By Doug Nesbitt On June 29, 1981, some 23,000 inside postal workers began what would become a long 42-day strike. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) stayed out and won 17 weeks of paid maternity leave at 93% of full wages. CUPW’s breakthrough agreement sets a standard for other unions, although CUPW was simply Continue readingThe 1981 postal workers’ strike for maternity leave
women
By Zaid Noorsumar When she first began working as a home and community care nurse twenty years ago, Anne* had a regular 40-hours a week schedule. Today, Anne is working between 12 and 14-hour days at least three times a week and every other weekend. “I see 12 to 14 patients a day and am Continue readingPrivatization, two-tiered home care, and the burden on women
By Haseena Manek “The best thing about this whole process has been an awakening among the workers,” said Local 518 President Elizabeth Wickwire in an email to Rank and File. “It is from small moments like this that I think the broader movement for workers’ rights is built. So, when people talk about fighting ‘Doug Continue readingWorkers at Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto are fighting for decent pay
By Samantha Ponting The Trudeau government has recently cancelled a path to permanent residency for many caregivers, without any consultation with workers participating in Canada’s caregiver program. A new announcement posted on the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada website states: These 5-year pilot programs [Caring for Children and Caring for People with High Medical Needs] Continue readingTrudeau government creates roadblocks for caregivers
By Jennifer Mathers-Piper, Unifor Local 433 Dedicating time to social justice isn’t always easy. The work is challenging in many ways and can be overwhelming. There are always injustices in the world that need to be made right. With a properly organized schedule you might be able to maximize your contribution to a better world. 9am: Continue readingBabies at the bargaining table: Activist moms make it work
By Helen Kennedy Since April of last year, something amazing has been happening in CUPE in Ontario. CUPE locals in social services, overwhelmingly female workers, have been taking a stand against bad bosses and their austerity agendas. The most significant result, along with the some major improvements for precarious workers, is the emergence of a Continue readingCUPE women step up the fight on the picket lines
By Denise Leduc One year ago the newly elected Prime Minister Trudeau made headlines around the world when he appointed a gender balanced cabinet. Later when asked about this he famously quipped, “Because it’s 2015”. This soundbite garnered international attention and seemed hopeful for women in the workplace. Now in the last part of 2016, Continue readingBecause it’s 2016…
A panel of activists and historians on the struggles of women and the poor in the city’s history. Gaetan Heroux is an anti-poverty activist with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty. He has worked in the Dundas and Sherbourne area more than 25 years. He is also co-author, with Bryan D. Palmer, of Toronto’s Poor: A Continue readingWeekend Video: Class Struggles TO: Women & the Poor in the City’s History
A history of Saskatchewan Working Women (SWW) and the role of feminism in the trade union movement. The SWW was a grassroots, feminist organization of female wage earners which operated from 1978 to 1990. SWW was formed by an alliance of trade union women and community-based feminists. Members of SWW came from many different political Continue readingWeekend video: It’s Not Over Yet
A front line worker’s reflections on race, gender, and class in a woman’s shelter by Charlotte Gilman Front line workers in women’s shelters perform essential, yet underappreciated labour. Our work begins before women even come to a shelter. We respond to crisis calls, giving immediate support and information each time we pick up the phone. Continue readingWorkers’ rights is a feminist issue!
By Alicia Williamson March 8 is International Women’s Day (IWD), an annual tradition that began over a hundred years ago. While celebrations continue worldwide, few people remember that the holiday was first initiated by American Socialists. As legend would have it, they were inspired to hold a demonstration in order to mark the anniversary of Continue readingThe Working-Class Origins and Legacy of International Women’s Day
By Marion Pollack The Salvation Army’s mission statement identifies respect as a core value, which includes a commitment to promote the dignity of all persons. According to its website, the Salvation Army helps one person at a time, believing that each person is infinitely valuable and equally worthy. Yet often, the Salvation Army’s organizational values Continue readingRespect begins at work: a short labour history of the Salvation Army