SEIU Local 2 Cleaners to Hold Rallies in Four Canadian Cities Against Dexterra Group

Unionized cleaners across Canada represented by SEIU Local 2 are holding public rallies in four cities on May 13, 2026 to protest the company's labour practices. The union said it has filed multiple unsafe labour practice complaints with provincial labour boards since the beginning of 2026.

The actions are taking place in Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax. at City Hall near Broadway-City Hall Station on the Canada Line. A rally is also planned in Halifax. SEIU Local 2 represents 20,000 workers across British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

The union stated that cleaners have raised concerns about unsafe working conditions and unjustified layoffs. In Vancouver, SkyTrain cleaners have been directed to clean public washrooms using only water, according to the union. In Toronto, the union alleged that accounts have been hidden to avoid paying proper wages and benefits.

The union said this practice has given the company an unlawful advantage over competitors. In Ottawa, the union reported serious allegations of racism that it said have not been properly investigated by the company. In Halifax, the union stated that Dexterra Group refused to recognize an existing union contract at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design.

The company has not issued a public response to the complaints or the planned rallies. The union organized the coordinated actions after filing the labour board complaints.

Group recorded $33.3 million in profit this year. That figure represents a 32 percent increase compared with 2025. The union noted the profit growth occurred against the backdrop of its members' complaints. SEIU Local 2 said the rallies are intended to highlight what it described as ongoing mistreatment of workers.

The union has encouraged the public to attend the events in each city. No further details on potential labour board outcomes were available.