Health and Safety in Canada - Cathy Walker

As a contribution to the development of workers participation in their own health and safety systems, the CTU conference 2003 hosted the Canadian Auto Workers National health and safety organiser Cathy Walker.

In any country, health and safety is an important issue for workers. This paper attempts to give an overview of the Canadian approach to organizing around health and safety and how it helps to build the union movement. The arguments which show unionized workers are safer workplaces are set out. A few CAW health and safety successes are described, including gains through collective bargaining. And the important role of the union health and safety representative is stressed.
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