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COMMONS

WORK 1 - The War on Workers

Mar 20, 2024
The podcast delves into the challenges faced by workers in Canada, including the rise of gig work and temp agencies, the exploitation of temporary foreign workers, and the continuous squeeze on wages and benefits. It explores the historical trajectory of labor conditions in Canada post-World War II, critiques the practice of categorizing workers as contractors, and questions the existence of a war on workers amid economic transformations.
32:30

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The rise of gig work and temporary foreign workers has increased the precariousness of employment, while companies prioritize profits over worker well-being.
  • Neoliberal policies since the late 1970s have weakened labor laws and unions, limiting workers' ability to negotiate fair wages and working conditions.

Deep dives

Shift in Work Dynamics and Nature

The nature of work has changed significantly over the past decade, especially in sectors like journalism where layoffs have been prevalent. Media companies faced massive job cuts, impacting employees while executives received substantial bonuses. This shift in economic dynamics has highlighted the vulnerability of workers, leading to discussions on the changing nature of work and the challenges faced by laborers.

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