The Alberta Labour History Institute’s webinar “Precarious Workers: Exploitation and Fightback” on February 23rd, 2026 had a large audience of people representing a variety of work and locations. The webinar was intended to shine a spotlight on the ever-expanding number of precarious workers – workers whose jobs are insecure and unstable “gigs.” Almost invisible in labour law, these workers lack basic social protections and pathways to stable, secure lives. How can we organize to ensure that all working people lead lives of dignity and security?
Our speakers were:
Jason Foster, Labour relations professor, Athabasca University, author of Gigs, Hustles and Temps, Director of Parkland Institute
Linda Mariani, Executive advisor to president of UFCW Local 401, and Northern Director
Gerry Potter, Red Heeler Productions, filmmaker, film and theatre director, and long-time precarious professor in Alberta universities
Glynnis Lieb, Recording secretary, CUPE 3911; Executive Director, Fyrefly Institute for Sexual and Gender Diversity, University of Alberta; Chair of the International Advisory Committee of the Coalition of Contingent Academic Labor (COCAL)