Strategic Research

Having credible information is key to strategic success. There are numerous sources for solid research to back up or evaluate bargaining positions, case law, human rights questions and a range of other topics. 

Learning what resources are available, either free or fee based, and invaluable search functions and tools, are important to building your case.

Policy Resource and Labour Trends 

Worker Institute Blog. The Worker Institute at Cornell University brings together researchers, educators and students with practitioners in labor, business and policymaking to address issues related to confronting systemic inequality and building a fair economy, robust democracy and just society. They will share opinion, analysis, research, data, insights and training from our faculty and staff on a wide range of research topics. 

Columbia Institute. This organization is an independent public policy think tank based in British Columbia. Their mission is to foster and support leadership for inclusive, equitable, and sustainable communities across Canada. Some of their projects and initiatives lead them to partner with researchers, policy experts, and organizations to pursue research on the issues shaping our communities, including labour issues. 

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – Labour Matters. Labour Matters is a product of the Trade Union Research Collective. The Collective’s goal is to promote greater understanding of the positive role unions play in the workplace, in the labour market, in the community, and in wider society. This page is intended as a resource for those interested in fair labour practices and progressive public services, the rights of unionized and non-unionized workers, the role of unions, and more.

Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives – BC Office. The CCPA’s BC Office investigates key challenges facing our province through independent research, analysis and expertise. They propose real, workable solutions, and share our findings as widely as possible to advance social, economic and environmental justice. Recent research topics are in regards to paid sick days for workers and inequality in employment highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Centre for Future Work. The Centre is a unique centre of excellence on the full range of economic issues facing working people: including the future of jobs, wages and income distribution, skills and training, sector and industry policies, globalization, the role of government, public services, and more. The Centre also develops timely and practical policy proposals to help make the world of work better for working people and their families. Easily accessible research topics include wage growth, post-pandemic inflation, corporate power, technology and work, income insecurity, worker productivity and so much more.

Canadian Industrial Relations Association (CIRA). A diverse network of people from across Canada and around the world interested in promoting research, discussion and education in the field of work, labour, employment and industrial relations. CIRA sponsors conferences, encourages high quality research and practice, and fosters the building of relationships between members. 

Videos About Work

(VIDEO) The Future of Work and the Employment-Productivity Debate. This video discusses the ongoing debate over the “future of work.” Has the IT revolution advanced to the point that its productivity gains will be creating large scale unemployment?

(VIDEO) Changing Work, for Good, After COVID with Jim Stanford. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in an unprecedented economic catastrophe: entire sections of the economy were deliberately shut down to protect health, and unemployment soared to Depression-like levels. Recovering from this catastrophe will require years of economic and social rebuilding, that must inevitably be led by government: with its unmatched financial resources, planning capacity, and regulatory and social authority.

(VIDEO) Strengthening Workers’ Voice in the Future of Work with Jim Stanford. Providing workers with regular, safe channels of “voice” increases their personal motivation and job satisfaction. It benefits their employer, too, through reduced turnover, enhanced productivity, and better information flows. And it contributes to a range of positive economic and social outcomes: from stronger productivity growth, to less inequality, to improved health.

Case Law

British Columbia Labour Relations Board (BCLRB). Search Labour Relations Board decisions from January 1, 1990. You can search by year, decision number, or involved party.

  • Arbitration decisions are not posted on the Labour Relations Board’s website. Find out how to obtain a copy of the decision on this page, under section “Looking for Arbitration Decision?”

CanLII. The CanLII.org website provides access to court judgments from all Canadian courts, and has judgements on labour & employment related issues.