CP followup: A worker's point of view

As is typical of the traditional corporate media, the experience of workers is often lacking in the reporting of economic and employment-related stories. If there is any mention of the worker's point of view, the story is often painted in such a way as to avoid reader sympathy. In the case of the recent lockout of CP workers, as I covered yesterday, you might hear about their relatively high wages, for example. What you won't hear is everything those workers have had to sacrifice to win those wages.

Sticking to the topic of wages, we all should know by now that money doesn't buy happiness. Employers will often remind their workers that their wage or salary isn't everything that a job has to offer. I have often been given that line myself at salary review time. If employers want to add nuance to what contributes to the quality of working conditions, even if done cynically, then so should the media.

These discrepancies in the media highlights the importance of seeking news sources outside your typical repertoire. To think critically is to consider all sides of a story in order to have the fullest understanding of a topic. The lockout of CP workers could and likely will be a major news story due to its effect on an already-constrained supply chain. To have a full understanding of this developing story, please do yourself a favour and read this piece about one worker's experience: Canadian CP Rail worker speaks out against brutal working conditions.