These Were The Reasons, Teaching Materials
The material begins by establishing the fundamental question of why unions are needed, using interviews with contemporary individuals and historical oral accounts to introduce the idea of collective action. It then delves into the harsh realities faced by early workers in BC without union representation, highlighting dangers such as child labour, mining disasters, and widespread workplace hazards. This sets the stage for understanding the initial motivations for workers to organize.
These teaching materials accompany a video “These Were the Reasons: Stories of Union Organizing in British Columbia” (2011).
The narrative progresses through significant historical struggles, bringing them to life through firsthand stories, archival materials, and songs. Key historical events explored include:
- The Vancouver Island Coal Strike of 1912-1914
- The story of Ginger Goodwin
- The role of police and militia in strike-breaking
- The On-to-Ottawa Trek of 1935
- The BC Lumber Workers’ Story
- Women’s struggles for equity
- Public sector battles against government policy
The material emphasizes the broader societal role of unions beyond workplace issues. It illustrates how the labour movement has actively engaged in social change by forging solidarity with faith groups, peace activists, and other community organizations to advocate for causes like peace, healthcare, and Indigenous rights.
The concluding chapter reiterates the enduring relevance of unions by highlighting ongoing challenges faced by various worker groups in BC today, ultimately seeking to solidify the viewer’s understanding of why unions continue to be necessary and what they achieve for workers and society as a whole.