Building A Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada

Building a Better World provides a comprehensive introduction to Canada's labor movement, exploring why workers form unions, assessing their organization and democratic potential, examining collective bargaining, grievances, and strike activity, charting their historical development, and describing the gains they have achieved.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

This fourth edition of Building a Better World offers a comprehensive introductory overview of Canada's labor movement. The book explores why workers form unions; assesses their organization and democratic potential; examines issues related to collective bargaining, grievances, and strike activity; charts the historical development of labor unions; and describes the gains unions have achieved for their members and all working people. This new and expanded edition also analyzes the challenges facing today's labor movement as a result of COVID-19 and the strategies being developed to overcome them.

The labor movement in Canada has a rich and complex history, dating back to the early 19th century when workers began to organize for better working conditions and fair wages. Over the years, labor unions have played a crucial role in shaping the country's economic and social landscape, advocating for workers' rights and benefits.

One of the key reasons why workers form unions is to improve their working conditions. Unionized workers often enjoy better pay and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. They also have greater job security and are less likely to be laid off or subjected to unfair labor practices.

Another reason for the formation of unions is to increase workers' voice in the workplace. Unions give workers a platform to advocate for their interests and to negotiate with employers on issues such as wages, benefits, and working conditions. This can lead to better working conditions and improved job satisfaction for workers.

Collective bargaining is a key aspect of labor unions. Through collective bargaining, unions can negotiate with employers to achieve better wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members. This can be achieved through strikes, lockouts, and other forms of protest.

However, the labor movement has also faced challenges over the years. One of the biggest challenges is the decline in union membership. In the past, labor unions were a powerful force in the workplace, representing a significant portion of the workforce. However, today, union membership has declined significantly, with only about 10% of workers in Canada belonging to a union.

Another challenge facing the labor movement is the changing nature of the workplace. With the advent of technology and globalization, many jobs have become more flexible and temporary, making it difficult for workers to organize and maintain a strong union presence.

Despite these challenges, the labor movement continues to play a crucial role in shaping Canada's economy and society. Labor unions are advocating for workers' rights and benefits, and are working to improve working conditions and job security for all workers.

One of the strategies being developed to overcome the challenges facing the labor movement is the promotion of worker empowerment. Worker empowerment involves giving workers the tools and resources they need to advocate for their interests and to participate in decision-making processes in the workplace. This can include training programs, collective bargaining workshops, and other forms of education and training.

Another strategy is the development of new forms of unionism. New forms of unionism involve organizing workers in non-traditional sectors, such as the gig economy and the sharing economy. These sectors are often characterized by low pay and job insecurity, making it difficult for workers to organize and maintain a strong union presence.

In conclusion, the labor movement in Canada has a rich and complex history, and has played a crucial role in shaping the country's economic and social landscape. While the labor movement faces challenges, it continues to be a powerful force for change, advocating for workers' rights and benefits and working to improve working conditions and job security for all workers.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773635927
Edition number: Fourth Edition