Building Democracy for Women and Sexual Minorities: Union Embrace of Diversity
Posted: 2 Jun 2010
Date Written: December 15, 2006
Abstract
This article assesses Canadian labour’s response to changed demographics by considering the way unions have engaged with women and sexual minorities (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people). Many unions have now adopted inclusive policies. However, to consider how effectively these policies have been articulated and implemented at the local level, we consider two illustrative cases. One case involves a serious breakdown at the local level over pay equity for women; another case tells the story of a local’s support for a gay man’s challenge to a school board. We conclude that labour’s apparent formal recognition of women and sexual minorities has not necessarily diffused into effective accommodation locally, although we also find grounds for optimism.
JEL Classification: J15, J16, J50, J52, J70
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation