The President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Opposes the Visible Exploitation of Workers but Does Not Oppose the Hidden Exploitation of Workers: The Case of the Striking Air Canada Flight Attendants

Introduction Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress (the largest national federation of unions in Canada representing more than 3 million workers), has recently criticized the open exploitation of flight attendants, who work for free when they greet and help passengers board the plane, instruct passengers on safety procedures (such as the use of … Continue reading The President of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Opposes the Visible Exploitation of Workers but Does Not Oppose the Hidden Exploitation of Workers: The Case of the Striking Air Canada Flight Attendants →

Solidarity with Air Canada Flight Attendants Does Not Mean that We Should Ignore Critical Analysis

Introduction I was disappointed when seeing the following recent post by John Clarke, former major organizer for the defunct Ontario Coalition Against Poverty (OCAP): Solidarity with flight attendants! I certainly express solidarity with the flight attendants as well--but I would never simply post this without making several critical comments. Critique of Clarke's Silence Firstly, it … Continue reading Solidarity with Air Canada Flight Attendants Does Not Mean that We Should Ignore Critical Analysis →

Employers as Dictators, Part Three

The social-democratic left in Toronto, undoubtedly like social-democratic reformists throughout the world, continue to ignore criticisms of their attempt to equate positive reforms with the realization of adequate forms through such rhetoric as "decent work." Consider Elizabeth Anderson's critique of the power of employers, page 130: Private government at work embeds inequalities in authority, standing, … Continue reading Employers as Dictators, Part Three →

Worker Resistance Against Management, Part Two

This is a continuation of a series of posts on worker resistance. The following was written by Herman Rosenfeld. Since it formed part of a course that he, Jordan House and I presented for workers at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, I am including the preliminary instructions and the subsequent questions so that others can … Continue reading Worker Resistance Against Management, Part Two →