David Thompson B.A., M.B.A. (candidate)

June 2010

Sault Ste. Marie & District Labour Council• “Voice of Organized

Labour” To celebrate the

contribution of organized labour

1. What is the nature and extent of trade unions’ contribution to the social economy in Sault Ste. Marie?

2. Were these efforts expended to meet community needs, or have they been instrumental in changing the lives of trade unionists and transforming the community?

3. Did the movement leaders have a vision for transformation, or were they simply responding to trade union members’ directions?

CED & social economy• gap filling or transformation?

Union membership• stagnant – decline in industrial sectors

Labour and social economy• Mutual associations of common bonds that

work together to achieve common goals Community / social unionism

• Capacity building and empowermentLoxley (2007); Kumar (2008); Quarter, Mook, and Armstrong (2009); Cranford & Ladd (2003)

Democratic decision-making & advocacy

Building social assets Skills development Building community

capacity Creation of equity and

debt capital for community investment

Opened in 1963 Founded by Locals

2251, 4509, and 5595. Convinced 5,000

members to construct the Centre - raising $675,000

Extended services to the greater community

Training in period of restructuring• Worked with public/private

sector to develop retraining program

Spillover to community• Members brought skills out to

the community Empowerment and

leadership

“The fact that they’re capable of sitting on boards is due in large part to the training that the union has provided to them.”

Desjardins (2009)

Partnership with United Way of SSM to reduce & eliminate poverty

Formed Algoma Community Legal Clinic • Free law services to people with

low incomes Community Services

Committee• Respond to community needs;

fundraising; and build the capacity of community organizations

Credit unions Two credit unions created by labour Model brought from Quebec in the

1950s Expanded to serve Northern Ontario

Northern Credit Union

Groundbreaking

Worker ownership Largest worker buyout in North

America 7,500 workers forfeited wages and

security to maintain their future

“…where there’s a need, the union comes forth and makes sure that need is fulfilled…I think that as long as there is a union, as long as we survive, we will ensure that we meet the needs that we see out there, whether it is a Hospice, Group Health Center, or Community Credit Union” (Pettalia, 2009)

Addressing community needs is priority Strategies on multiple scales with

community partners to assess needs Education and leaders are necessary for

success of current and future projects• Aging leadership; education is needed for the

next generation. Transformation through education,

action, and critical analysis.

“There is just so much more that needs to be accomplished, and I, I really want to be a part of making this community a better place, whether it’s through the Group Health Centre or just by being a citizen that’s there, ready to volunteer when needed. My life took a turn somewhere, and it’s because of my experience with the Steelworkers and my education along the way” (Tom Bonnell, 2009).

David.Thompson@algomau.caNORDIK InstituteSault Ste. Marie, ON