Happy Labour Day and welcome to the September edition of the Broadbent Bulletin! We’re here to keep you updated with all that’s new from the Broadbent Institute, PressProgress and the Canadian progressive movement.
On this Labour Day long weekend, learn more about recent labour victories across the country! Read PressProgress’ latest instalment of the award-winning Shift Work newsletter. Written by senior labour reporter Emily Leedham, the latest from Shift Work covers a major victory for migrant care workers in Canada and tracks recent strikes from coast to coast to coast. Sign up for Shift Work today!
Progressive Political Economy
This month we shared another new episode of Progressive Political Economy featuring Broadbent Policy Fellow Angella MacEwen. The CUPE senior economist discusses the misconceptions behind Canada’s so-called “productivity” crisis, demonstrating that public sector investment is necessary for increased productivity that creates economic growth for all.
You can catch up on all the latest episodes here.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more Progressive Political Economy and follow us on X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!
Building Panamerican Solidarity
Earlier last month, Executive Director Jen Hassum travelled to Bogota, Colombia as a part of the Canadian delegation to the inaugural Panamerican Congress, hosted by the Colombian government and President Gustavo Petro.
Bringing together elected officials from progressive governments from across North, South, Central America and the Caribbean, the 2024 Panamerican Congress addressed the importance of hemispheric cooperation in facing the climate crisis while bolstering democracy and peace across the region. “Instead of the old model of the United States trying to dominate Latin America,” said American delegate Rep. Greg Casar (D-Texas), “we should be working with Latin America to survive climate change and address joint economic needs.”
The Broadbent Institute Ratifies a New Union Contract
We are proud to also share that earlier in May 2024 the Broadbent Institute ratified a new union contract with significant gains for its employees. These include annual wage increases, increased vacation and overtime entitlements, improved bereavement leave, as well as paid religious leave and holy days plus improved mental health and therapy benefits.
The new agreement covers 15 members and will remain valid until July 1, 2027.
“We are proud to represent our members at the Broadbent Institute,” says Wayne Hanley, president of UFCW 1006A, “who do exceptional work advancing progressive and social-democratic principles.”
Luke LeBrun, editor of PressProgress spoke candidly about the union’s support throughout the bargaining process. “We’re grateful for the time and energy our UFCW 1006A representatives put into listening to our member’s' thoughts and concerns,” he said. “Their wisdom and negotiating experience helped us get the best deal possible.”
LeBrun also highlighted the negotiators’ success in enshrining editorial independence for all PressProgress reporters and editors. “This contract shows the Broadbent Institute is serious about producing professional, high-quality journalism,” he said, “and it shows deep respect for our small team of journalists.”
What's new in PressProgress
PressProgress has continued to deliver hard-hitting reporting and investigations throughout Summer 2024, fact-checking Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and highlighting major labour victories you won’t find in mainstream news outlets..
PressProgress also recently launched a unique membership platform to keep you connected to the award-winning stories and investigations they produce. Visit their new membership portal and consider becoming a member to help hold the rich and powerful accountable while ensuring PressProgress reporting remains paywall and ad-free.
Here’s their latest original reporting from August:
- This National Post Columnist Says He Spied for a Foreign Intelligence Agency. Experts Call His Behaviour ‘Unethical’ and ‘Absurd’.
- Well-Connected Pro-Modi Media Personality Calls On India to Support ‘Right-Wing Parties’ in Canada’s Next Election
- Canada’s Far-Right is Targeting South Asian and Sikh Canadians to Incite Anti-Immigrant Hate
- Local Residents are ‘Disappointed’ a Brampton Factory is Trying to Sell Armoured Vehicles to Israel’s Government
- Pierre Poilievre Claims He’s Never Heard of ‘Diagolon’. He’s Not Telling the Truth. Here are the Receipts.
- What’s Next for LCBO Workers Who Just Led a Historic First-Time Strike Across Ontario?
That’s all for this September 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.
