As a worker co-op with unionized workers, Libra, the parent of non-profit TorontotheBetter welcomes recent news of unionization by workers at Yorkdale and Scarborough based branches of the Indigo bookstore chain. As always unionization occurs when workers are dissatisfied with the treatment they receive from the firms that effectively own their labour power. And the question arises again for us whether it is better for workers to bargain for dignity with an owning entity, the union route or to take control of the whole enterprise and run it themselves. In most cases for most workers these are not practicale alternatives but as supporters of workers everywhere Libra, a worker co-op with unionized workers, is on record in words and actions to the efect that more power for workers is good for them, whether they take on responsibility for a whole company, as in a coop, or use their bargaining power as a union to influence mangement. Depending on their specific circumstances one or the other, or both, may be optimal for the workers in question. Either way, or both, more worker power means more dignity and value for workers and we send solidarity greetings to the Indigo workers in Toronto who recently voted to join the united Food and Commercial Workers Union.
https://www.thestar.com/business/2021/08/26/workers-at-two-more-indigo-stores-vote-to-unionize-is-a-wave-of-unionization-in-retail-upon-us.html?rf&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=SocialMedia&utm_campaign=&utm_content=&source=the%20toronto%20star&utm_campaign_id=&fbclid=IwAR33CrW-W9WoThkINw5LP8K4It-M1sRuPDfKOvtW94ldQnnZjb2tuucffq0&__s=e4uqam5gbh4omyzm0hyi&utm_source=drip&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Class+Struggle+-+Sep+3%2C+2021&utm_content=Class+Struggle%3A+Unions+are+scoring+wins+at+Indigo
The kid gets it and the sign says it all: homes for people not profit. A 20th century housing programme built most of what remains in Toronto and elsewhere in Canada. As thousands frustrate and suffer in 2021 it is beyond time for action. For a better Toronto let's do housing. Waiting lists grow while, shamefully, Toronto's affordable housing stock like the co-op pictured below, doesn't. This election TorontotheBetter asks all to think who is most likely to build the decent affordable housing we all need to live a decent life.
Join ACORN Canada at Weston Rd. and Lawrence Ave. West to demand
action now: https://acorncanada.org/civicrm/event/info%3Fid%3D3039%26reset%3D1
A better Toronto means quality housing for all.
