Jamaican-Canadian union leader urges unity as Trump’s tariffs threaten jobs

Andria Babbington, president of the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, is calling on Torontonians to stand firm and united in response to the United States government’s newly imposed tariffs on Canadian goods.

“People are scared right now, and it’s likely things will get tough, but we’ve faced tough situations before,” said Babbington, a member of the recently established Mayor’s Economic Action Team.

“The lesson we’ve learned time and again is that, when we stand together, we can overcome anything.”

US President Donald Trump imposed a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods on March 4, prompting Toronto’s leadership to act quickly in defence of local workers and businesses.

The Jamaican-Canadian union leader, the first woman of colour to lead the Labour Council – representing more than 220,000 workers across Toronto – stressed that the city’s response must prioritise workers, not corporate interests.

“I’m already hearing so-called ‘solutions’ on the news that would make life harder for working people – cutting wages, slashing pensions, and undermining our public sector. We must reject those approaches outright,” she said.

Instead, Babbington is pushing for a worker-first strategy based on three key principles:

1. Justice, dignity, and good jobs for all, ensuring workers can earn a decent living.

2. Investment in public infrastructure and services, creating jobs now and fuelling long-term economic growth.

3. A strong commitment to ‘Made in Canada’, protecting local industries and workers.

Babbington expressed confidence in the swift response to the crisis by Olivia Chow, mayor of Toronto.

“The impact of that awful man south of the border on working people’s lives here is serious – so I’m glad we’re treating it that way,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of including labour and community voices in decision-making.

“Big business always gets the loudest voice at the table. Too often, that means working people – especially racialised communities – are left behind. We saw it during COVID. We were the last in line for support, the last for vaccines. That has to change,” the union leader stressed.

As a long-time labour advocate, Babbington vowed to ensure that workers’ interests are at the forefront.

“When I sit at that table, I’m thinking about 220,000 members – my neighbours, my family, people who have stood beside me and fought for me. It’s my job to fight for them,” she said.

TEAM MEMBERS

Chaired by Mayor Olivia Chow and vice-chaired by City Budget Chief Shelley Carroll, the Economic Action Team includes business leaders, policymakers, and labour representatives. Members include: Brad Carr, CEO, Mattamy Homes; Zabeen Hirji, executive advisor, Deloitte; Blake Hutcheson, CEO, Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System; John Kiru, executive director, Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas; Rod Phillips, chair, Toronto Global; Luke Robertson, vice-president, Cadillac Fairview; Dave Samuel, partner, Birch Hill Equity Partners; Brian Topp, chair, Toronto Hydro; Flavio Volpe, president, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association; and Yung Wu, chair, NFQ Ventures & Toronto Region Board of Trade.

Babbington’s journey in the labour movement began when she immigrated to Canada as a young girl and took a job in the hotel industry in downtown Toronto. At just 19, she became one of the youngest chief stewards in her union’s history.

Over the years, she has led major campaigns, including Hotel Workers Rising, which significantly improved wages and working conditions for hospitality workers across North America.

Serving on the Labour Council’s executive board since 2004 – and as vice-president for eight years – Babbington has been a tireless advocate for economic, social, racial, and climate justice.

Now, as a key player in Toronto’s response to the tariff crisis, she remains focused on a singular mission: protecting working people and ensuring no one is left behind.

editorial@gleanerjm.com