Features

  • Urgent Notice: A Farewell and Request for Support, from the Board of Our Times

    The Closing of Our Times Magazine

    It is with heavy hearts that we share some difficult news with you, our valued subscribers who have been an integral part of the Our Times family. We are announcing the impending closure of Our Times. Over the years, we have worked hard to bring you thought-provoking stories and analysis of labour and social-justice issues. Your support has been invaluable to this mission. Keep reading…

  • Speak the Truth Even If Your Voice Shakes

    Truth, Reconciliation & the Labour Movement

    “You cannot have reconciliation without the truth first,” writes Denise Hampden in her powerful piece addressing questions about labour’s role in the horrific legacy of residential schools. Featured in our Fall 2022 issue, which is dedicated to Truth, Reconciliation, and Indigenous resistance. Keep reading…

  • Flames on the Frontlines

    Learning from BC’s Latest Wildfire Season

    For six weeks there was no real daylight, says Joanne Hammond. “On the ground, Firekeepers were able to share their services and knowledge with the BC Wildfire Service firefighters.” Keep reading…

  • Into the Fire Zone

    The Smokejumpers of the BC Wildfire Service

    BC General Employees’ Union (BCGEU) member Ingrid Pond is part of a unique BC Wildfire Service program called Parattack, whose firefighting crews are transported to remote wildfires by helicopter. Keep reading…

  • A Pride Flag by the Door

    Creating Safe and Supportive Workplaces

    How can unions contribute to 2SLGBTQ+ people feeling safe and supported at work and in their lives? A multi-year study in Windsor and Sudbury, Ontario, aims to answer just that. Keep reading…

  • Young Organizers Make the Connections

    An Interview with Kevin Shimmin

    I think young workers are witnessing and participating in these broad-based social movements, for climate justice, Black Lives Matter, and Indigenous movements. For this generation, it’s so much easier to make the connection and ask: why shouldn’t I be fighting for justice at my workplace?  Keep reading…

  • Could An App Replace Your Union?

    Outwitting Digital Disruptors with Deep Organizing

    Consider this thought: what would happen if tech entrepreneurs saw unions as not just obstacles to the exploitation of workers, but as a potential new market? Keep reading…

  • Magic and Lethal

    A Whimsical Sculpture Warns of Asbestos Dangers

    “Wind Wheel Mobile” by Vancouver artist Douglas Taylor has a very serious message: the art piece is a memorial to workers who have died from asbestos-related illnesses. Keep reading…

  • The People’s Point of View

    The Toronto Workers’ History Project

    “History is us,” says labour and social justice activist Frank Saptel. “It’s our stories.” Wanting to connect a wider audience to the lesser-known stories of Canada led to the creation of this fascinating project. Keep reading…

  • Reclaiming the Vision

    Transforming Long-Term Care in Canada

    Long-term care workers, unions, and seniors’ advocates have flagged the problems existing in long-term care for decades. It’s time to reclaim the original health-care vision of Tommy Douglas to help us move beyond the broken LTC system. Keep reading…