Happy Labour Day, and welcome to the September edition of the Broadbent Bulletin.
On this Labour Day, subscribe to ShiftWork by PressProgress’ Emma Arkell for a free newsletter rounding-up national labour news, strikes, lockouts and new organizing across Canada.
In a recent op-ed, Executive Director Jen Hassum showed how the recent Air Canada flight attendant’s strike echoed Canadian labour’s struggles during the Second World War and the rights and concessions won by labour as a result:
The wartime strike wave forced a reckoning. Out of that turmoil came Privy Council Order 1003, the cornerstone of Canada’s industrial relations system. It required corporations to recognize unions and bargain in good faith. This was no gift to labour. Workers paid dearly, surrendering the ancient right to strike. The deal was clear: in exchange for the militant labour movement showing restraint, workers gained recognition and a collective bargaining system. Historians came to label post-war public policies like labour laws and new social programs, including housing and universal healthcare, the “Great Compromise.”
[…]
For workers, the lesson was equally clear. If corporations are no longer required to follow the rules, why must unions adhere to the same rules? The flight attendants, in defying the law with their wildcat strike, did not break from the “Great Compromise,” but rather their militancy upheld its spirit — democracy belongs in the workplace, too.
Read Jen Hassum’s full op-ed in Ricochet and check out PressProgress’ ongoing coverage of the Air Canada flight attendants strike:
- Air Canada Flight Attendant’s Strike Was ‘A Perfect Storm’
- Carney’s Air Canada Intervention Backfired: New Polling
- Explainer: What Air Canada Flight Attendants Are Fighting For
Making the Good Society
In our newest episode of Making the Good Society, OPSEU/SEFPO President JP Hornick shows how Canadian labour is seeing generation-defining wins across the public and private sectors. From flight attendants to postal workers, teachers and amusement park ride inspectors (closing out this summer from the PNE to the CNE) Canadian workers have made major gains in what JP sees as a rising tide across the labour movement.
What’s New in Perspectives Journal
Perspectives Journal continues to publish original analysis, opinions, and conversations on the major political questions of the day. Stay tuned this month for the release of Perspectives Journal no. 4, Summer 2025, with articles and analysis on the ideological roots of Mark Carney, the state of Canada’s industrial policy and nation-building projects, and policy changes to address housing insecurity.
At the 2025 Panamerican Congress in Mexico City, Director of Policy Clement Nocos shared his reflections on what Canadians can learn from progressives across the Americas. Read his opinon article in Perspectives Journal and watch his video explainer on TikTok.
You can also read more about the Canadian delegation to Panamerican Congress here and watch Naomi Klein’s address, The Rise of End-of-the-World Fascism and Resistance from the Global South:
New in Perspectives Journal: Neighbourhood (Food) Democracy: Supporting Participation of Equity-Denied Groups in Addressing the Issue That Affects Them.
Reflecting on the Neighbourhood Food Democracy project in Vancouver’s westside, Ksenia Stepkina offers important lessons for supporting participation of equity-denied groups in alleviating food insecurity and democratic disengagement. Read here.
Upcoming Event: Redefining Development in the New World Disorder (Group of 78)
Join the Group of 78 in Ottawa for their annual policy conference on Friday, October 10, 2025. Hosted at the University of Ottawa and held in cooperation with the International Development Research Centre, keynote speakers will include Dani Rodrik (Harvard Kennedy School) and José Antonio Ocampo (Columbia University).
Speakers, Program and registration (in-person and online) can be found online here.
PressProgress Spotlight
PressProgress closely covered last month’s Air Canada wildcat strike, delivering real time coverage and in-depth analysis while the dust settled.
This month they also welcomed Brishti Basu as PressProgress’ new Health Reporter. With a mandate to cover healthcare stories from doctors shortages to Canada’s toxic drug crisis, Brishti brings a wealth of experience writing for outlets like CBC, Vice, The Tyee, Ricochet, and The Breach. Read more about Brishti here and check out the rest of PressProgress’ original reporting from the last month:
- Federal Funds for Gender Equality Could Disappear
- Podcast – What You Need to Know About Air Canada’s Flight Attendant Strike
- BC’s Labour Laws Help Gig Workers Organize
That’s all for this Labour Day edition Broadbent Bulletin. Thank you for following our work to advance a just and equitable world, and stay tuned for other updates and announcements from the Broadbent Institute. Consider supporting the Broadbent Institute, sharing this Bulletin with your friends and family, and subscribing if you haven’t done so already.