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Unions Matter examines the critical role that unions and strong labour rights play in reducing income inequality and promoting the social well-being of all citizens.
Ottawa (23 April 2014) – A new book by the Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR) adds to the growing body of evidence showing how unions are essential for achieving equality, democracy, and justice in work and society in Canada.
New book promotes the critical role unions and strong labour rights play in reducing income inequality and promoting well-being
Edited by Matthew Behrens for the CFLR and published by Between the Lines, Unions Matter: Advancing Democracy, Economic Equality and Social Justice is a collection of essays by some of Canada's leading thinkers examining the critical role that unions and strong labour rights play in reducing income inequality and promoting the social well-being of all citizens.
Unions Matter is divided into three sections, the first of which focuses on labour rights and the critical role they play in reducing income inequality. The next section discusses the role of unions in promoting democracy, economic equality, and social rights. The final section focuses on constitutional protection of labour rights as they relate to Canada's Charter of Rights and Freedoms and international labour standards.
The genesis of the book was an International Conference on Labour Rights and their Impact on Democracy, Economic Equality and Social Justice sponsored by the CFLR and held March 2013 in Toronto.
Collection of essays represent the democratic strenth of inquiry, research and discussion so important to labour and social movements
James Clancy, National President of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), and author of the book's first chapter, "Unions Promote Fairness," noted how those attending the conference were struck both by the passion and intellectual rigor of the conference presenters, as well as their broad wealth of knowledge on a significant range of issues.
“We felt that a logical next step was inviting the conference speakers to put together a book encompassing the themes that they spoke about at the conference. Thus, Unions Matter was born. CFLR is proud to have brought together the thoughtful voices of the presenters who took time to put their thoughts to paper and share their valuable insights on some of the most compelling issues facing not just the labour movement, but those struggling to make Canadian society more equitable.”
“Taken together, these voices represent the democratic strength of inquiry, research, and discussion that animate so much of the labour movement and the social movements supported by unions.”
The book will be officially launched in Toronto at a public event sponsored by the CFLR and the Global Labour Research Centre on May 21, from 4 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., in the Library Room of the Royal York Hotel.
More information:
A list of the book contributors
Early reviews of Unions Matter
Order Unions Matter
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
CFLR
The Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR) is a national voice devoted to promoting labour rights as an important means to strengthening democracy, equality and economic justice here in Canada and internationally. CFLR was established and is sponsored by the National Union of Public and General Employees and the United Food and Commercial Workers – Canada.