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Gaganpreet
Gaganpreet Cheema
LBST 200
Professor Garry Ramsay
November 23, 2022
Building a Better World
Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada is a book
written by Stephanie Ross, Larry Savage, Errol Black, and Jim Silver that focuses on an overview
of the labour movement in Canada. The book is designed to focus on the different aspects of
trade and unions and their importance in Canada. The overview of the labour organization of
unions in this book gives the reader an understanding of what is happening in the Canadian
labour market. In fact, the book describes how unions in the labour market helped employees
with pay raises, protests and fighting for their rights. The authors have explained the rights of
employees and the practices that are followed within the Canadian labour market.
Ross et al. begin with a case study from 2012, where Toronto’s library workers went on
strike and temporarily closed ninety-eight libraries. The reason behind the strike was Mayor
Rob Ford because he wanted to privatize city services. Workers at the library were looking to
turn their jobs into full-time employment to afford living costs, but this decision by the mayor
would cause problems with budgets. Striking is the most powerful tool that brings it to the
notice of public and newspaper headlines. Unions set out to be a voice for their employees and
provide employment and other benefits to workers. The example of Toronto library workers
showcases how this improved the working conditions of the workers as well as protected the
public services. The book examines the potential of trade unions, their democratic rights, and
Gaganpreet
Gaganpreet Cheema
LBST 200
Professor Garry Ramsay
November 23, 2022
Building a Better World
Building a Better World: An Introduction to the Labour Movement in Canada is a book
written by Stephanie Ross, Larry Savage, Errol Black, and Jim Silver that focuses on an overview
of the labour movement in Canada. The book is designed to focus on the different aspects of
trade and unions and their importance in Canada. The overview of the labour organization of
unions in this book gives the reader an understanding of what is happening in the Canadian
labour market. In fact, the book describes how unions in the labour market helped employees
with pay raises, protests and fighting for their rights. The authors have explained the rights of
employees and the practices that are followed within the Canadian labour market.
Ross et al. begin with a case study from 2012, where Toronto’s library workers went on
strike and temporarily closed ninety-eight libraries. The reason behind the strike was Mayor
Rob Ford because he wanted to privatize city services. Workers at the library were looking to
turn their jobs into full-time employment to afford living costs, but this decision by the mayor
would cause problems with budgets. Striking is the most powerful tool that brings it to the
notice of public and newspaper headlines. Unions set out to be a voice for their employees and
provide employment and other benefits to workers. The example of Toronto library workers
showcases how this improved the working conditions of the workers as well as protected the
public services. The book examines the potential of trade unions, their democratic rights, and
