Media Advisory - Toronto conference to look at freelancing, internships and improving working conditions

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2012 /CNW/ - Canada's cultural sector is booming, yet employment in the related industries is increasingly precarious. From free work to unpaid internships, low wages and legislative loopholes, cultural workers are at the mercy of industries that too often take advantage of their dreams and aspirations.

The Centre for Labour Management Relations at Ryerson University is taking a look at the growing problem of precarious work in Canada's cultural sector at a free, one-day conference titled Will Work For Exposure: Cultural Work in Precarious Times. The Canadian Media Guild is a sponsor of the event.

When:

Friday, October 19, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EDT)

Where:

Cara Commons, 7th Floor, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University
55 Dundas St. W, Toronto, Ontario

Keynote speakers:

Andrew Ross, author (Bird On Fire: Lessons from the World's Least Sustainable City; Nice Work if You Can Get It: Life and Labor in Precarious Times) and Professor of Social and Cultural Analysis, New York University.

Andrew Cash, MP for Davenport in Toronto, and a musician who has a vast experience with precarious work.

Quote:

"We are bringing together people who work in the cultural industries or are looking for work in the sector, including freelance journalists, writers, actors, artists, and others, with researchers, lawyers, community organizers and unions, so that they can share information and strategies for navigating precarious employment and improving working conditions."

Nicole Cohen, researcher and conference organizer

Hashtag: #willwork4exposure

To register: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4392329576/eivtefrnd

SOURCE: Canadian Media Guild

Jeanne d'Arc Umurungi ([email protected]), 416-708-4628

Karen Wirsig ([email protected]), 416-591-5333