On the Line: A History of the British Columbia Labour Movement

Journalist Mickleburgh (The Art of the Impossible: Dave Barrett and the NDP in Power, 1972–1975) brings to life British Columbia’s long, rough-and-tumble history of labor disputes with a beautifully illustrated chronology detailing the sacrifices and picket line struggles of a broad range of workers. Colorful characters—such as working-class agitator and longtime legislator Tom Uphill (who promoted beer as a worker’s right), indomitable workplace compensation advocate Bea Zucco, and pioneering feminist carpenter Kate Braid—are profiled alongside tales of high drama. Stories of strikes, from the 1918 Vancouver general strike and the 1940s dockyard brinkmanship of the Canadian Seaman’s Union to the provincial teachers’ illegal 2005 walkout, showcase the various tactical decisions, the white-knuckle negotiations, and the losses of life and liberty that defended jobs in perilous times. Mickleburgh pays particular attention to the oft-neglected roles of women, indigenous people, and immigrant laborers. Although he writes from a pro-labor perspective, he pulls no punches in detailing unsavory parts of the movement’s history, including racism and the Cold War–era purging of progressive union members. Bolstered by a crisp and accessible style, this history will appeal to union partisans and anyone who enjoys a good history filled with fascinating anecdotes and memorable characters. Photos. [em](Sept.) [/em]