Upfront and Direct
Connexions Archive and Library
Top row, left to right:
Solidarity of Labour – Promotes international worker solidarity demonstrated by the racial diversity of the workers pictured on the T-shirt as well as the symbolic gesture of holding hands around the globe. The image was created by Walter Crane to celebrate May Day (1 May, 1889). The text on the T-shirt reads “Solidarity of Labour”.
Don’t Lose the Right to Choose – Refers to the right to choose a safe abortion and other reproductive control methods for Canadian women. The text on the T-shirt reads “Don’t lose the Right to Choose!”
Organising Defending CUPE 1281 – Canadian Union of Public Employees loc 1281 was formed in 1974 and represents the employees of the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson) student union. The text on the T-shirt reads “Organizing small workplaces across Ontario defending rights of workers and equality”.
Save the River – Supports a cross-border citizen movement to protect the St. Lawrence River. The image accompanying the slogan shows a heron in flight. The text on the T-shirt reads “Save the River”.
Bottom row, left to right:
I’m a Marxist – Humorous juxtaposition of Karl Marx with three of the Marx Brothers comedy group. The text on the T-shirt reads “Sure, I’m a Marxist”.
Free Nelson Mandela – Illustrates the transnational reach of the anti-apartheid movement, and international support for Nelson Mandela during the time he was in prison. The text on the T-shirt reads “Free Nelson Mandela”.
Troublemakers’ Union – Created by Labor Notes, a collective of unions and other labour organizations that aims to educate workers and union members on how to fight for their rights. The text reads “Troublemaker Union. Unite and Fight for our Rights!”
Pride ’95 – Promotes the Pride movement in 1995, a milestone year as members from the Gay and Lesbian communities were able to take their case to qualify for spousal support to the Supreme Court, resulting in the inclusion of sexual orientation in Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The text reads “Pride ’95”.