid for the time they work before takeoff and after landing. That matters for their paycheques and their dignity.

All of this shows what unions do best: level the playing field. Collective bargaining gives workers a real voice, real power and real economic results. When wages go up for union members, it sets a higher bar for everyone else too.

Higher standards don’t come from hope or goodwill. They come from workers standing together. This is what we fight for every day. Fair wages, safe workplaces and respect on the job.

That’s especially true in B.C., where so much of our economy depends on skilled workers showing up every day and keeping things moving. In B.C., unions don’t strike often but when they do, it matters.

If you ever wondered what the value of a union is, this is it. Better pay. Better conditions. A voice at work. And real results you can see on your paycheque.

Unions work. And when unions win, workers win.