Windsor workers rally on Labour Day to protest US tariffs

Workers in the Canadian border city of Windsor, Ontario, held a demonstration on Monday to mark Labour Day, voicing opposition to the ongoing US tariff war and calling for action to safeguard domestic jobs. The protest comes amid escalating trade tensions between the two neighbours.

The United States recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, effective August 22. Canada has responded with matching tariffs on an equivalent value of US imports, set to take effect on Tuesday.

Windsor, located directly across the river from Detroit — America's automotive hub — has become a focal point for concerns over the dispute's impact on the highly integrated cross-border auto supply chain, where parts frequently travel back and forth.

Demonstrators expressed support for Canada's retaliatory measures, arguing that fighting back is necessary to defend national interests. One attendee, identified only as Zachary, said the tariffs violate a trade agreement signed years ago and are hurting American farmers and auto workers. "Unfortunately, sometimes the only way to get even is to fight back," he said.

Local officials echoed these concerns, noting that the added costs from US levies would ultimately be borne by American consumers. Windsor city councillor Fred Francis said, "More and more Americans are coming to realize that they're the ones paying more for the tariffs. Canada doesn't want this trade war, but we have to defend ourselves."