↗️ Canadian media is erasing "essential workers"

Hey Shift Workers,

Canadian media outlets have reduced using the terms "essential workers" and "frontline workers," according to a new media analysis from Passage.

Editor Davide Mastracci analyzed use of the two phrases in the Toronto Star, the Globe and Mail and the National Post throughout the pandemic.

This shift in language is useful for employers and polticians who have pressured workers to return to 'normal' despite skyrocketing hospitalizations, Mastracci argues.

Is it any wonder grocery store workers are 'insulted' employers are refusing to reinstate pandemic pay?

- Emily

Ontario unions presented a list of demands to the Ontario government yesterday including repealing wage freezes through Bill 124 and legislating 10 paid sick days.

Saskatchewan unions called on the province to implement more COVID-19 restrictions, while Alberta unions called for the government to provide N95 to all frontline workers.

Far-right organizer and Wexit Party co-founder Pat King is coordinating the trucker Freedom Convoy 2022 which will convene in Ottawa on Monday to protest the U.S/Canada border vaccine mandate.

The current overload of hospitals has more to do with neoliberal public policies than selfish anti-vaxxers, argues Nora Loreto for Passage.

Pay transparency is not enough to close wage gaps, experts say. Other methods, like unionization, are proven to help.

There are few signs of labour union resurgence during the pandemic, despite rising prices and worker shortages, argues labour scholar Stephanie Ross. Instead, more workers are taking individual action.

Ontario's workers' compensation system 'mean-spirited' and 'broken fundamentally,' says labour scholar Robert Storey.

Nova Scotia's continuing care assistant recruitment strategy fails refugees and immigrants, finds new CCPA report.

Labour shortages and climate change are disrupting Canada's fragile food supply chain.

The Concordia University of Edmonton Faculty Assocation ratified a four year deal including salary increases, ending a four week strike.

Ash Grove Cement workers and Unifor members in Jolliette, Quebec have been locked out for seven months.

Canadian Automobile Association workers and Teamsters members from five Ontario stores have been on strike for higher wages since October 29.

160 workers and PSAC members at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada have been on strike since Nov 26 for pay equity.

Manitoba Rolling River School Division custodians and cleaners and CUPE members remain on strike for better wages.

Napanee shelter workers and Unifor members remain on strike to address staffing levels and low wages.

Hotel workers represented by Unite Here Local 40 are accepting relief fund donations as they remain locked out of Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway hotel chains.

BC Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex workers and USW members are on strike for higher wages.

Quebec Unifor members at industrial manufacturer Prelco are on strike demanding wage increases.

BC IG Machines and Fibres Workers and IAM Local 692 members have been locked out since July 12, 2021.

Alberta CESSCO workers and members of Boilermakers Local 146 have been locked out for over a year.

BC construction workers with IBEW 213 have been on strike for two years fighting union-buster Ledcor.