In the 1990s, austerity measures in Ontario provoked a series of strikes and demonstrations known as the Days of Action. Uniting labour and social movements, the Days of Action represent historic, dynamic collective actions by workers and organizers from across Ontario.

Photographer Vincenzo Pietropaolo captured the events in several different cities. Join us as he presents a selection of labour images from his from his current book Toronto as Community Fifty Years of Photographs and considers his role in witnessing and framing these events.

Reflecting on their experiences a part of the Days of Action and ongoing mobilizations, JP Hornick (OPSEU), Carolyn Egan (Steelworkers’ Toronto Area Council), and Chris Wilson (Public Service Alliance of Canada) discuss what has changed, what has stayed the same, and how to organize broad involvement across workplaces and communities. 

Moderated by freelance journalist, Kevin Taghabon.

Refreshments provided! All Mayworks Festival events are free of charge.  

Carolyn Egan is president of the United Steelworker Toronto Area Council and United Steelworkers local 8300. She is also active in the women’s and reproductive justice movements, co-chair of the Greater Toronto Health Coalition and Good Jobs for All. She came out of her workplace and was an organizer for the days of action.

Christopher Wilson (he/him) is the 1st Vice-President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada Chapter and Director, Regional Offices Branch of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. Christopher is a lawyer, community activist and labour representative with over 20 years experience advocating for workers in their workplaces and communities. Christopher represented the Office & Professional Employees International Union during OFL planning meetings for the Days of Action as a young worker.

JP Hornick (she/they) is the President of OPSEU/SEFPO, Ontario’s largest labour union, representing more than 180,000 members across the province. OPSEU/SEFPO members work for the Ontario government, inside community colleges, for the LCBO, in the health care sector, and they are employed in a wide range of community agencies within the broader public sector. Hornick is a long-time labour activist and believes the power of the labour movement is in working with social justice movements for deep change. That’s when we are at our most powerful – when we are part of a bigger struggle for justice. Hornick’s organizing and activism centers in anti-racism and anti-oppression frameworks, and is rooted in a deep belief that we cannot build a successful social movement without challenging our own perspectives and privilege.

Mixing his photographs and original writing, Vincenzo Pietropaolo has distinguished himself as a photographic bookmaker. He has produced extensive photo essays on workers across Canada, seasonal migrant farm workers from Mexico, and the Caribbean, cities in Italy, religious ritual, architecture, historical preservation, and a variety of social justice issues such as refugees, disadvantaged youth, and people with disabilities. He is particularly interested in cities, and has spent considerable time documenting street life and architecture in Toronto, New York City, Havana, Mexico City, and several cities in Italy. In a major feature of his work, Canadian Geographic Magazine called him “one of Canada’s pre-eminent documentary photographers”. His work has been featured in about 100 solo and group exhibitions, across North America, South America, and Europe.

Kevin Taghabon is a journalist, co-founder of The Hoser and contributing editor at The Grind. His work focuses mainly on issues of labour, police violence, and housing. He is a strong proponent of the creation of a working class press and strengthening the connections across alternative media across in Canada. Taghabon’s podcast Short Circuit with Shannon Carranco is part of the Harbinger Media Network. He is also a frontline service worker and union member.

Photograph by ©Vincenzo Pietropaolo