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Articles on Unions

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People march in front of the Midtown Mall during a province-wide, one-day strike organized by the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation in Saskatoon, Sask., Jan. 16, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Heywood Yu

Saskatchewan teacher strike: It’s about bargaining for the common good

Chronically underfunded classrooms with fewer supports to meet student needs is a core issue for Saskatchewan teachers.
SAG-AFTRA captain Mary M. Flynn rallies fellow striking actors on a picket line outside Netflix studios in November 2023. AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

2023’s historic Hollywood and UAW strikes aren’t labor’s whole story – the total number of Americans walking off the job remained relatively low

Two labor scholars argue that the balance of power between workers and employers, which has been tilted toward employers for nearly a half-century, is beginning to shift.
Members of a Québec teachers’ union march to begin their unlimited strike, Nov. 23, 2023 in Montréal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Here’s why union support is so high right now

The rise in union support can be explained by the growing recognition people are having of their own disadvantages, and the anger they feel about it.
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan embraces the president of the longshore workers union from the Port de Québec that’s been locked out for a year, at a rally for federal anti-scab legislation on Parliament Hill in September 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

Levelling the playing field: The case for a federal ‘anti-scab’ law

Unions have long advocated for a ban on replacement workers, arguing their use unduly shifts power to employers and gives the boss an unfair advantage in collective bargaining.
Jamaica has the potential to become a regional leader in advancing decent work for domestic workers thanks to unionization efforts. Members of the Jamaica Household Workers’ Union pose for a photo. (Jamaica Household Workers' Union)

How unionization is empowering Jamaican domestic workers to demand decent work

Domestic workers in Jamaica often experience low pay, poor working conditions and informal work arrangements. Here’s how unionization could change their situation.
Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, left, and then-Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin participate in a debate on Sept. 28, 2021. Win McNamee/Getty Images

Back in the 1960s, the push for parental rights over school standards was not led by white conservatives but by Black and Latino parents

With control over the Virginia Legislature at stake in the Nov. 7 election, the historic battle over what is taught in public schools remains a priority for both Democrats and Republicans.
Victims’ names engraved in a metal overhang, part of the Triangle Shirtwaist Memorial, are reflected in mirroring panels along the sidewalk. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

A memorial in Yiddish, Italian and English tells the stories of Triangle Shirtwaist fire victims − testament not only to tragedy but to immigrant women’s fight to remake labor laws

On Oct. 11, 2023, a new memorial was unveiled at the site of the 1911 fire. A cadre of young Jewish women helped push for change in the wake of the tragedy.
There is hope that social media can breathe new life into the labour movement. (Shutterstock)

Social media is a double-edged sword for the public image of Canadian labour unions

While the digital landscape offers opportunities for unions to engage and mobilize supporters, it also presents challenges, including the risk of being marginalized in the vast online world.
Country singer Adley Stump, a former contestant on NBC’s hit reality show ‘The Voice,’ performs at an Air Force base in Washington state. Joint Base Lewis McChord/flickr

Reality TV show contestants are more like unpaid interns than Hollywood stars

With the TV writers and actors strikes leaving networks with little scripted content, the fall 2023 lineup will be saturated with low-cost reality TV shows like ‘The Voice.’
Striking port workers from the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada gather at a rally in Vancouver in July 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns

Striking a balance: How the law regulates picket lines

When it comes to picket lines, courts aim to uphold civil and property rights without jeopardizing workers’ freedom of expression.
Some reality TV stars like Bethany Frankel (above) have created lucrative careers after appearing on unscripted shows, but many don’t. Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo

How unions could help reality TV cast and crew win better pay and working conditions

Reality TV workers may not need their own union but they could benefit from joining existing unions serving the creative industries.
TVO employees and supporters are seen on the picket line outside of TVO offices in Toronto on Aug. 21, 2023. Dozens of workers at TVO have walked off the job. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby

TVO strike highlights the scourge of contract work in public service journalism

Although work in journalism has never been a safe bet, it’s now rife with deepening uncertainty. The TVO strike aimed at job security is a matter of public interest.

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