Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need to re-establish the labour movement's political capacity to foster greater opportunity and equality for working-class people. This edited collection assesses the past, present, and uncertain future of Canadian labour politics, bringing together traditional electoral-based aspects with newer forms of working-class organization and social movement-influenced strategies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 16 March 2022
Publisher: Fernwood Publishing Co Ltd

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need to revitalize the political power of the labor movement to advocate for greater opportunities and equality for working-class individuals. This second edition of Rethinking the Politics of Labour in Canada aims to delve into the strategic political possibilities and challenges confronting the Canadian labor movement at this pivotal moment in history.

The edited collection features contributions from esteemed and emerging scholars from diverse disciplines, providing a comprehensive assessment of the past, present, and uncertain future of Canadian labor politics. By integrating traditional electoral-based aspects of labor politics with analyses of newer and rediscovered forms of working-class organization and social movement-influenced strategies, this book seeks to explore these emerging forms of labor politics, understand their origins, and evaluate their potential implications for the future of labor in Canada.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities and challenges faced by workers, particularly those in low-wage and precarious jobs. It has also highlighted the need for broader social and economic reforms to address income inequality, job insecurity, and social exclusion. The labor movement plays a crucial role in advocating for these reforms and promoting worker rights and social justice.

However, the Canadian labor movement faces several challenges in its quest to regain political power and influence. One of the primary challenges is the decline in union membership and density, which has been a trend for several decades. This decline has resulted in a weakened bargaining power for workers and limited the ability of the labor movement to advocate for their interests.

Another challenge is the changing nature of work and the emergence of new forms of employment, such as gig work and temporary employment. These forms of work often lack job security, benefits, and union representation, making it difficult for workers to organize and advocate for their rights.

Furthermore, the labor movement faces challenges related to globalization, technological change, and the changing political landscape. These factors have led to the erosion of traditional industries and the emergence of new sectors of the economy, which are often less unionized and more vulnerable to exploitation.

To address these challenges, the labor movement needs to adopt new strategies and tactics. One approach is to focus on organizing and mobilizing workers in new sectors of the economy, such as the gig economy and the healthcare sector. This requires building alliances with other social movements.

Another approach is to prioritize worker empowerment and education. This includes providing training and education programs to help workers develop skills and knowledge that will enable them to negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions. It also involves advocating for policies that promote worker rights and social justice, such as universal healthcare, affordable housing, and a living wage.

The labor movement also needs to engage with broader social movements and organizations to build a broader coalition for social and economic reform. This involves working with community groups, environmental organizations, and other social justice advocates to promote a more just and equitable society.

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to revitalize the political power of the labor movement to advocate for greater opportunities and equality for working-class individuals. The Canadian labor movement faces several challenges, but by adopting new strategies and tactics, and building alliances with other social movements and organizations, it can regain its influence and promote a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 23 x 15 x 1 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773634869