RadioLabourCanada: Recent Episodes
m.belanger@radiolabour.org
RadioLabour, the long running Canadian-based international labour news program, partners with rabble to produce a weekly Canadian edition. The program is available every Friday afternoon exclusively on rabble.ca.
Canada's nurses are saying yes to better health care but no to under-staffing, violence against their co-workers and more. The president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses' Unions, Linda Silas, spoke to 1,200 delegates at the Federation's national convention in Niagara Falls, June 2-6, 2025. Plus: the LabourStart Report. And singing: 'A Nurse's Lullaby.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Unifor has called for the use of existing legislation to penalize corporations that relocate jobs to the US. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "We Belong to the Union.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
While Canada negotiates new trade relations around the world Mark Carney did not include a Labour Minister in his cabinet. A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Mark Hancock. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: Rockin' Solidarity.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Manitoba Federation of Labour (MFL) wants the province's Workers' Compensation Board to improve its practices before more people suffer. An interview with MFL president Kevin Rebeck. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "We Just Come to Work Here, We Don't Come to Die."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Because of higher interest rates and market activities there has been a growth in pensions surpluses. The Ontario Federation of Labour held a webinar to discuss how unions can address surpluses. Also: the LabourStart report of union events. And singing: ‘To Old to Work But Too Young to Die.’
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Flower Moon (Waawaaskone Giizis) is a sacred time in many Indigenous cultures that honours the return of vibrant blooms and the healing energy of nature. A report about Indigenous unionists featuring Charmaine St. Germain, a UFCW 401 labour relations officer.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
CUPE has joined with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Labour Congress and other labour organizations to demand an end to the use of the notwithstanding clause of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "Every Stitch."
"Every Stitch" used with permission.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Telus Digital workers in Turkey spend eight hours a day monitoring disgusting TikTok videos. They are asking for mental health services. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "A Union for the Workers.”
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The turmoil in the United States is encouraging US scholars to think about moving to Canada. What would that mean to them and scholars in Canada? An interview with the president of the Canadian Association of University Teachers, Peter McInnis. The LabourStart about union events. And singing: "A Woman's Place is in Her Union."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Ontario government has been underfunding the education of special needs students and that affects all students. The Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario has released a report about the situation and what can be done. An interview with ETFO first vice president David Mastin. The LabourStart Report about union events.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The 1,200 employees of the American-owned company LifeLabs in British Columbia have been conducting rotating strikes to improve their wages, working conditions and medical services in the province. An interview with the president of the BC General Employees' Union, Paul Finch. Plus: the LabourStart Report about union events. And rappin' 'We Shall Not be Moved."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Thousands of CUPE education workers in Alberta are standing up for the province's students. Many of the workers have not had a raise in ten years, work multiple jobs and rely on food banks to feed their families.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Kevon Stewart is the director of District 6 of the United Steelworkers union. In November 2024 he was elected the international union's first Black district director. Plus: the LabourStart report about union events. And celebrating in song Viola Desmond.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A secret office of the Alberta UCP government has been preventing school divisions from paying decent wages to their workers for years. The lack of adequate funding has been hurting students. A RadioLabour interview with the president of CUPE Alberta, Rory Gill.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Black workers often need to fight just to be recognized in the workplace. A report from a United Steelworkers District 6 conference on the Black Experience in Canada. The LabourStart Report about union events. And rappin' "Africville."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
With the closing of warehouses in Quebec Amazon is trying to stop its workers from unionizing. But Unifor's director of organizing, Justin Gniposky, says workers are fighting back and still want the protection of labour unions. Plus: Billy Bragg singing' "There is Power in a Union."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Unions in Ontario have come together to condemn Doug Ford's call of a provincial election instead of taking action. An interview with the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, Laura Walton. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: "We Shall Not be Moved."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Jim Stanford, the director of the Centre for Future Work, says Trump's claims that Canada is subsidizing the US are complete nonsense but democracy is in peril. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "Freedom and Justice."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
How fascism is at the core of the US national project. An interview with Jon Milton, a senior communications officer at the Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives. The LabourStart report of union events. And singing: 'All You Fascists Bound to Lose.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Teamsters Canada is fighting corporations such as CN that are trying to destroy the constitutional right of workers to bargain collectively. An interview with Paul Boucher the president of the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference. Plus: Joe Glazer singing 'Union Train.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers are on strike not only for themselves but to protect the jobs of many more workers. An interview with the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, Bea Bruske. The LabourStart report about union events. And singing: 'She's a Rebel Girl.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Donald Trump has threated to impose a tariff of 25 per cent on goods from Canada. A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour, Laura Walton. Plus the LabourStart report on union events. And singing: 'Hold That Line.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The federal government has mandated against telework. But the Public Service Alliance of Canada is fighting back for its members - and all Canadian workers. Also: the LabourStart report about union events. And the Workers' Song Community project.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A report by the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions has shown that there has been a sharp increase in spending on for-profit nursing agencies. Billions of dollars are being spent in the sector without much regulation and transparency on how the private companies operate. An interview with the report’s author Queen’s University professor Joan Almost.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
When 200 Amazon workers in Laval Quebec unionized the company argued in court that signing cards to join the union was unconstitutional. No. Card-signing is legal in Canada and the best way to organize a union. An interview with McGill assistant professor Barry Eidlin. The LabourStart report about union events. And Billy Bragg singing: 'There is Power in a Union.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The United States has elected a fascist president with unchecked powers. What the effect on Canada will be. An interview with the president of Unifor, Lana Payne. The resistance against fascism in the US. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: 'All You Fascists Bound to Lose'.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Albertan consumers and businesses have overpaid $24 billion in electricity costs since the sector was de-regulated in 2001. The Alberta Federation of Labour has released a report calling for re-regulation and a new Crown Corporation to be called Alberta Power. An interview with AFL president Gil McGowan.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Artificial Intelligence is changing workplaces with some benefits and many risks. The Canadian Union of Public Employees has produced an AI guide for unionists. An interview with CUPE Senior Researcher Sarah Ryan.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
If Donald Trump is re-elected as US president he may once again impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. A RadioLabour interview with USW District 6 Director Kevon Stewart. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: U N I O N.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
In this, the second in a two part series the Protect the Right to Organize (PRO) Act is described. A RadioLabour interview with Harris Freeman, a professor of labour and employment law at Western New England University.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Unifor - Canada’s largest private sector union – has developed a national industrial strategy for the country’s aerospace sector. Plus: the LabourStart report. And rappin' for a new solidarity.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Republican policy document 'Project 2025' calls for an end to public service unions, mass deportation of immigrant workers and other attacks on labour. A RadioLabour interview with Harris Freeman, a professor of labour and employment law at Western New England University.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
After the 2020 elections in Hong Kong, 47 pro-democracy activists were arrested. Two weeks ago fourteen activists who pleaded guilty were convicted. Carol Ng, chair of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) has been jailed without bail for three years. A RadioLabour interview with the executive director of the Hong Kong Labor Rights Monitor, Christopher Siu-tat Mung.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Labour Leaders are meeting at the conference of the International Labour Organization in Geneva to discuss issues such as social justice, decent work and biological hazards. Canada has joined the ILO's Global Coalition for Social Justice which will hold its inaugural meeting at the conference. Unions in Canada are represented at the ILO by the Canadian Labour Congress.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A UK court has allowed former Wikileaks editor Julian Assange to further appeal his extradition to the United States. The US government has charged him under its Espionage Act of 1917 which includes execution and severe solitary confinement. The International Federation of Journalists has been fighting to have Assange released from the UK's Belmarsh prison where he has been held for the past five years. In Canada IFJ affiliates include Unifor and the Canadian Media Guild. RadioLabour journalists are accredited by the IFJ.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The global union IndustriALL has been helping workers at the Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz plants in the traditionally anti-union south of the United States. The workers at Volkswagen won their union with the UAW. The Mercedes-Benz workers are voting. Right-to-work laws have been introduced in Alberta. In Canada IndustriALL represents unions such as Unifor and the Teamsters.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
With four billion people going to the polls this year the international labour movement has started a global campaign to support democracy against authoritarianism and fascism. A special focus on the elections for the European Parliament and in the United States.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
In 2020 the United Conservative government in Alberta introduced the country's first Right-to-Work legislation which restricted how unions worked, even restricting their charitable contributions. But the Alberta Federation of Labour has been fighting Bill 32 with success. Its "Everything is Core" strategy provides lessons for labour in other provinces. A RadioLabour interview with AFL president Gil McGowan.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Public banks are banks owned by public institutions such as government agencies. But not all are pro-public banks that finance vital public services or enterprises. Thomas Marois, the director of the Public Banking Project at McMaster University explains why labour organizations should support and lobby for pro-public banks.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Transport Workers Federation has established a global network, called Rights4Workers, to support gig workers such as food deliverers. In Canada the ITF represents unions such as Unifor. A RadioLabour interview with the ITF’s Young Transport Workers and Future of Work Officer, Baker Khundakji.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution will be conducting a conference in Montreal April 23-29, 2024. The intergovernmental body is working on the creation of a global treaty on plastics. Labour will be represented at the conference by Public Services International. The PSI represents more than 30 million workers in 154 countries. In Canada it represents unions such as the Canadian Union Of Public Employees and the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Comments by PSI policy officer Daria Cibrario.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Thirty-two years ago the Westray mine in Pictou county, Nova Scotia, exploded killing 26 miners. Ten years later the United Steelworkers, other labour organizations and individuals were able to get a federal Westray Law enacted which can help workers today.
A memorial held on Tuesday March 26, 2024, was attended by members of the Westray Families Group, Rev. Glen Matheson, Canadian Labour Congress president Bea Bruske, USW National director Marty Warren, Nova Scotia Federation of Labour president Danny Cavanagh, USW District 6 (Atlantic Canada) director Myles Sullivan, E.B. Anderson who performed his song “26 Ghosts” and many others.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
After 42 years the magazine of quality labour journalism, Our Times, is closing. In a special webinar organized by the Toronto Workers' History Project (TWHP) labour media activists and historians discussed the closing of the magazine, the state of labour journalism in Canada and what may come next. The webinar was moderated by Frank Saptel and included presentations by Ron Verzuh, Derek Blackadder, Lorraine Endicott, Michelle LeBlanc, Marc Belanger and Nora Loreto.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The forestry sector in BC supports 44,000 direct jobs and close to 100,000 more indirect jobs. Since 2001, the industry has seen a 45 per cent drop in employment. Unions in the province recently held a conference to plan how to respond to the crisis. Comments by Gavin McGarrigle, Unifor’s western regional director and Scott Lunny, director of United Steelworkers District 3 (Western Canada).
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The international labour movement has started a global campaign to protect democracy. This RadioLabour report features comments by Luc Triangle, the general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation which represents the Canadian Labour Congress at the world level. It also includes a presentation about democracy in the US by the president of the AFL-CIO, Liz Shuler.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The United Nations has released a report decrying the world crisis in education: a shortage of millions of trained teachers, low pay for educators, inadequate teaching facilities and more. A RadioLabour report featuring comments by the general-secretary of Education International, David Edwards. EI's affiliate in Canada is the Canadian Teachers' Federation.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
February 20 is the International Day for Social Justice. This year the International Labour Organization used the day to inaugurate a Global Coalition for Social Justice. Canada has joined the coalition as has the International Trade Union Confederation. One of the ITUC's affiliates is the Canadian Labour Congress.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
February is Black History month in Canada and the United States. About 1.5 million Canadians report being Black. They need their history, culture and experiences in the workplace better understood. Why are Black people leaving the teaching profession? What is anti-Black racism? A RadioLabour interview with the president of the Ontario Teacher' Federation of Ontario, Karen Brown.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
As the federal government opened its 2024 parliamentary session Unifor called for faster implementation of anti-scab legislation in the federal jurisdiction plus the need to reform Employment Insurance and why Canada needs to adopt effective industrial strategies. A RadioLabour interview with the president of Unifor, Lana Payne.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
January 24 was the International Day for Education. The global union federation Education International used the day to mark the one year anniversary of its 'Go Public! Fund Education!' campaign with a special webinar. EI is represented in Canada by the Canadian Teachers' Federation.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Artificial computer intelligence has been predicted to destroy millions of jobs. However, with a union, workers can negotiate how it is applied.
Comments by the General Secretary of UNI Global Union Christy Hoffman. UNI represents members of CUPE, Unifor and other Canadian unions at the world level.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The rise of fascism in the United States and other countries needs to be confronted by unions and other progressive organizations. A special RadioLabour programme about the difference between authoritarianism and fascism. Plus the LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: "All You Fascists Are Bound to Lose."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Unions at the UN's COP28 climate change conference held in Dubai, UAE, from November 30 to December 12, 2023 were disappointed in how the conference handled the topic of a fair transition for workers. One of the unionists who presented labour's final comments at the conference was DJ Pohl. Pohl is a member of the British Columbia General Employees' Union - the BCGEU. She represented NUPGE - Canada’s National Union of Public and General Employees' Union.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Featuring Dr. Salama Abu Zaiter, the president of the General Trade Union of Health Workers in Gaza and Avital Shapira, the director of International Relations for Israel's Histadrut. Included is a report from Euan Gibb, the regional assistant and multinationals organiser for Public Services International in Brazil and comments by the general secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Luc Triangle.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) has elected a new leadership team with Laura Walton (CUPE) as president, Ahmed Gaid (UFCW) as secretary treasurer and Jackie Taylor (USW) as executive vice president. The OFL is Canada's largest provincial labour federation with more than one million members in 54 unions.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Two union organizers working with the Solidarity Center in the US and around the world talk about the lessons they've learned on how to organize platform workers.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Accord On Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment industries was negotiated by the international labour movement after the Rana Plaza disaster which killed 1,134 mainly young women garment workers and injured more than 2,500. The Accord was extended on November 1, 2023. More than 200 major clothing brands have signed the agreement. However, Walmart in the US and Canadian Tire, which owns Mark's, have refused to sign the Accord. An interview with the General Secretary of IndustriALL global unions, Atle Høie. He says that the negotiations by the global unions with the clothing brands is the international labour movement's most successful victory.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A new report by the global union Education International shows that AI can degrade the quality of education, worsen working conditions for teachers and provide inferior schooling for students. EI is the global union for teachers and other educators. In Canada, EI affiliates include the Canadian Teachers’ Federation, the Canadian Association of University Teachers and four unions in Quebec.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Trade Union Confederation has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. It reiterates its long-standing call for peace in the world with a new social contract that guarantees respect for workers rights. The ITUC's affiliate in Canada is the Canadian Labour Congress.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Former federal NDP leader Ed Broadbent is the co-author of a recently published book, Seeking Social Democracy: Seven Years Fighting for Equality with Francis Abele, Jonathan Sas and Luke Savage.
In this interview with RadioLabour Broadbent discusses the role of trade unions in social democracy. He argues for the right of workers to join a union as soon as they start a job. He also talks about the rise of fascism in the United States.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
There is a global crisis in nursing with understaffing, a lack of respect for family-life issues and, increasingly, problems caused by the climate crisis. Recently Global Nurses United held a conference in San Francisco to discuss what can be done. One of the nurses who attended the conference was Linda Silas, the president of the Canadian Federation of Nurses Unions. The CFNU has about 250,000 members in Canada. She outlined some of the solutions for the nursing crisis in Canada and around the world.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
RadioLabour is proposing to start English as an Additional Language (ADL) lessons for trade unionists. The service will include an audio newscast, the English scripts translated into many languages and an English lesson. Please visit www.radiolabour.net to sign a petition in support of the service.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Platform gig workers in developing countries are being cruelly exploited but many are fighting back. A report by the Solidarity Center about workers in Ecuador protecting themselves by forming a union.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
In Ontario right-wing opponents of children talking about gender orientation at school held rallies across the province. Union offices were vandalized. Supporters of the children held counter-rallies. Interviews with Laura Walton, the president of the CUPE Ontario School Boards Council of Unions and Fred Hahn, the president of CUPE Ontario.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
For the first time in history a song produced by a singer with no chart-success history debuted as Billboard's #1. The song was sung by the American folksinger, Oliver Anthony. But the British singer Billie Bragg sang back saying that complaining was not enough and that Anthony should join a union.
In other news a new General Secretary for the International Trade Union Confederation will be acclaimed. RadioLabour will be starting English as an Additional Language lessons for unionists.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Canadian delegates to the Congress of the International Union of Food Workers (held in Geneva Switzerland June 13-16, 2023) condemned transnational corporations such as Fyffes for not respecting the rights of their workers.
They called on the government of Canada to ratify conventions of the International Labour Organization. The Canadian delegates who spoke at the IUF Congress were Kelly Tosato of UFCW Local 175 and Wayne Hanley of UFCW Local 1006A.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Microaggressions against racialized and marginalized people in the workplace need to be recognized and eliminated. This week, we speak to Marlihan Lopez, the community engagement and outreach coordinator at the Simone de Beauvoir Institute at Concordia University. Lopez is also a co-founder of Harambec, a Black feminist organization in Montreal.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The UN Declaration of Human Rights declares that labour rights are human rights. It is backed up by a declaration by the International Labour Organization which says that labour is not a commodity. Comments by the Chair of the ILO's Workers' Group, Catelene Passchier. Canadian unions are represented at the ILO by the Canadian Labour Congress.
Developments in machine learning and computer algorithms may be about to radically change many workplaces. Governments and employers need to share control with workers. Comments by the assistant general secretary of Public Services International, Daniel Bertossa. PSI affiliates in Canada include the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU).
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Seventy-seven per cent of members of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (EFTO) say they have personally experienced violence or witnessed violence against another staff member, according to a survey conducted for the Federation.
This week on RadioLabour, we share comments from Karen Brown, president of the ETFO.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The 2023 Arthur Svensson prize has been awarded to Elisabeth Tang, the general-secretary of the International Domestic Workers' Federation. Tang was arrested when visiting her husband in prison. In Canada, the majority of domestic workers are racialized and migrant women.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
After a multi-year campaign by unions the Australian government has introduced legislation to make corporate operations in all countries more transparent and help stop profit shifting. An interview with the assistant general secretary of Public Services International, Daniel Bertossa. PSI affiliates in Canada include the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) and the BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU).
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) started a strike of 155,000 workers on April 19, 2023. It's demanding the federal government present a fair wage proposal plus other demands such as the right to work from home when possible. Tune to hear comments by PSAC president Chris Aylward and the leader of the federal NDP Jagmeet Singh.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Public Service Alliance of Canada has announced that its members have voted overwhelmingly to give their negotiating team a strike mandate. The union is calling on the federal government to return to the bargaining table. Comments by PSAC president Chris Aylward and Sharon DeSousa, national executive vice president.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The global union Public Services International is helping its affiliates bring privatized public services back to public ownership. The PSI's Canadian affiliates include the Canadian Union of Public Employees, the Public Service Alliance of Canada and the National Union of Public and General Employees, NUPGE.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
In 2020, the Beijing governments forced the Hong Kong government to pass a National Security Law. The legitimate labour confederation was shut down. The wife of the general secretary of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, Elizabeth Tang, was arrested March 9, 2023, when she visited her husband in prison. Elizabeth Tang is General Secretary of the International Domestic Workers Federation.
Today, a RadioLabour interview with the executive director of the Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, Christopher Siu-Tat Mung.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Trade Union Confederation has produced a report describing how automation, algorithms and artificial intelligence systems are effecting workplaces. It suggests what unions and government can do to help workers. The Canadian Labour Congress is an affiliate of the ITUC.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Many unionists are attending the 67th session of the UN's Commission on the Status of Women being held in New York until March 17, 2023. The focus of the conference is on recruiting women into STEM jobs - Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. But there is also the problem of women dropping out of STEM jobs because of sexism. Women leaving STEM jobs in Canada is discussed.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
More than 400 children have been killed by the war in Ukraine, hundreds have been wounded and thousands traumatized. Teachers are helping by purchasing generators for the schools and their bomb shelters plus organizing mental health programmes for the children.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The global unions UNI and IndustriALL created a successful programme to protect garment workers in Bangladesh after the Rana Plaza disaster which killed 1,200 mainly young women and wounded 2,400 others. The programme, called the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Garment and Textile Industry, has now been extended to Pakistan. A RadioLabour interview with the Deputy General Secretary of UNI Global Union, Alke Boessiger.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The Canadian Labour Congress was instrumental in getting the International Labour Organization to adopt a new global labour law which is aimed at eliminating violence and harassment at work. Canada is the 25th country to ratify Convention 190 of the International Labour Organization. A RadioLabour interview with CLC Executive Vice-President Siobhán Vipond.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Karen Brown, the president of the Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario, has been named one Canada's most accomplished Black women leaders. In an interview with RadioLabour, she talks about the challenges facing young racialized women in the labour movement. Her message: find your passion and get involved in the union.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Being a teacher in an underfunded system while being poorly paid and resourced can be heart breaking. Education International, which has affiliates in Canada, has started a global campaign to Go Public! Fund Education.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
When Russia attacked Ukraine in February 2022, thousands of Ukrainian seafarers were on their vessels away from their families. Transport unions helped by flying families out of the country, purchasing supplies and providing mental health counselling for the children.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The British government has adopted legislation demanding during a strike. Employees designed under the Strike – Minimum Service - Bill for striking. Plus: How the right wing in the US is attacking public education. And the LabourStart report about union events.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A report by the National Union of Journalists in the United Kingdom shows that especially in the past two years violence against women journalists has been increasing. NUJ General Secretary Michelle Stanistreet reports on what the NUJ is doing to help. The NUJ is working with Canadian media unions to develop a safety kit for women journalists and is creating a database to provide real time reporting of incidents. The report was prepared for the International Federation of Journalists which has affiliates in Canada such as Unifor and the Canadian Media Guild.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights declares that everybody has the right to join a union. The Declaration was written by the Canadian legal scholar John Humphrey who was the Director of the UN's Human Rights Division. Its proclamation is celebrated every December 10th.
What happens if Twitter shuts down? Or, becomes even more noxiously right-wing?
LabourStart - the labour movement's news and campaigning service - has produced a programme exploring what unionists can do if Twitter closes or Elon Musk uses it to promote racist, misogynist, anti-LGBT+ and antisemitic views.
"Musk, himself, is not neutral. He doesn't pretend to be neutral. Lots of these tech billionaires act like 'we just provide a service; we have no views.' Musk is not like that. Musk is very clear about his views. His views are far-right." - Eric Lee, founder editor of LabourStart
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Labour unions in the global south are calling for a just transition to more sustainable economies through education. A report from the International Trade Union Confederation in the Asia-Pacific region.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
USW registers complaint against $1 per hour garment worker wages
The United Steelworkers union in Canada has registered a complaint with the Canadian Ombudsperson for Responsible Enterprise (CORE) alleging that Mark's and its parent company Canadian Tire is failing to protect the human rights of garment workers in its supplier factories citing the case of Bangladeshi garment workers who do not earn a living wage.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Trade Union Confederation - the ITUC - is calling for a new social contract and wealth distribution at its 5th World Congress in Melbourne, Australia, Nov. 17-22, 2022. Many Canadian unionists are participating in the Congress activities.
*RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.*
Union solidarity stopped an attack on CUPE education workers in Ontario
With the threat of a province-wide general strike unions in Ontario forced the provincial government to withdraw its legislative attack on 55,000 CUPE education workers and cancel Bill 28 with its use of the constitutional not-withstanding clause.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Union solidarity stopped an attack on CUPE education workers in Ontario
With the threat of a province-wide general strike unions in Ontario forced the provincial government to withdraw its legislative attack on 55,000 CUPE education workers and cancel Bill 28 with its use of the constitutional not-withstanding clause.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A RadioLabour interview with Education International's research coordinator Jennifer Ulrick about the need to teach the next generation about climate change.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
55,000 CUPE education workers may be forced to strike on November 4, 2022, to win decent wages and quality public services for students.
Comments by the president of CUPE’s Ontario School Boards Council of Unions, Laura Walton.
*RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.*
Krista Devine, the General Counsel for the Public Service Alliance of Canada, joins RadioLabour this week to describe why whistle blowing is crucial to the development of quality public services.
Plus the need for more teachers to save the planet and Marc Bélanger shares the LabourStart Report about union events.
Finally: 'You Knew Granpa, You Knew" by Australia's Victorian Trade Union Choir. Used with permission.
*RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.*
This week on RadioLabour, we explore how to fight for social justice globally. To meet the climate crisis the world needs teachers to help educate the next generation of young people.
Marc Bélanger also shares the LabourStart report about union events. Finally, we share “Everyday People.”
“Everyday People” was produced by the United Food and Commercial Workers’ Union – UFCW-Canada.
A global union's leadership training programme / The ILO's new
Director-General / The LabourStart report about union events / And singing"
"Union Ladies"
"UnionLadies" was produced by the International Association of Machinists.
Used by permission.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) held its global
convention in Montréal September 27 to October 7, 2022. Labour was represented by the International Transport Workers' Federation. The ITF called for a New Deal for Aviation. A RadioLabour interview with the ITF's Civil Aviation Secretary, Gabriel Mocho Rodriguez.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Sometimes truth can only be told with poetry and music. When Cheryl-Anne Bower, the creative spirit behind Voices Rock Canada, and Susan O'Quinn, from Newfoundland's Mi'kmaq community, heard about the discovery of a burial ground of 215 indigenous children in Kamloops they wrote a song for the children. And their mothers.
LITTLE ANGELS
Written by: Cheryl Bower/Susan O'Quinn. Arranged: Mike Lerner
Gently walk upon this land, as we lay a bed of feathers
Sacred ground beneath our feet, precious bones remain forever
Feet will never touch the floor, tiny shoes remain unworn
The sun won't shine on faces, shine on faces anymore
CHORUS/
Love the souls of little angels; bow our heads and softly (gently) weep
Lay them down, in a bed of feathers, Little Angels, ever sleep.
Mother covers them in earth
As she holds them in her heart
Their souls never left behind
As they rise up to the stars
CHORUS/
BRIDGE/
Lullaby your souls to keep, as we watch the angels sleep
Once were lost, but now are found, feathers gently on the ground
Feet will never touch the shore, they're not forgotten anymore
Their souls live on forever, souls live on forever more....
CHORUS/
Outro/ Look upon them as they sleep, bow our heads and gently weep
Written by Cheryl-Anne Bower and Susan O'Quinn, from Newfoundland's Mi'kmaq community
Lead singer: Cheryl-Anne Bower
Arrangement: Mike Lerner
Produced and Recorded by: Murray Foster, TORONTO, On.
Musicians: Brian May (guitar), Liza McLellan (cello), Murray Foster
(guitar), Mike Lerner (piano), Susan O'Quinn (drum). Backing Vocals: Cheryl-Anne Bower/Murray Foster
Sometimes truth can only be told with poetry and music. When Cheryl-Anne Bower, the creative spirit behind Voices Rock Canada, and Susan O'Quinn, from Newfoundland's Mi'kmaq community, heard about the discovery of a burial ground of 215 indigenous children in Kamloops they wrote a song for the children. And their mothers.
LITTLE ANGELS
Written by: Cheryl Bower/Susan O'Quinn. Arranged: Mike Lerner
Gently walk upon this land, as we lay a bed of feathers
Sacred ground beneath our feet, precious bones remain forever
Feet will never touch the floor, tiny shoes remain unworn
The sun won't shine on faces, shine on faces anymore
CHORUS/
Love the souls of little angels; bow our heads and softly (gently) weep
Lay them down, in a bed of feathers, Little Angels, ever sleep.
Mother covers them in earth
As she holds them in her heart
Their souls never left behind
As they rise up to the stars
CHORUS/
BRIDGE/
Lullaby your souls to keep, as we watch the angels sleep
Once were lost, but now are found, feathers gently on the ground
Feet will never touch the shore, they're not forgotten anymore
Their souls live on forever, souls live on forever more....
CHORUS/
Outro/ Look upon them as they sleep, bow our heads and gently weep
Written by Cheryl-Anne Bower and Susan O'Quinn, from Newfoundland's Mi'kmaq community
Lead singer: Cheryl-Anne Bower
Arrangement: Mike Lerner
Produced and Recorded by: Murray Foster, TORONTO, On.
Musicians: Brian May (guitar), Liza McLellan (cello), Murray Foster
(guitar), Mike Lerner (piano), Susan O'Quinn (drum). Backing Vocals: Cheryl-Anne Bower/Murray Foster
To produce quality education teachers need decent pay, adequate facilities and appropriate training.
The global union Education International represented teachers around the world at a recent UN conference. EI's affiliated unions in Canada include the Canadian Teachers' Federation and the Canadian Association of University Teachers.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
To produce quality education teachers need decent pay, adequate facilities and appropriate training.
The global union Education International represented teachers around the world at a recent UN conference. EI's affiliated unions in Canada include the Canadian Teachers' Federation and the Canadian Association of University Teachers.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
RadioLabour returns with a critique of Pierre Poilevre's recent appointment of leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
CUPE National President Mark Hancock says the take-over of the federal Conservative party is a disaster for working people, but they can fight back and win.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
RadioLabour returns with a critique of Pierre Poilevre's recent appointment of leader of the Conservative Party of Canada.
CUPE National President Mark Hancock says the take-over of the federal Conservative party is a disaster for working people, but they can fight back and win.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The global neo-fascist attack on unions, authoritarian government in the South Pacific, a plea by Ukrainian teachers, the LabourStart Report about union events and Woody Guthrie singing: "All You Fascists Bound to Lose."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), which has thousands of affiliated Canadian members, has elected Liz Shuler as president. AFL-CIO is the largest federation of unions in the United States.
Also - the first unionist to lead the ILO retires.
Plus, the LabourStart Report about union events and free-style union rappin'.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A special report from the 5th International Conference for the Elimination of Child Labour. Plus the LabourStart report about union events around the world. And singing: 'Equality for You and Me.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
May 12 is 2022's Moose Hide Day - a day organized to activate people against the injustices and violence faced by women in Canada, particularly Indigenous women. A Unifor webinar hosted by the union's Indigenous Liaison, Gina Smoke.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Marc Bélanger reports: Scott Doherty is running for Unifor's presidency.
Doherty, Unifor's Executive Assistant to the National President, is talking to his union's members all across the country about their struggles for better wages and working conditions.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
A little CUPE Health and Safety committee started April 28 - the International Day of Mourning which is now celebrated by more than 60 countries. Plus a call for better Health and Safety provisions in Canada by the National Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor, Lana Payne.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement’s radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
An exiled labour leader and his union have been awarded the 2022 Arthur Svensson International Prize for Trade Union Rights. The plight of informal workers in the Philippines. The LabourStart Report about union events. And singing: 'We Belong to the Union."
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The National Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor, Canada's largest private sector union, has announced her candidacy for the presidency of the union. She joins Scott Doherty, Executive Assistant to the National President and Dave Cassidy, the president of Unifor Local 444 in Windsor, Ontario.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
The 2022 Federal Budget has been welcomed for creating new programs, criticized for costing too much and also for not doing enough. An interview with DT Cochrane an economist and policy researcher with Canadians for Tax Fairness on how to pay for needed social programs.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Marc Bélanger reports: The International Trade Union Confederation finished its 4th World Women's Conference with a call for equal pay for work of equal value now. The new chief of the International Labour Organization wants decent work for informal workers. Plus the LabourStart Report about union events. And singing" 'The Equal Pay Song.'
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Lana Payne, Unifor's National Secretary-Treasurer reports on the
investigation that former Unifor president Jerry Dias breached the union's constitution. Dias responds by saying that he has health problems and has entered a rehabilitation centre.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Labour unions around the world are showing their support for Ukrainian unions by staging demonstrations, fund-raising and proposing solutions for peace. In this special programme international labour organizations which represent Canadian unions report on what they are doing to help unionists in the war-ravaged country.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Marc Bélanger explores when smelter workers in Trail fought for their right to a union and a collective agreement in the 1940s. Bélanger interviews author Ron Verzuh about his new book ‘Smelter Wars’ (published by University of Toronto Press), sharing the story and what lessons can be learned from it today.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Unifor has been campaigning for years to end violence against women, both at home and at work. For International Women's Day RadioLabour interviewed the Secretary-Treasurer of Unifor, Lana Payne. Ms. Payne is one of the labour leaders who fought to have domestic violence legislation introduced in every jurisdiction in Canada.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Marc Bélanger reports on a union call for a TRIPS waiver for Africa. Plus the right-wing attack on unions in India. The LabourStart Report of union events.
Music this week is provided by Joe Glazer and friends singing 'Solidarity Forever'.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
It's a week to show union love. Unions in the UK are celebrating HeartUnions Week. Plus: The AFL-CIO builds a union coalition to organize Amazon. Marc Bélanger shares the LabourStart which reports on union events around the world.
Song featured: 'You Fascists Are Bound To Lose'.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on labour union events around the world with a focus on unions in the developing world. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of news of interest to Canadian workers.
Using AI to privatize education
RadioLabour reports on how artificial intelligence is replacing teachers. Plus labour’s global fight for human rights. LabourStart's report on events around the world is presented. And UnioNation sings: 'She's a Rebel Girl'.
RadioLabour is the international labour movement's radio service. It reports on union issues and events with a focus on labour organizations in developing countries. It partners with rabble to provide coverage of union news of interest to Canadian workers.
UFCW Canada gets breakthrough agreement with Uber
UFCW will represent some 100,000 Uber drivers. Plus more labour news.
RadioLabour's World Report: January 31 - February 4, 2022
- Using WhatsApp to fight domestic violence in India
- The LabourStart report about union events
- And rappin': 'A new Solidarity Forever'
Music: Ruben 'Beny' Esguerra and Pablo Godoy. UFCW. Used by permission.
Also in RadioLabour's Report for the week January 23-28, 2022:
- Bangladeshi garment workers need a living wage
- The LabourStart report about union events
- And singing: 'Every Stitch"
Music: The Low Tide Drifters. Used by permission.
The USW is campaigning to force Canadian Tire to pay Bangladeshi garment workers a living wage.
Garment workers in Bangladesh earn $6 a day. Canadian Tire CEO Greg Hicks earns $12,000 a day.
A RadioLabour interview with Guillaume Charbonneau a project officer with the Steelworkers Humanity Fund.
The international labour movement is calling for decent work and universal protection plans. Plus more labour news.
Also in RadioLabour's Report for the week January 9-14, 2022:
- Fighting the privatization of African schools
- The LabourStart Report of union events
- And singing: 'Too Old to Work'
Music: 'To Old to Work' by Joe Glazer. Used by permission.
Cereal maker Kellogg's in the US plans to fire 1,400 employees.
The plight of the world's 115 million migrant workers. And more labour news.
Also in RadioLabour's Report for the week December 13-17, 2021:
- Stealing migrant worker wages
- How unions are coping with COVID-19
- And singing: 'Hold That Line
Music: Robin Robert. Used by permission.
Condemning China's actions in Hong Kong
On Human Rights Day, December 10, unions focused on Hong Kong and Palestine.
An interview with the General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation, Sharan Burrow. And more labour news.
Also in RadioLabour's Report for the week December 6-10 , 2021:
- The Labour Start Report about union events
- And singing 'You Gotta Stand Up for Your Rights'
Music: UnioNation. Used by permission.
The international labour movement has condemned Israel's attack on Palestinian human rights groups while it builds more settlements in the occupied territories. An interview with the Chair of the Council of Global Unions Stephen Cotton.
Also in RadioLabour's report for the week of November 29 to December 3, 2021 is:
- The call for a global social protection fund
- The LabourStart report about union events
- And singing: 'Too old to work and too young to die'
Music: Joe Glazer. Used by permission.
The international labour movement held Make Amazon Pay demonstrations on
Black Friday November 26, 2021. An interview with the General Secretary of
Uni Global Union, Christy Hoffman.
Also in RadioLabour's report for the week of November 21 to 26, 2021 is:
- Labour's campaign for ILO Convention C-190
- The LabourStart report about union events
- And singing: 'We Belong to the Union'
Music: Tim O'Brian. Used by permission.
Unions around the world are fighting for women's rights during the pandemic while lobbying for an international law against sexual violence and harassment at work. Plus the LabourStart report about union events. And singing: 'A Woman's Place Is In Her Union'
Music: UnioNation. Used by permission
Labour unions at COP26 were heard as countries such as Canada committed themselves to just transitions to green, sustainable, economies.
Also in RadioLabour's report for the week of November 7 to 12, 2021 is the LabourStart report about union events.
Labour is tackling Amazon world-wide
Unions around the world are campaigning to organize Amazon's 1.3 million employees. An interview with the General Secretary of UNI Global Union, Christy Hoffman. And more labour news.
Also in RadioLabour's Report for the week November 1-5, 2021:
-
The union path to a care society
-
The Labour Start Report about union events
-
And rappin' 'Labour's One Minute Message'
Music: Luc Roderique. CLC. Used by permission.
The Ontario government has introduced legislation called the 'Working for Workers Act 2021' which would require companies to develop disconnect from work policies. An interview with the president of Unifor, Jerry Dias.
Also in RadioLabour's Canada Report for the week October 24-29, 2021:
-
Labour at the COP 26 climate change conference
-
The LabourStart report about union events
-
And singing: 'You Knew Granpa, You Knew'
Music: The Victorian Trade Union Choir. Used by permission.
Why raising the minimum wage doesn't increase unemployment. The LabourStart Report. And more.
Canadian born David Card won the 2021 Nobel prize for economics for his work on how raising minimum wage doesn't create job losses. An interview with the economist and Director of the Centre for Future Work, Jim Stanford.
Also in RadioLabour's Canada Report for the week October 17-22, 2021:
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The LabourStart Report about union events
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And rappin': 'Working on a Farm'
Music: Spin El Poeta. UFCW-Canada. Used by permission.
The global organization which represents the Canadian Teachers' Federation is calling for a world-wide effort to provide vaccine equity and save the lives of teachers and their students in developing countries.
Also in RadioLabour's Canada Report for the week October 10-15, 2021:
- Unions and the 15% minimum corporate tax rate
- The LabourStart report about Canadian union events
- And: 'My Accent?'
Music: Manuella Astudillo with “My Accent”. UFCW. Used by permission
The Saskatchewan Federation of Labour has produced a computer app young people can use to learn about Occupational Health and Safety and labour rights. An interview with the SFL's Taylor Apperly and Deena Kapacila.
Also in RadioLabour's Canada Report for the week October 3-8, 2021:
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How unions are reacting to workplace digitalization.
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And singing: 'We Don't Come Here to Die'
Music: The Low Tide Drifters. Used by permission.
September 30 was the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada. Unions and their members can help achieve reconciliation. An interview with the Diversity Vice-President for the Canadian Union of Public Employees, Debra Merrier.
Also in RadioLabour's Canada Report for the week September 26 to October 1, 2021:
- How Indian women are using WhatsApp to help domestic violence victims
- The LabourStart report about union events
- And singing: 'I'm Stickin' to the Union - the Nurses' Version'
Music: UnioNation. Used by permission.
An interview with the president of the Canadian Labour Congress, Bea Bruske. Plus: The AFL-CIO's first woman president. Better protection for Bangladeshi garment workers. And more labour news.
The BCGEU used its shareholder power to tell Thomson Reuters to stop using its software to help ICE in the United States. And more labour news.
The Canadian Labour Congress has elected a new leadership team with Bea Bruske as president and Lily Chang as secretary-treasurer. Plus more labour news
The national convention of the Canadian Labour Congress will elect a new team of officers. An interview with presidential candidate Beatrice Bruske. And more labour news
CUPE is trying to get a member released from a Turkish jail. Teachers want climate change built into school curricula. And more.
WestJet airport agents in Calgary and Vancouver joined Unifor by signing union cards. Plus more labour news.
Country music used to be about the experiences of working people. Has it now become a tool for the right wing? Plus more labour news.
Ken Neumann, the United Steelworkers' national director, is retiring. He talks with RadioLabour about his career and the future of the labour movement.
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board is helping Brazil's right-wing government to privatize a public water system in Rio de Janeiro. Plus labour's plans for the climate crisis.
A little H&S committee named April 28 as the International Day of Mourning which is now recognized around the world. Plus Biden's plan to unionize thousands.
Canada would gain at least $11 billion per year in corporate tax revenue from a global minimum tax rate at 21 per cent as proposed by U.S. President Joe Biden.
Amazon workers were subject to intense anti-union tactics by management. National Organizing Director of the AFL-CIO Richard Bensinger discusses the implications for Canada.
Five unions in Ontario are demanding that teachers and other education workers be vaccinated immediately. Plus more labour news.
Garment workers in Bangladesh earn $6 a day doing unsafe jobs. And Canadian companies are at fault. The United Steelworkers are trying to help. Plus more labour news.
Immigrant women at Canada Goose plants in Winnipeg are trying to unionize. RadioLabour speaks with Jo Ann Pinera of the Workers United Canada Council.
Women working in Bolivian mines are subject to violence and sexual harassment while being paid almost nothing. Canada's United Steelworkers are helping.
The Ontario government is planning to release a new budget on March 24. Labour says it needs to include adequate sick days, a decent minimum wage, safety for workers and more.
A right-wing group is running an ad saying racialized groups should not get vaccine priority. The Canadian Labour Congress is running an online campaign against the ad.
The Supreme Court in the U.K. has ruled that Uber drivers are not independent contractors. They are workers employed by the company so deserve to be compensated as such.
The top 1 per cent of wealthy people in Canada own about 25 per cent of all the wealth in the country. Unions and the Broadbent Institute are calling for Canada's wealthy to pay their fair share.
Ontario's unions say Bill 124, which restricts wage increases and benefit improvements in the public sector, violates bargaining rights enshrined in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Ontario Health Coalition organized an online rally to protest 3,638 deaths -- and counting -- in long-term care homes. Labour organizations are demanding action.
Joe Biden is planning to implement the Protect the Right to Organize Act, which will allow access to unionization for hundreds of thousands of U.S. workers plus weaken so-called "right to work" laws.
An interview with UFCW Local 401 communications officer Michael Hughes about the COVID-19 outbreak at the Cargill plant in Alberta where hundreds were infected and two workers died.
Bill C-15 would affirm the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is applicable to Canadian law. Unifor's Indigenous Liason Gina Smoke discusses labour's fight to have the bill passed.
As fascism increases in the U.S. and Britain, unions have released a guide on how labour unions can fight back.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Celebrating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. How to confront the far right. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The Alberta Union of Provincial Employees is fighting ideological cuts to advanced education. Global wages fall because of the pandemic. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The Ontario government has $9 billion to spend on schools, but refuses. Violence against women transport workers. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Dominion workers won more full-time jobs, but new bargaining strategies needed. The pandemic's effect on women teachers. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: South Africa's COSATU wants a workers first agenda. Why huge data collection on students threatens privacy. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: 500 Ontario schools hit by virus while government withholds money. Union organizing during a pandemic.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: An Air Canada bailout should mean government shares. The Canadian Labour International Film Festival. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Why Assange should not be extradited from the U.K. to the U.S. The Newfoundland strike for Canadian grocery workers. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: More than a century ago the Rossland Evening World in B.C. showed what a union newspaper could be. Plus the plight of Amazon workers.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Nurses' union says governments have mismanaged the pandemic. And the Ontario Labour Relations Board rules against education unions.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Labour is demanding services such as unemployment insurance must be fixed now.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: a Unifor webinar focused on racism and genocide against Indigenous people and provided solutions.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: grocery workers in Newfoundland and Labrador on strike to maintain pandemic pay and full-time jobs. Reforming post-pandemic corporations. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report returns with a new season. The Canadian Labour Congress program for a greener economy and full employment.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Foodora workers proved that couriers are dependent workers. Plus: 200,000 seafarers are stuck at sea. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: CUPE president Mark Hancock tells his 700,000 members that Black lives matter, and white privilege must be acknowledged and confronted.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: A world e-commerce agreement could give big data corporations control over Canadian regulations. And, a global law could help women during the pandemic.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: How the BCGEU used its shareholder power to attack Thomson Reuters' contracts with ICE.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The shame of long-term care homes. CERB denies income to hundreds of thousands. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Pandemic hits women workers in male-dominated sectors the hardest.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Steelworkers say CUSMA -- the new Canada-US-Mexico trade deal -- is flawed.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The Canadian Labour Congress and Unifor are organizing to build permanent changes for front-line workers.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The UFCW is helping retail food workers during the pandemic. Plus, the world needs a global social protection plan.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Naomi Klein explains how the right will use the crisis to implement its ideas; Unifor calls for post-pandemic restructuring.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: How unions are supporting health-care workers in Ontario and B.C.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: An interview with CLC secretary-treasurer Marie Clarke Walker, and a message of support to Unifor members.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: An interview with OFL president Patty Coates; CUPE's support of front-line workers; and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: An interview with CLC president Hassan Yussuff. Child care during the pandemic. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The publicly owned Canada Infrastructure Bank is being used to subsidize the profits of privateering corporations.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Foodora couriers can form a union. Uber drivers up next. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: 200,000 strike to protect quality education for the children. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The Alberta government wants to steal one percent in wages from its workers. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: On the first anniversary of a mine disaster in Brazil, steelworkers say never again in Canada. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The Amalgamated Transit Union says fare-free transportation can help solve the climate crisis. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Unifor president Jerry Dias was arrested while picketing for the 800 workers locked out at Regina's Co-op refinery. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: The UFCW says Uber Black drivers are employees and eligible to unionize. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Secondary school teachers strike against the Ford government's cuts to education. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Activists were thrown out of the COP25 conference in Madrid when governments refused to act, but the struggle continues.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: A union organizer says help stop discrimination against people of faith. The UN's Declaration of Human Rights. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Ontario teachers strike for the students. And the poetry of a B.C. picket line.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Unifor is helping Palestinian truck drivers at the separation wall between Palestine and Israel. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Labour has condemned a U.S. policy change which says that Israeli settlements in Palestine are legal.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Teachers in Ontario are for students and against cuts to education -- an interview with ETFO president Sam Hammond.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Teachers and other education workers are fighting Ford government cuts. Also, how Chicago teachers won.
RadioLabour Canada Report: How Unifor's Canadian Freelance Union represents independent media workers. And more.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Help needed for the millions hidden in global supply chains.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Seven women protesting the death of temporary workers arrested while occupying Doug Ford's constituency office.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Workers at Uber, Lyft and Foodora are employees and they want unions.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Unions support young people in their global climate strikes because it will be their world that suffers.
RadioLabour Canada Report: Lab-grown meat and unions. A workers' revolution in the UK? Paid leave in B.C. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report September 6 to 13, 2019. Labour's five point agenda to make every day Labour's Day.
RadioLabour's Canada Report July 26 to August 2, 2019 - Canadians help lead the struggle for democracy at the Global Congress of Education International in Bangkok.
RadioLabour's Canada Report July 12 to 19, 2019. The proposed replacement for NAFTA is not good enough. U.S. labour also opposes NAFTA 2.0. The LabourStart Report. And more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report July 5 to 12, 2019. Poor pay, no sick leave for gym and fitness workers; global wage inequality worsens; the LabourStart report; and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report June 28 to July 5, 2019. CLC Secretary-treasurer negotiates ILO convention, teachers are fighting education cuts in Ontario, the LabourStart Report, and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report June 21 to 28, 2019. The U.S. has separated 2,500 children from their refugee parents, Canada supports international law against workplace violence and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report June 14 to 21, 2019. McGill provided a refuge for the ILO during WWII, a treaty to stop violence against women, the LabourStart Report, and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report: Ontario caps public sector wages at one per cent. Labour wins paid leave for domestic violence in Saskatchewan. The LabourStart Report about union events.
RadioLabour's Canada Report May 30 to June 7, 2019. The Bangladesh Fire and Safety Accord rejected by Mark's and Sport Chek, the LabourStart Report, and singing: 'Every Stitch'.
RadioLabour's Canada Report May 24 to 31, 2019. Women were the first to walk off the job during the Winnipeg strike, the gender pay gap seems stuck at 20 per cent, and singing: 'Bread and Roses.'
RadioLabour's Canada Report May 17 to 24, 2019. May 17 is the International Day Against homophobia, transphobia and biphobia, a sweet & sour deal at GM's Oshawa plant, and the LabourStart report.
RadioLabour's Canada Report May 10 to 17, 2019 -- Foodora couriers in Toronto want a union, labour demands a new social contract, the LabourStart report about union events and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report May 3 - 10, 2019 -- The UFCW wants abused temporary migrant workers to be able to change employers, The LabourStart Report, and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report April 26 - May 3, 2019 -- British Columbia should end child labour with new laws says BC Fed. Also -- the LabourStart report about union events, and remembering Rana Plaza.
RadioLabour's Canada Report April 19-26, 2019 -- Nurses say lobbyists are trying to stop pharmacare, what happened when British tourists supported a picket line, the LabourStart report and more.
RadioLabour's Canada Report April 12-19, 2019 -- Ontario unions are planning an Anti-Ford Day of Action, Google's employees are fighting for temp workers, and more.
RadioLabour's Canada report April 5-12, 2019 -- health care in Nova Scotia is in a crisis, corporate lobbyists are fighting pharmacare, and more.
RadioLabour's March 29 to April 5 report: USW's Ken Neumann on Trump's steel and aluminum tariffs, unions helping refugees in Lebanon, and more.
On RadioLabour for March 22-29 - Karen Campbell of the ETFO talks about the UN's Commission on the Status of Women conference, and a call by a young activist with autism for action on climate change.
Also on RadioLabour this week: domestic workers from the Philippines struggle for respect and fair pay, the LabourStart report and singing. Who does the work? We do!
CLC Secretary Treasurer Marie Clarke Walker says "Join a union!" -- an epic attempt at global equal pay for work of equal value; and the LabourStart report about union events.
The BCGEU wants a public inquiry into organized crime and drug overdosing; OFL to fight health-care privatization; African labour leader arrested in Zimbabwe.
On this week's program: USW fights to stop killings, cutting overtime during a nursing shortage and the global struggle to win social justice.
On Radio Labour's report for Feb. 15 - 21 -- Black History Month, how OPSEU socially mapped its membership, teachers key to fighting authoritarian populism and more.
In the RadioLabour Country report for February 8 to 14, UNIFOR calls for boycott of GM cars from Mexico and ILO Maternity Protection at Work.
Weekly labour roundup by RadioLabour for Feb. 1-7, 2019 focuses on national pharmacare, the opioid crisis and the need for new rules for the global economic order.
Labour promotes North America's first paid leave for domestic violence. Ontario making university more expensive. Global unions campaign for free, quality education.
The Women's March, an Alberta labour victory, and a rendition of "Rebel Girl", an old Wobblies song.
rabble.ca welcomes long running international labour show RadioLabour to rabble podcasts. Enjoy the inaugural show!