From Consent to Coercion: The Continuing Assault on Labour, Fourth Edition, by Bryan Evans, Carlo Fanelli, Leo Panitch and Donald Swartz provides a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the significant transformations in Canadian labour relations over the last few decades. They argue that there has been a marked shift from the post-Second World War era of more consensual labour relations to an era increasingly defined by coercion. This coercive relationship whereby the state, in alignment with corporate interests, has systematically undermined workers’ rights and weakened labour unions—what they call permanent exceptionalism.

Since the first edition of 1985, the once controversial argument that “free” collective bargaining was in decline has been repeated in the fourth edition, which provides another two decades of evidence of the creeping of “authoritarian neoliberalism.” The authors published this book to offer a comprehensive and critical analysis of Canada’s evolving labour relations landscape, a topic more relevant than ever in today’s socio-political climate. Their work challenges the prevailing neoliberal orthodoxy in the current context of global economic uncertainty and shifting political landscapes. It offers an alternative perspective that foregrounds the state’s role in facilitating the assault on labour. The book is essential for scholars and practitioners in labour studies and political economy, as well as policy makers and activists concerned with workers’ rights.

One of the book’s primary strengths is its thorough and detailed examination of the legislative and judicial mechanisms used to weaken labour rights in Canada. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the key legal and policy changes that have facilitated this process, making the book an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the complexities of labour law and industrial relations. The book merges a critique of the labour movement and Canadian political dynamics with bold policy recommendations for transformative change. This explicitly political approach strengthens the book, making it more compelling than a neutral, apolitical discussion of back-to-work legislation, Supreme Court decisions and International Labour Organization (ILO) complaints.

The authors illustrate how the significant rise in Canadian back-to-work orders, exclusions and alterations in bargaining units correlated with increased complaints against Canada filed with the ILO’s Committee on Freedom of Association. During the previous quarter-century periods, cases against Canada comprised less than 5% of all complaints lodged against Group of Seven (G7) industrialized nations up to 1975 (only 4 out of 123 total). However, from 1975 to 2001, Canada was the subject of over 40% of such cases (62 out of 142), and from 1992 to 2001, the figure soared to an alarming 83% (35 out of 42 cases against G7 countries). Despite the ILO committee frequently finding Canada guilty of violating workers’ rights, its rulings had no impact, as the ILO functions as an oversight body rather than an enforcement authority, and Canadian governments opted to disregard its findings and recommendations. Evans et al. also present a persuasive analysis of key Canadian Supreme Court rulings that have curtailed the scope of freedom of association. The Court determined that, while the formation of unions is protected as a fundamental right under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, the rights to collective bargaining and striking are not considered essential and can, therefore, be limited or outright banned by the government.

From Consent to Coercion functions as two distinct works within a single volume: Firstly, it provides a thorough examination of the rights violations experienced by public sector workers; secondly, it expands from this focus to offer a broader Marxist critique of the Canadian labour movement and the country’s political landscape, coupled with bold recommendations for systemic change. This unique structure allows readers who desire to examine specific issues while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the Canadian labour landscape. Though it offers a robust and insightful critique of Canada’s labour relations, it has limitations. It presents a dreary picture of the future of labour rights and unionism in Canada. Including more times when the labour movement has been successful could highlight the potential for labour movements to rebuild and strengthen their position, even in a hostile environment.

In conclusion, From Consent to Coercion: The Continuing Assault on Labour, Fourth Edition, is a timely and essential contribution to labour studies. Its thorough analysis, interdisciplinary approach and critical perspective make it a necessary resource for anyone interested in the future of work and workers’ rights in Canada and beyond. While the book has some limitations, it remains a valuable and thought-provoking work that deserves to be widely read and discussed by scholars, practitioners and policy makers alike.