MORTAR VOLUME 1
Mortar is the theoretical journal of Common Cause. It is a project of collective writing aimed at producing original contributions to anarchist theory and furthering our members' political development.
Working at Artistry Bakery and Cafe - Madaline Dreyfus
Submitted by Recomposition on Apr 13 2013 21:02
In this article, Madaline tells the story of how she fell into organizing and the IWW – pushed both by terrible bosses and by amazing solidarity among her coworkers.
Immigration, class composition, and the crisis of the labor market in Canada - Bruno Ramirez
1977 text by Bruno Ramirez about class composition and migration to Canada, which was due to be published in Zerowork 3.
The Industrial Workers of the World and the unemployed In Edmonton and Calgary in the Depression of 1913-1915
Submitted by wojtek on Mar 11 2013 12:55
A paper by David Schultz studying the IWW's efforts to organize the unemployed of Edmonton and Calgary during the economic depression of 1913-15: most were transient, unskilled workers, and many had just arrived from railway construction camps in the interior where the IWW had led massive strikes.
Beyond the martyr complex: confessions of a “pink collar” militant
Submitted by Recomposition on Mar 7 2013 01:24
Dave Stannton's account of his experiences as a “pink collar” militant working at an immigrant-serving non-profit organized by a large public-sector union in Northern Alberta.
The history of the Quebec student movement and combative unionism
Submitted by wojtek on Dec 8 2012 23:39
An article by Jerome Raza on the history of student syndicalism in Quebec and the conditions which gave rise to Classé.
Ann Hansen's statement on her recent arrest, imprisonment and release
Submitted by working class s... on Nov 17 2012 14:21
Ann Hansen is a former member of Direct Action, an underground anarchist group active in the 1980s, who presently lives as a writer, farmer and public speaker in the Kingston area. On August 3, 2012, Ann was arrested and had her parole suspended for ‘unauthorized associations and political activity’ in the context of growing anti-prison organizing in Kingston, Canada’s prison capital. Ann, with the advice of her lawyer, chose to not publicize her arrest until after her parole hearing. On October 30, the Parole Board canceled her parole suspension and released her on stricter conditions. This is her first public statement regarding her arrest and imprisonment.
2012 Work People's College report back
The following is a report back from the 2012 Work People's College by two Wobblies from Vancouver.
Quebec student strike - important victory, however partial it may be
Submitted by rooieravotr on Sep 27 2012 13:21
In Quebec, Canada, an impressive student struggle, connected to protests against attacks on civil liberties has ended in a partial, but nevertheless important, victory. There is reason to learn lessons, but also to celebrate and to be inspired. Let's shout it from the rooftops, as a sign of more to come.
Fragility & Heartbreak, Michigan, Night 26
Submitted by Cindy Milstein on Sep 12 2012 02:06
I keep meaning to write something about the abrupt halt to my "Dispatches from Maple Spring" posts -- written during the best summer of my life in the rebellious, romantic city of Montreal. In fact, I have two unfinished stories languishing in my Wordpress box and several pieces I've been meaning to write. Hopefully I'll have the energy, focus, and stomach for writing again soon about the Quebec student strike and other related politics, but also, first, about the surreal turn in my own life.
Can comment on articles and discussions