“Our Power, Our Planet”: April 22, Earth Day 2026

Recognized annually on April 22nd, this year’s Earth Day comes at a time when workers are increasingly at the centre of climate solutions across North America. In their Earth Day 2026 messages, both the AFL-CIO and the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) are reinforcing a shared priority: the transition to a greener economy must be built by - and for - working people. From clean energy expansion to infrastructure renewal, unions continue to advocate for solutions that create stable, well-paying jobs while reducing environmental impact. 

Across both countries, many union members, including IFPTE members, are already performing this critical work. Every day, workers are building sustainable energy projects, improving efficiency in existing industries, and advocating for safer, more eco-friendly workplaces. At the same time, labour leaders continue to call for a just transition - ensuring that as economies shift, workers have access to training, protections, and a meaningful voice in shaping what comes next. 

As well, Earth Day’s origins offer a useful reminder of what makes progress possible. What began in 1970 as a grassroots movement has grown into a global force because people organized and pushed for change together. That same collective strength remains at the heart of the labour movement - proving that when working people come together, we have the power to drive lasting change for both our jobs and our planet. 

Read more on Earth Day from the AFL-CIO here, and from the CLC here.