The Institute of Political Economy is organizing a Spring Seminar Series to highlight some key issues being discussed in our Work and Labour program.

Seminar 1: Gig Economy (May 11, 2022)
Seminar 2: Waitressing  (May 24, 2022)

Seminar One: Gig Economy

Our first seminar will look at the Gig Economy. This seminar took place on May 11, 2022 via zoom.

Panellists will review and evaluate the ongoing organizing efforts in Ontario to gain employment rights, how the Ford government is threatening those rights and what we can do to support the Gig Workers Bill of Rights.


Kevin Matthews – Moderator
Graduate Diploma in Work and Labour Student
Specialist, Canadian Union of Postal Workers & Work and Labour program


Zoë Abernethy – Panelist
MA Student in Political Economy with Concentration in Work and Labour

Jennifer Scott – Panelist
Gig Worker & President, Gig Workers United

Did you miss our Gig Worker Seminar? You can now watch it here:

Seminar Two: Waitressing 


Our second seminar will look at Taylor Maudlin’s research on why sexual harassment is so prevalent for female wait staff. Kaitlin Matulewicz and Andria Babbington will share their strategies for resistance as workers and organizers trying to counter sexualized violence and precarity in the service industry.

Ania Zbyszewska – Moderator
Assistant Professor, Department of Law and Legal Studies

Taylor Maudlin  – Panelist
MA Student in Women’s and Gender Studies with Graduate Diploma in Work and Labour

Kaitlyn Matulewicz – Panelist
Executive Director, Workers Solidarity Network

Andria Babbington – Panelist
President, Torontoand York Region Labour Council for UNITE-HERE

Did you miss our Waitressing  Seminar? You can now watch it here: