This looks like a worthwhile conference on a critical issue.

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3rd Community Movements Conference:
Just Work!? Vulnerabilities in the Global Workforce
Trent University, Peterborough February 5-7th, 2010

Conference Theme and Objectives

The Trent University Student Association in International Development (SAID) invites you to participate in our 3rd annual Community Movements Conference. The conference is a three-day event-taking place in Peterborough on February 5-7th, 2010.

This year’s theme is Just Work!? Vulnerabilities in the Global Workforce. Today’s global workforce seems to be faced with two conflicting objectives: the first is the imperative to “just work” under new forms of injustice and increasingly exploitative conditions; the second has emerged out of the struggle and demand for work that is just. This year’s Community Movements Conference will focus on exploring these two contrasting dimensions at the local and global level.

There are three major objectives for this event:
1. To critically reflect upon the origins of, and solutions to, labour problems within the global workforce;
2. To strengthen linkages between individuals, organizations and
movements working in the area of labour rights and justice;
3. To build capacity through networking and skill sharing.

This conference will provide an important opportunity for networking, skill sharing, and fostering linkages between international, national, and local movements. This is an inclusive space where participants can actively engage with one another on matters of common concern in the struggle for labour justice.

Call for Proposals

We are currently seeking proposals for presentations and workshops for this year’s conference, from students, social activists, organizers, academics and any persons concerned with labour justice at the local or global level to submit a proposal for presentations or workshops at this year’s Community Movements Conference at Trent University.

You are invited to submit a proposal on any of the following themes:

(1) The Changing Face of Labour
a. “Race to the Bottom” (implications of international competition for foreign direct investment)
b. Migrant and “Floating” labour
c. Informal labour (strengths and weaknesses of the informal economy, prospects for organizing and provision of social protection to informal sector workers)
d. Gendered dimensions of labour

(2) Demand for Just Labour
a. Unions and labour organizing
b. Social movements
Labour rights and legislation

Presentations may be research and/or experience-based and creative formats are welcome. Workshops may provide opportunities to build skills, share strategies, dialogue and learn from one another. Each session will be held in an intimate setting lasting approximately
40-50 minutes, including time for questions. Please also indicate on your application if you are willing to be on a panel discussion.

If you are interested in submitting a proposal, please complete the following form and return it electronically to communitymovements2010@gmail.com (subject Speakers Committee) by December 14 2009.