Toronto Sun Article
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http://www.torontosun.com/2013/03/06/unions-in-canada-have-got-to-go
This is an anti-union article from the Toronto Sun. It argues that unions are no longer necessary and have become a negative force in our society. It claims that unions have transformed “from a force of change in our society ... that took to the streets to modernize work relations … [to] by far the main force in maintaining the status quo”. It warns that as unionization percentages have been dramatically decreasing in other parts of the Western World such as France, Britain and the United States Canada has fallen behind. It is an example of the increasing challenges unions face in today’s world.
This is an anti-union article from the Toronto Sun. It argues that unions are no longer necessary and have become a negative force in our society. It claims that unions have transformed “from a force of change in our society ... that took to the streets to modernize work relations … [to] by far the main force in maintaining the status quo”. It warns that as unionization percentages have been dramatically decreasing in other parts of the Western World such as France, Britain and the United States Canada has fallen behind. It is an example of the increasing challenges unions face in today’s world.
This is an image of an anti-union protest in Quebec featured in the Sun's article.
Statistics
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This survey from Statistics Canada shows an overall decrease in unionization in Canada between 1980 and 2004. The decline can be partially attributed to compositional changes in the workforce involving increased concentration in professional occupations which have historically had low unionization rates such as management. It can also be partially attributed to a growing anti-union sentiment and the implementation of anti-unions legislation by the government. This data supports the idea of that the problem of unionization in Canada has not been solved.
This chart shows the overall declining trend in Canadian unionization rates from 1980 to 2004.
Bill C-337
http://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2012/parl/XB411-377-3.pdf
Bill C-377 is a law passed by the Harper government requiring unions to disclose all financial transactions over 5000 dollars. The legislation applies exclusively to unions, and not other organizations covered under the same section of the Tax Act. Although it increases transparency, the bill is discriminatory against unions and is as a result inequitable. This regulation illustrates the recent decreasing trend in the political influence of unions.
Bill C-377 is a law passed by the Harper government requiring unions to disclose all financial transactions over 5000 dollars. The legislation applies exclusively to unions, and not other organizations covered under the same section of the Tax Act. Although it increases transparency, the bill is discriminatory against unions and is as a result inequitable. This regulation illustrates the recent decreasing trend in the political influence of unions.
Ken Georgetti Interview
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http://www.ituc-csi.org/spotlight-interview-with-ken.html?lang=en
This is an interview of Ken Georgetti, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress unions. Georgetti claims that inequality in our society is the highest it has been since the beginning of the twentieth century, with many labourers struggling to earn enough for a decent life. He says that this is because of the decline in union membership. However, this decrease in unionization is not because of anti-union sentiment amongst workers, but because of bitter resistance from employers and the government. Georgetti explains that one third of non-union members would join unions if they did not have to fear reprisals from their employers. He gives employees from three Wal-Mart stores who attempted to unionize only to find their branches closed by Wal-Mart executives as an example. Georgetti offers inside knowledge of the problems unions face in modern day Canada.
This is an interview of Ken Georgetti, the President of the Canadian Labour Congress unions. Georgetti claims that inequality in our society is the highest it has been since the beginning of the twentieth century, with many labourers struggling to earn enough for a decent life. He says that this is because of the decline in union membership. However, this decrease in unionization is not because of anti-union sentiment amongst workers, but because of bitter resistance from employers and the government. Georgetti explains that one third of non-union members would join unions if they did not have to fear reprisals from their employers. He gives employees from three Wal-Mart stores who attempted to unionize only to find their branches closed by Wal-Mart executives as an example. Georgetti offers inside knowledge of the problems unions face in modern day Canada.
An image of Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti.