In the Canadian system, the private sector controls all aspects of prescription medication with profit for shareholders driving the industry. As such, it is not surprising when companies exploit their monopoly for huge profits. Recent events show just how ridiculous this system is.
The magnitude of the Volkswagen scandal can be boiled down to this: Volkswagen consciously installed software in some of its diesel-fuled models that would ensure cars would pass regulatory CO2 emissions standards, but only in the event of a test.
Labour law reform discussions continue about how to help build workplace representation for the newly identified 'precariat' – the social class of precarious workers. During these discussions, it is important for socialists to examine the structural reforms needed within unions to prioritize organizing this group.
In Canada, there is a two step process for most workers to form a union. There is a card signing process which acts as a poll asking workers if they want democracy in their workplace. Then, if enough of them do, there is a vote asking those same workers if they want workplace democracy through a union.
This week focuses on organizing the precariat, what we need for labour law reform, a new argument for card check, a win against privatization, prescription drugs, VW scandal and UAW victories in the South.
In this week's edition, part two of our back-to-school special on privatization 'Losing control of the university: Corporatization'. Also, a call for a thorough reflection when reforming labour law; misogyny surfaces as students return to campuses countrywide; open source program takes on the most proprietary system known; and we ask if a leadership change bring change in broader values.
Three things need to be remembered when discussing organizing precarious workers and the labour law reforms needed to support that organizing.
Turning public services into things that can be bought and sold has been one of the most defining and also destructive processes of neoliberalism.
Once a university is run as a private corporation, the other processes of privatisation are easier to implement. The resulting silos compartmentalise research, teaching and knowledge transfer from the university's broader social missions. This undermines the delicate ecosystem that allows for knowledge generation. This is why the struggle to sustain and rebuild a functional university system must always include the struggle against corporate restructuring.
Once a university is run as a private corporation, the other processes of privatisation are easier to implement. The resulting silos compartmentalise research, teaching and knowledge transfer from the university's broader social missions. This undermines the delicate ecosystem that allows for knowledge generation. This is why the struggle to sustain and rebuild a functional university system must always include the struggle against corporate restructuring.
