Respect and Solidarity

Transit Workers, Dignity, and the Politics of Privatization

Toronto’s transit workers are just the latest victim. Last year autoworkers bore the brunt of media ridicule and contempt. Then municipal workers – specifically those who collect our garbage – felt the rage whipped up daily by columnists and talk radio hosts. At one time it was teachers, the favourite target of the common sense revolution. Even nurses were belittled and told they were disposable, just like the skilled trades during a construction downturn.