Building a Better World: An Introduction to Trade Unionism in Canada

by Errol Black, Jim Silver

Going far beyond the basic study of union history and structure, this accessible introductory text emphasizes how the values, objectives, and activities of unions are shaped in the face of modern challenges such as employer resistance and hostile governments. The fully updated study looks at why workers form unions, explores the power of collective bargaining and grievances, and chronicles the gains that unions have achieved both for their members and for all working people. It also examines the difficulties confronting unions that fail to live up to their egalitarian ideals in the face of rapid economic and technological change, the rise of neoliberalism, and the increasingly unpredictable character of the labor force.

202 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 2001

Reviews

[Gerj · Rating 4 out of 5]

A strong overview of the structure, history, and culture of Canada's trade unions. It was particularly interesting to read this edition, given the moment in time it reflects, and look at the state of unions in early 2022. The successes in the United States this year for Amazon, Starbucks, and John Deere workers suggest a moment -- though not a guarantee -- of opportunity. Canada, oddly enough, feels less actived in this moment and I'm curious to what degree this reflects some of the underlying challenges and weaknesses that Black identified almost two-decades ago.

Overall, this is a strong primer for the initiate in the union organizing world. It's not particularly poetic, but its strength is in its accessibility and conciseness.

I picked this edition up in a free library, so, I'd likely recommend the newest edition to those looking for an updated primer, but for the historically curious, I think this still has a lot of value.

[Cathy Qin]

good