ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the changing nature of the apparel industry in Canada. It outlines the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU), homeworking campaign in Ontario and the resulting organizing efforts among the home-workers themselves. The effort is sponsored by the Ontario region of the ILGWU an international union that is particularly strong in New York. Community unionism may be the answer to some of labor's problems. It expands on social unionism by advocating that unions become integrally involved within their communities and form coalitions. As the power of capital consolidates, it becomes even more important for unions to expand beyond their traditional base. Homeworkers' Association (HWA) and the ILGWU Ontario region will continue the work described in this chapter. Canada is a relatively high-wage country, with a strong social safety net in comparison to its major southerly neighbor, the United States. Homeworking is probably the most dramatic example of a precarious, or nonstandard, job.
