Powering the Labour Movement since 1987

A project of the Toronto & York Region Labour Council in partnership with George Brown College.

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Equity

• Research project “Integrating Equity, Addressing Barriers: Innovative Learning Practices by Unions.” 35 “sketches” demonstrate how unions at various levels address issues of equity in and through their educational programs (project partner: Centre for the Study of Education and Work, OISE/UT; funded by the Work and Learning Knowledge Centre)
• Working with various affiliates on their equity education programs and workshops: training anti-racist facilitators, building equity caucuses, developing equity programs (for example, with CUPE, ONA, OPSEU, PSAC)
• CLC Ontario Solidarity School: training of leaders of colour (March 2007)

Literacy and education for labour and communities

• Building a network of labour educators as a vehicle for mutual support and development, sharing of resources and joint efforts
• In collaboration with the OFL and CLC Ontario Labour Adjustment Working Group, LEC will help with capacity building efforts to strengthen affiliates’ capacity to respond more strategically to closures and layoffs (proposed)
• Working with the Toronto Community Housing Corporation training department to build organizational capacity based on the principles and practice of popular education
• Exploring funding to support labour-community coalitions through an action research program, involving community groups and workers’ action centres
• Worked with USW to develop a literacy and clear language guide for activists

Education on the global economy

• Conducted three-day leadership development session for Cambodia’s Union Leadership Institute, attended by a cross section of Cambodian labour leaders
• Will pursue collaboration with affiliates on developing “economic literacy” and anti-globalization workshops
• Working with two networks involving labour, community-based and other social justice groups from the US, Canada and Mexico to strengthen cross-border efforts

The Labour Education Centre is a member of the CLC Literacy Working Group, CLC Education Committee, and OFL-CLC Ontario Labour Adjustment Working Group. We are a member of the Metro Toronto Movement for Literacy and Ontario Literacy Coalition. The Centre is affiliated with George Brown Community College. LEC represents Labour Council on the Toronto Training Board and the Toronto District School Board Equity Advisory Committee.