The past week, the big business lobby was out peddling the story that decent work and wages are bad for the economy. Seven decades of evidence disprove these myths. So far, thanks to your support and fast action, our elected representatives at Queen’s Park are not backing down [1] and some are even campaigning to strengthen Bill 148 [2]. In fact, within 24 hours of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce issuing its “report”, economists cast serious doubts on the numbers published [3, 4] and supporters sent letters to newspapers defending the benefits of $15 and Fairness [5].
We all know that the majority is with us — 2 out of every 3 people across Canada support a $15 minimum wage [6]. Here in Ontario, the movement has forced incredible labour law reforms (Bill 148) onto the political agenda, but we have not won them yet. Don’t let the Big Business lobby stop us now!
Let’s act right now and share this video. We need to make sure that everyone knows what’s at stake with Bill 148 [7]. When members of provincial parliament meet on Monday to review the legislation clause-by-clause, we want them to have the confidence to strengthen it — not give in to corporate demands to water it down.
Sources:
[1] Global News: “Ontario labour minister says plans for minimum wage hike aren’t swayed by new [Keep Ontario Working Coalition] report”
[2] Ontario New Democratic Party announces amendments to strengthen Bill 148
[3] Economist David MacDonald speaks to CBC about economic benefits of $15
[4] New data released by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives shows that the income gap is widening in Ontario and there is urgent need for labour law reform
[5] Public reacts to lobbyists’ fear-mongering by sending letters of support for a $15 minimum wage to Toronto Star
[6] Forum Research Poll shows two-thirds approval for a $15 minimum wage
[7] Leaflet – Strengthen Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act