Labour Unions and Economic Concepts in Canada

Labour Unions

• Definition of Labour Unions

  • Workers organize labour unions to advocate for their needs and interests with employers.

  • Unions enable workers to act collectively, facilitating collective bargaining.

• Role of Labour Unions

  • By forming groups, unions can exert pressure on employers regarding:

  • Wages

  • Working Hours

  • Workplace Safety

  • Strikes as a Pressure Tactic

  • During strikes, workers collectively refuse to work.

• Presence in Canada

  • Unions exist across various sectors, including:

  • Transportation

  • Education

  • Health Care

  • Forestry

  • Construction

  • Manufacturing

  • Public Service

• Impact on Labour Laws

  • Advocacy by unions has led to the establishment of labour laws like the Canada Labour Code.

  • Rights: Workers have the right to form unions.

  • Procedures: Defines bargaining processes between unions and employers.

  • Standards: Sets minimum standards for wages, working hours, safety, holidays, etc.

• Historical Opposition

  • At various points, Canadian governments have opposed unions.

Factors Affecting Working Conditions

• Influence of Unions

  • Unions can alter the conditions and wages of unionized jobs.

  • Not all jobs are unionized (e.g., many retail workers lack union representation).

• Labour Market Dynamics

  • Labour Shortages: When shortages occur, businesses compete for workers, impacting wage levels.

  • Economic Downturns: Slumps can lead to wage reductions as firms offer less to retain employees.

Historical Context and Events

• Nine Hour Movement

  • In Ontario, craft workers organized in 1XXX (year not specified) for shorter workdays, aiming to reduce working hours to nine.

  • Typical industries involved:

  • Tailoring

  • Baking

  • Printing

  • Shoemaking

  • Critical thinking question: Were these actions an example of responsible citizenship? Consider how such actions benefit quality of life.

Winnipeg General Strike

• Definition

  • A general strike involves numerous sectors halting operations simultaneously in a specific area (city or nation).

• Historical Context

  • Occurred amid economic difficulties post-World War I and in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, which instilled fear in the Canadian government regarding the power of unions.

  • Government response included police confrontation, resulting in violence and arrests.

Economic Concepts in Chapter 6

• Mixed and Market Economies

  • Consider what values underpin the mixed (Canada) and market (USA) economies.

  • Key Issues Addressed:

  • Scarcity

  • Supply and Demand

  • Competition

• Developing Your Position

  • Reflect on how economic systemsimpacts quality of life in society. Present your understanding through various mediums like mind maps and presentations.

• Practical Applications

  • Engage with local representatives from businesses or governments to gain insights about issues affecting quality of life.

  • Consider writing editorials on relevant topics, incorporating diverse societal views.

Personal Reflection

• Reflect on your learning from the chapter. Consider:

  • The relationship between economics and citizenship.

  • The importance of individual choices in economics.