Job precarity is a reality for many not-for-profit (NFP) sector employees. About 28 per cent of people employed by Ontario non-profits work part-time, 6 per cent work full-time but on time-limited contract, and another 13 per cent are employed part-time and on contract. Evidence suggests that job insecurity, lack of access to benefits and retirement income, and underinvestment in training and development are ongoing issues in the sector — employees feel passionate about their mission, but there are many symptoms of distress.
However, the sector itself — often associated with passionate advocacy dedicated to protecting and advancing the interests of vulnerable people — can play a leading role in providing jobs that work better for people.
Decent work is a lens for conceptualizing the possibilities presented by fair, equitable, and stable work. It offers an opportunity to ensure that the passionate objectives of the sector are also reflected internally by strong employment practices and a policy environment that enables these practices.
This report explores decent work int he not-for-profit sector, describing challenges and promising practices.
Authors: Lisa Lalande, Alexa Greig & Jamie Van Ymeren
Published By: Mowat NFP & University of Toronto
Publication Date: October 2016
