Today, October 6, 2025, we took to the streets. Not to celebrate an anniversary, but to denounce a betrayal. Four years ago, the so-called law “modernizing” occupational health and safety came into force. It was supposed to strengthen prevention of workplace injuries, but in reality it opened the door to a serious rollback of our rights, leaving thousands of workers more vulnerable than ever.
A Government Above Its Own Laws
Instead of respecting its commitments, the government placed itself above the law by introducing Bill 101. This bill imposes a discriminatory “under-prevention” regime in key sectors such as health care and education. Both are sectors with a majority of women workers, where the employer-state sends a clear message: the lives and health of teachers, nurses, caregivers, and staff count less than others. As if caring, teaching, and educating were not “real” work!
Refusing Injustice
Together, we rejected this contempt. In the streets today, unions, community groups, and popular organizations — alongside the Immigrant Workers Centre (IWC-CTI) and allied organizations — spoke with one voice: we demand universal prevention mechanisms, without discrimination. All workers in all sectors have the right to protection, dignity, and a job that does not sacrifice their health.
Rights Under Threat
Bill 101 doesn’t just discriminate against health and education workers. It also introduces a biased negotiation process for settling disputes of injured workers, to the detriment of their rights. Concretely, this means more obstacles, more delays, and more suffering for those already harmed by their jobs.
A Long-Term Struggle
Today’s mobilization is part of a longer fight, one that began more than four years ago when this toxic reform was imposed. We fight for laws that truly prevent workplace accidents and diseases, and that fully compensate victims for all their losses and suffering.
With the scheduled review of the “modernization” in October 2026 approaching, the workers’ and people’s movements are sending a strong message: we will remain united and solidary. We will not accept that our lives be sacrificed on the altar of austerity and profit.
Our Voice Is Clear
We shouted loud and clear: NO to Bill 101!
Yes to prevention. Yes to full compensation. Yes to the dignity of all workers in all sectors.
Because our health is not negotiable. Because we have the right to work without losing our lives to it. Because, together, we are stronger than their unjust laws.
Comments are closed.