Dear rabble reader – Happy May Day!
This May Day, we want to give a big shout-out and send our support to all the labour activists and allies who are hitting the streets to say that living wages, a vibrant and growing union environment, union organizing, safe and decent work conditions, and sustained public services are essential to a democratic and just society. As JS Woodworth said “what we desire for ourselves, we desire for all” – a historic saying that many in the labour movement have adopted.
At rabble, we don’t see May Day as just a single day to show solidarity with workers and labour rights. We see May 1st more as a historic day reflecting the coverage we provide 365 days a year. More than that, we connect critical labour issues to climate justice, Land Back justice, and to ending oppression and colonization: rabble’s coverage amplifies new voices, new movements, and a way forward for our common future.
Our journalism is informed by the belief that change is possible
Here at rabble, we believe that progressive and radical people from every walk of life lead that change. We believe that rabble, and what we do everyday as independent progressive media, is a catalyst for connecting people, ideas and possibilities.
These past few weeks, our labour reporter Gabriela Calugay-Casuga, editor Nick Seebruch, and columnists including Tom Sandborn and Judy Rebick, have focused their attention on pivotal labour issues, including the historic PSAC strike – including today’s news of a tentative agreement with the Treasury Board, that includes historic protections for remote work, while CRA workers continue to take labour action.
Watch for more coverage of the PSAC and other labour actions in our upcoming monthly live politics panel, Off the Hill, co-hosted by Libby Davies and Robin Browne – where you can be part of the live audience. Follow labour coverage on our podcasts, including our special collaborations with Radio Labour and Courage My Friends, and in our flagship podcast, rabble radio (which you can find on Apple, Spotify – as well as on thirteen community radio stations across the country).
Our journalism depends on the support from readers like you
The sad story is that fewer and fewer media platforms pay attention to labour issues. While rabble re-introduced the role of labour reporter to the Canadian media landscape in 2012, other media too often continue to see labour as a special interest. Where others present labour rights as an irritant that warrants negative attention because “they” ask for too much, we seek answers of how to make workplaces more equitable. We continue to expose the obscene payments corporate leaders receive while our governments appear to be captured by corporate interests. Mainstream media glosses over the risks faced by workers identified as “precarious workers,” while we focus on what workers put on the line.
The financial support from our readers — big and small donations — will help rabble grow into its 23rd year. It’s sometimes hard to believe we made it this far, (it’s a long time in the independent media world!) but rabble stands strong because many, many people over the years have cared and shown their support for the work and coverage that rabble is known for.
We’re not about to stop. In fact, we aim to expand the important work we do, including growing our staff writing capacity to cover national labour issues, as it intersects with other key movements and people.
In closing, we say: here’s to solidarity on May Day. Here’s to solidarity for the many diverse voices and courageous actions that make a difference every day.
In solidarity,
Kim Elliott Support rabble today!
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Nick Seebruch, editor
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