Public Sector Unions in the Age of Austerity

For decades, public sector unions in Canada have been plagued by austerity, privatization, taxpayer backlash and restrictions on union rights. In recent years, the intensity of state-led attacks against public sector workers has reached a fevered pitch, raising the question of the role of public sector unions in protecting their members and the broader public interest.

Public Sector Unions in the Age of Austerity examines the unique characteristics of public sector unionism in a Canadian context. Contributors to this multi-disciplinary collection explore both the strategic possibilities and challenges facing public sector unions that are intent on resisting austerity, enhancing their power and connecting their interests as workers with those of citizens who desire a more just and equitable public sphere.


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Book Launches

Join Stephanie Ross and Larry Savage for the launch of their new book, Public Sector Unions in the Age of Austerity, with contributions from Bryan Evans, Leo Panitch and Donald Swartz, Rosemary Warskett, Donna Baines, Linda Briskin, David Camfield, Charles Smith, Michelle Webber and Andy Hanson.

Toronto, Ontario
Sheraton Centre Toronto, 123 Queen St. West
Tuesday, November 26.
7 pm to 9 pm

Ottawa, Ontario
Octopus Books, 251 Bank Street
Thursday, December 12.
6:30 pm

Contents

An Introduction (Stephanie Ross & Larry Savage)

Part I: Contextualizing Public Sector Unions

Bryan Evans – When Your Boss Is the State
Leo Panitch & Donald Swartz – The Continuing Assault on Public Sector Unions

Part II: Public Sector Unions and Political Power

Larry Savage & Charles W. Smith – Public Sector Unions and Electoral Politics in Canada
Stephanie Ross – Social Unionism and Union Power in Public Sector Unions
David Camfield – Renewing Public Sector Unions

Part III: Sectoral Perspectives on Public Sector Unions

Donna Baines – Unions in the Nonprofit Social Services Sector
Linda Briskin – In the Public Interest: Nurses on Strike
Andy Hanson – Teachers’ Unions, Collective Bargaining and Neoliberal Education Reform
Larry Savage & Michelle Webber – Unions of Professionals in the Public Sector
Rosemary Warskett – Federal Public Sector Unions in Times of Austerity

Bibliography

Photo: Ontario Federation of Labour