UFCW Canada joins allies for "Unions Matter" book launch

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Toronto – May 23, 2014 – UFCW Canada activists recently joined allies and social justice advocates for the launch of Unions Matter: Advancing Democracy, Economic Equality and Social Justice — a new book that documents how unions are critical to reducing income inequality and improving the lives of everyday Canadians.

The book is a collection of essays by some of Canada's leading thinkers whose analysis and evidence make clear the connection between unions and strong labour rights, and their fundamental role in achieving economic equality, democracy, and the social well-being of all citizens.

The book is based on the successful international conference, Labour Rights and Their Impact on Democracy, Economic Equality and Social Justice held in Toronto in March 2013. The conference was sponsored by UFCW Canada, the Canadian Foundation for Labour Rights (CFLR), the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the Canadian Teachers' Federation (CTF).  As a founding CFLR member, UFCW Canada has continued to work closely with its allies to develop a public discourse on the value of the labor movement in achieving economic equality and social justice.

"We are proud in raising awareness of how unions work every day to make a better and more just Canada," says UFCW Canada National President Paul Meinema."Throughout Canadian history, unions have proven that together fairness works. It is a message that is more relevant than ever in fighting back against the ultra-conservative, anti-worker movement behind the rise in economic inequality."

Contributors to Unions Matter include Steven Barrett, Paul Cavalluzzo, Paul Champ, James Clancy, Nathalie Des Rosiers, Fay Faraday, Derek Fudge, John Hendy, Michael Lynk, Benjamin Oliphant, Lars Osberg, Garry Sran, Adrienne Telford, Eric Tucker,  Armine Yalnizyan, and UFCW Canada's general counsel and director of human rights, Naveen Mehta.

"History shows that only when everyday people come together in collective action can democracy and social justice be realized," explains Brother Mehta. "This is the role of the labor movement as an engine of fairness, economic equality, and positive social change."

Unions Matter: Advancing Democracy, Economic Equality and Social Justice is available for purchase online.