Federation of Labour celebrates International Women’s Day
More than 100 union women and allies will gather in St. John’s this morning to mark International Women’s Day at the Federation of Labour Bread and Roses Breakfast.
“Gender equality is not a side issue; it is central to our province’s economic security. A resilient care economy, strong public services, and decent union jobs are strategic assets that strengthen communities and industries alike,” said Jessica McCormick, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour. “Workers want to know that politicians will stand up for them and take meaningful action to address gender inequality.”
The theme for this year’s breakfast is Rising Up for Gender Justice and will feature a keynote presentation by Laurabel Mba, an award-winning equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-racism consultant, speaker, writer, and community leader. In 2025, she made history as the first Black woman to appear on a provincial election ballot in Newfoundland and Labrador, marking a significant milestone in the province’s political history.
“For decades, unionized women have led the push to make gender justice a core labour priority—fighting for pharmacare, affordable childcare, pay equity, and paid domestic violence leave,” continued McCormick. “On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the progress union women have made and commit to building a movement to advance a feminist and just vision for our unions, for our workplaces, for our communities and for our economy.”
WHAT: Bread and Roses Breakfast
WHEN: Friday, March 6, 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: Alt Hotel, Water Street, St. John’s