October 7 is the World Day for Decent Work and gets celebrated in communities around the globe. Here in Ontario the Fight for $15 & Fairness campaign and allies will mark the day by organizing a week of action that will be kicked off with a mass-rally at Queen’s Park on October 1st. With the Ontario Government reviewing all our labour laws, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen working conditions for everyone. This includes legislating fair schedules with sufficient hours, at least 7 paid sick days, ensuring the right to organize, enforcing respect at work and rules that protect everyone and raising the minimum wage to $15. Scroll down to find an action near you and encourage your community, workplace, local and campus to join this fight for decent work.
October 1, Saturday
Toronto, Rally for Decent Work
12:00 p.m. (noon) – 2:30 p.m. at Queen’s Park
Join workers coming from across Ontario at Queen’s Park as we call on the government to implement meaningful changes to the laws that govern work, including fair scheduling, paid sick days, equal pay, respect and work and rules that protect everyone.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.
October 3, Monday
Ottawa, Harvesting Freedom Demonstration
12:00 p.m. (noon) – 1:30 p.m. at Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada (300 Laurier Ave West)
Come out to the final stop of the Harvesting Freedom Caravan tour to call for fairness for migrant workers. Migrant workers need status upon arrival and better protection under the law. Increasing fairness and rights for migrant workers is essential to improving decent work for all. Click here to download a brand new flyer by Fight for $15 and Fairness and the Migrant Workers Alliance.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here. Visit harvestingfreedom.org for more information.
October 5, Wednesday
Toronto, Precarious Work and Health Forum
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Centre for Urban Health Solutions (209 Victoria St, Room 136)
Every day, health care workers see the impact of bad jobs on their patients. Sadly, even health providers are affected by bad working conditions. Join this public forum to discuss how health organizations can improve working conditions in their sector and beyond.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here. For more information and speaker bios click here.
Peterborough, Working Right(s) Forum on Employment Law
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Peterborough Public Health (185 King St)
What are our current rights as workers and what are the legislative changes we need to make work better for all of us? Come and learn about the gaps in Ontario’s outdated labour laws and become a part of the solution.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.
Toronto, Ontario Federation of Labour MPP Lobby
All day at Queen’s Park
Workers will meet more than 60 MPPs from all three provincial parties to talk about the comprehensive changes we need to Ontario’s labour laws and employment standards. You need to register to attend this event so please contact Lucas Costello [email protected] to secure your spot and learn more.
October 6, Thursday
Toronto, Interfaith Outdoor Prayer Vigil
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Queen’s Park
Attend the annual prayer vigil where members of different faith traditions will be joined in prayer to call for forceful action to ensure fair wages and reduce poverty. Please encourage others from your faith community to also attend this prayerful gathering.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here. For more information click here.
Mississauga, Airport Worker Action
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at Pearson International Airport (Outside terminal 1)
Join this solidarity action for workers facing threats and retaliation at Washington’s DCA airport and call for $15 and Fairness for all airport workers. Rides are available from Kipling Subway Station.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.
Online, Free Webinar on the Fight for Decent Work
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. hosted by the Tamarack Institute
Participate in this free webinar to learn more about the Ministry of Labour’s Changing Workplace Review and how you can get involved in this movement to update Ontario’s labour laws. You need to register to attend this event: http://events.tamarackcommunity.ca/the_fight_for_decent_work
For more information click here.
Ottawa, A Day’s Work Documentary Screening
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at University of Ottawa Alumni Auditorium (85 University Private)
Come out to the screening of the award-winning documentary A Day’s Work that exposes the temp agency industry. The film producer Dave DeSario will be joining for a discussion after the screening.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.
Sudbury, “Voices of the Working North” – Video Release Party
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Cambrian Open Studio (93 Cedar St)
Don’t miss the special release of the Voices of the Working North video which documents the struggles Greater Sudbury Workers face on a daily basis. The launch will be followed by guest speakers and the showcase of the Migrant Dreams documentary trailer.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.
October 7, Friday
World Day for Decent Work MPP Visits
All day at MPP constituency offices throughout Ontario
Supporters of the Fight for $15 & Fairness campaign will be organizing visits to their local Members of Provincial Parliament. With the government’s ongoing review of our labour laws, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to raise the employment standards floor for everyone.
Sudbury, Community BBQ and Art Project
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park
Join this family-friendly event to celebrate the decent work week with your friends, co-workers and neighbours. There will be a BBQ, a fun booth and swag. There will also be a community art piece where you can leave your mark. You’ll also have the opportunity to write a postcard to your MPP to tell them why we need a $15 minimum wage, seven paid sick days, equal pay, union rights and more.
To RSVP and share on Facebook click here.