Rarely in mainstream media do you get much coverage about the working class, and even less frequently does it come from the point of view of women, which is why Our Times’ annual Women’s Issue is such a welcome publication. As the economy changes from a resource industry to a service-sector industry, so too does the face of unions. Women, ethnic minorities, and young workers are joining the ranks of blue-collar male breadwinners as union members. Highlights of the issue are coverage on the World Women’s March and an interview with HERE local 75 (Hotel Employees & Restaurant Employees) members which explores their struggles as women and ethnic minorities with their employer (I’ve met the members of this local and they’re an inspirational bunch on the picket line). There is some so-so workplace poetry and a few humorous articles such as “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned at the Laundromat.” A good springboard for anyone wanting to know about the labour movement within Canada from the point of view of women. (PC)
Magazine, Vol. 19, No.1 &2, 44pgs, $4.75, 6 for $25, 12 for $44, Suite 201A-1209 King St.W, Toronto, On, M6K 1G2, [email protected], www.ourtimes.web.net