-
Finance, Pensions, and the Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels
The Ontario Federation of Labour recently hosted Labour Confronts the Climate Crisis, a conference on the role of trade unions in fighting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, achieve a fair transition for workers in fossil fuel industries, and encourage the expansion of sustainable industries such as renewable energy, electric vehicles, and public transit. Speakers included Noam Chomsky, Eriel Tchekwie Deranger, Adrienne Buller, Seth Klein, and Simon Donner. As part of the conference, Centre for Future Work Director Jim Stanford gave a keynote presentation on the economics of energy transition, and the role of pension funds in supporting stronger climate policies and investments in sustainable industries. Here is a video of…
-
10 Paid Sick Days Would Have Little Impact on Business Costs
A proposed 10-day paid sick leave policy in B.C. will increase overall business costs by just one-fifth of one percent. That’s the finding of new research from the Centre for Future Work. The new report, by Centre Director Jim Stanford, calculates the impact of the proposed policy on sick leave entitlements, absences, replacement staff costs, and bottom-line business expenses. The ultimate impact of paid sick days is estimated at just 0.21% of existing business expenses, and will have no measurable impact on overall competitiveness or profitability. The findings discredit claims by some business lobbyists that 10 days of paid sick leave would cause widespread bankruptcies and job loss. Moreover, these…
-
Ideas Into Motion: Progressive Economics and Social Change Movements
Our research at the Centre for Future Work is motivated by a deep commitment to improving the jobs, working conditions, and living standards of working people in Canada and around the world. We combine our knowledge of economics, our quantitative and qualitative research, and our connections with trade unionists and social movements to develop arguments and evidence that supports campaigns for decent work, stronger communities, and sustainability. Our Director, Dr. Jim Stanford, was recently asked to contribute his ideas on the links between progressive economics and real-world social change movements for a forthcoming collection: The Handbook of Alternative Theories of Political Economy, edited by Frank Stilwell, Tim Thornton, and David…