Briarpatch articles from October 2001

Briarpatch archives from October 2001

Meeting Workers needs in the next millennium.(labor unions)
October 1, 2001... Many people involved in the labour movement have heard the standard line from opponents of unions: "Maybe unions were needed in the past, but not any more." Contrary to that line, there is a growing realization that not only are unions...

CANADIANS AT WORK.(Canadian Auto Workers Union publication)(Review)
October 1, 2001... A GLIMPSE AT THE MAKING OF A BOOK OF WHAT JUST MIGHT BE TABOO IMAGES In 1999 the Canadian Auto Workers Union decided to mark the millennium in a very unique way: publish a high quality book of documentary photographs depicting the workers...

Reflections on the Future.(native Canadian population)
October 1, 2001... By around 2035, as baby-boomers retire from their jobs, First Nations people are expected to reach 50 percent of Saskatchewan's population. What changes are needed to ensure that representation in our workplaces and our unions reflects their...

When Quality of Life is the Goal.(employment, Canada)
October 1, 2001... A generation ago, organized labour in Canada and Holland developed markedly different strategies to deal with the issue of part-time work. Holland's 's approach has been the clear winner, with major benefits all across Dutch society. ...

WORKING LESS IS WORKING IN FRANCE.(35-hour week)
October 1, 2001... OCTOBER 1997: France's new government of Socialists, Communists and Greens launches a plan to reduce the work week from 39 to 35 hours to tackle a stubborn 12.5 percent unemployment rate, fulfilling a demand of labour unions, associations...

Making Unions Meaningful to the Typical Member.(labor unions, Canada)
October 1, 2001... Some years ago, I studied the factors affecting two Canadian unions' women's committees' ability to increase women's participation in union decision making. Prior to the study, I had believed unions to be the primary democratizing force in the...

If you look Downstream - The Bugs are getting Organized.(labor and environmentalism)
October 1, 2001... How much of a conflict really exists between workers and environmentalist... or is it all a product of corporate interests? Both groups are taking a close look at the need to develop alliances in the struggle to preserve our health in this...

IT'S ABOUT TIME.(working less hours)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2001... Workers are surprised to discover the many benefits to working less hours. Facing job loss combined with increased overtime in many locations, the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers Union (CEP) decided to look more closely at hours of...

Heads above the Hype.
October 1, 2001... An American media activist examines the "programing" we have to overcome to stay in tune with reality and stay connected with others. Are Americans becoming heartless? Are we less sensitive to others? Is our society really...

COLOMBIA'S INVISIBLE WAR.
October 1, 2001... As globalization shrinks our world, international solidarity becomes more and more important to workers. It can mean sharing strategies and ideas developed by others, organizing international campaigns or just putting our own struggles and...

Canadians at Work.(Review)
October 1, 2001... by Vincenzo Pietropaolo University of Toronto Press, 2000. 1-800-565-9523 Throughout this issue of Briarpatch are examples of the photos found in this beautiful over-sized photo book that acknowledges and celebrates the...

Stepping Lightly.(Review)
October 1, 2001... New Society Publishers Gabriola Island Publishers, Canada 2000. $18.95 Stepping Lightly is a valuable addition to the burgeoning body of writings about the consumer society we live in and the damaging effects it is having on...

A NEW ROLE FOR UNIONS.(against corporate globalization)(Industry Overview)
October 1, 2001... During the massive protest parade against corporate globalization in Quebec City last April, there was a point on the march itinerary where the protesters split into two streams. The majority who wanted to avoid being tear-gassed,...