The pandemic has shown the need to decommodify key sectors like housing
An “acronym soup of emergency benefits” — as economist David Macdonald puts it — has rolled out in Canada over the past two months. For many, it’s been tough to keep track of all the economic measures implemented since Canada’s response to the COVID-19 crisis began in mid-March.
[Not only are existing pensions too few, too poor, and/or facing increased downward pressure with repeated stock market crashes, but some of our pension funds actually invest in high objectionable businesses. Another needed element of a "green recovery"....Gene McGuckin]
May 14,2020 — Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal reposted from Socialist Project — The transport sector represents one of the most serious challenges when it comes to greenhouse gas emissions, which are increasing faster than from any other sector in society – and at an ever-increasing pace (over 120 per cent globally over the last 30 years – and still increasing in all parts of the world).
Physical distance makes campaigns difficult but not impossible, says union
Despite providing vital services and risking their well-being just by going to work, many previously “invisible” private-sector employees — like janitors, personal support workers and truckers — now deemed essential are still among the most overworked and underpaid.
In response, Services Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 2 has launched a national unionization drive for these essential workers.
David Fairey Co-Chair, BC Employment Standards Coalition
From: David Fairey
Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020
Subject: Paid Sick Leave Days Campaign Petition & May 21st Day of Action
Please sign our Coalition online petition to the BC government at the link in the e-mail below, and share the link with your networks. Here is a link to an opinion piece on the need for paid sick leave published in The Province newspaper May 3rd: