Income inequality has risen rapidly over the past three decades. In Canada it is now at its highest level since 1928. One of the root causes: the consistent chipping away of labour rights. The labour movement has been left unable to maintain membership levels and incapable of narrowing the income gap through collective bargaining, with profound implications for Canadians. Labour rights are human rights. They provide a powerful democratic counterweight to the growing power of corporations and the wealthy, and are key to a functioning democracy.Unions Matter affirms the critical role that unions and strong labour rights play in creating greater economic equality and promoting the social wellbeing of all citizens.

Matthew Behrens is a writer, editor, and long-time social justice community organizer living in Perth Ontario.

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The Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR) is a national voice devoted to promoting labour rights as an important means to strengthening democracy, equality, and economic justice here in Canada and internationally. CFLR was established and is sponsored by the National Union of Public and General Employees and the United Food and Commercial Workers – Canada.

The Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR)'s profile page

Unions Matter! The Harper government has launched an all-out assault on working people and their collective rights. This powerful book reminds us that unions have fought for every basic right we enjoy as Canadians and of the debt we all owe them. It made me angry and more determined than ever to stop the travesty of this agenda.

Maude Barlow, National Chairperson of the Council of Canadians

Unions Matter gives a comprehensive and readable synopsis of the evolution of income inequality and unionization in Canada over the past 30 years.

Literary Review of Canada

This important book explains why the business attack on unions is so fierce: because unions have been effective in protecting the rights of working people. Written by some of Canada’s leading thinkers, this powerful collection of essays reminds us that unions not only brought us the weekend, but just about everything else that makes our lives livable today.

Linda McQuaig, author and journalist

Why are one in three workers in Canada union members? And what does the labour movement do for the rest of us and for Canadian society in general?Unions Matter is an informative handbook for anyone interested in finding out why unions matter to our quality of life and our future. Buy one copy, buy many, and spread the word.

Elaine Bernard, Executive Director, Labor & Worklife Program, Harvard Law School

Unions Matter should be required reading … for any activist, communications officer or elected representative involved in promoting the labour movement

rabble.ca

Written in a lively and accessible style,Unions Matter makes a compelling case for the need to recognize labour rights as human rights and to develop laws and policies that put these rights to work. If you care about work and equality in Canada today you should read this book.

Judy Fudge, professor, Kent Law School, UK

Unions Matter is a timely counterpoint to a divisive political narrative aimed at weakening the labour movement in Canada. Whether the purpose of unions is to protect human rights or to reduce income inequality, this book is testament to why unions matter. It’s a great resource showcasing stellar research.Unions Matter is a vital contribution to Canadian democracy, in which unions play a key role.

Trish Hennessy, director, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives’ Ontario office