Worker Education

Worker Education on globalization and social justice is central to the success of the social Justice fund. More specifically, SJF education initiatives will have as objectives:

• To link workplace and community issues within an international context
• To mobilize membership action around current and emerging issues
• To increase the commitment of unions members to undertake collective action in the workplace
• To build solidarity with sister organizations in the south
• To promote an understanding on debt relief, sustainable development and the eradication of poverty at home and around the world.

In October 2003, the SJF Board mandated the SJF to develop and deliver an education module on social justice, globalization and links to the lives of workers, as well as the funding of PSAC member to attend educational activities of the CLC and the Federations of Labour. In addition to work in these two areas, the SJF has also supported smaller social justice projects with a focus on membership education on one or more aspects of globalization.

International Solidarity/Social Justice/Globalization Course

PSAC Education staff, together with the PSAC SJF Officer has developed a two-day course on globalization and social justice, available for delivery in the fall of 2005. If you are interested in playing an active role in promoting Social Justice in Canada and internationally, this course is for you. Please get in touch with your Regional Education Officer.

Two short educational modules are now available on the SJF website. The 45-60 minute session/lunch time module “45 Minutes to Change the World” is a perfect introduction to the issues of globalization. In addition, the “Make Poverty History – A Mobilizing Module” is an excellent tool for engaging Local and/or committee members in the Make Poverty History Campaign.

Project Reports

Total Projects: 25

• Progressive Filipino legislators discuss human rights with Canadian unions
  
  Filipino legislators have asked the Canadian government to put pressure on President Arroyo to end the gross human rights abuses and to review its bilateral support to the Philippine government.

• From the City of Glass to Central America
  
  Support for research and documentation on the impact of Canadian mining operations in Central America.

• Filipino labour activist makes plea for more Canadian labour intervention against human, trade union rights violations
  
  Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo boasted of her country's recent economic growth. However, a Philippine labour activist, during a visit to PSAC on October 11, explained that this growth has occurred amid a continuing increase in human and trade union rights violations.

• Radio Documentary; "The Ravaging of Africa"
  
  Contribution to two researcher/journalists to produce a four-part radio documentary series on the military and economic domination of Africa and African resistance.

• World Social Forum, Nairobi 2007
  
  Contribution to assist campus union activist to participate in the World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya, January, 2007

• Rights and Democracy campaign denounces forced labour in Burma
  
  Media Campaign against forced labour in Burma on the occasion of the 2006 John Humphrey Freedom Award

• Indonesian leaders resist Canadian Mining in their Communities
  
  Indigenous Leader and Environmental activist travel to the Atlantic to bring attention to the devastation of INCO on forests and aboriginal land

• Bolivia Rising Tour
  
  Leaders of the Bolivian popular movement tour Canada.

• SalvAide Benefit Concert: Luis Mejia Godoy
  
  Under Worker Education Fundraising for the disadvantaged youth in rural El Salvador.

• Shifting Forces in Latin America Common Frontiers Symposium, Toronto, October 15, 2006
  
  Contribution to the Symposium on Shifting Forces in Latin America, involving popular leaders from several South American countries.