Since the Ontario government announced its plans to raise the minimum wage to $15 and introduce other labour law reform, the big business lobby has been busy spewing propaganda. CEOs who earn millions in bonuses have the audacity to argue that a fair minimum wage of $15 that put workers above the poverty line would lead to inflation and job cuts. Friday`s Globe & Mail op-ed written by Canadian economists debunk such myths.
Citing evidence from multiple jurisdictions where the minimum wage has already been increased, the economists conclude that a $15 minimum wage would NOT hurt job creation. Instead: “careful studies find that recent minimum wage increases are boosting spending power for low-income workers and reducing inequality.”
The op-ed writers are not alone, they are joined by nearly 50 other Canadian economists who have just issued an open letter in support of a $15 minimum wage. These prominent researchers from across the country are countering the big business lobby’s fear-mongering tactics with real evidence. We need your help to share this information as widely as possible, so that everyone has the confidence to speak up for the better wages and working conditions that our communities need.
With Bill 148: the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 being debated at public hearings organized by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs over the summer, we must stay organized! We have not won the $15 minimum wage or other labour law reforms yet, even though we succeeded to force it onto the table through our grassroots organizing. We still have an incredible fight ahead us.
Let’s stay organized throughout the summer and talk to our friends and neighbours about what is at stake with Bill 148, how we can strengthen it and make sure that it passes. Share this information with your friends, and join us on the streets!
UPCOMING EVENTS: Join one near you!
There are numerous actions and events being organized across Ontario! If you don’t see an action in your area, let us know how we can help you get one going!
Tuesday, July 4
TORONTO
Toronto-Wide Organizing Meeting
5:30PM – 8:00PM | 720 Spadina Ave, Suite 223 | Click here for a map
Come to the next city-wide Fight for $15 and Fairness organizing meeting! Together, we have managed to force important labour law reforms onto the table. Let`s stay organized to strengthen and defend Bill 148: the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017. Join us this Tuesday to learn more about what is in the bill and help plan summer actions.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Saturday, July 15
SUDBURY
Advocacy 705 – $15 and Fairness Skills Training
9:30AM – 4:00PM | 109 Elm St, Suite 209 | Click here for a map
Sudbury Workers Education & Advocacy Centre is inviting organizers, campaigners and allies from across Northeastern Ontario to join us for a day of training in community organizing. The training will focus on the labour law changes we are fighting for as part of Bill 148, from the perspective of Northern workers. The event is free, but space is limited so please register at http://sudburyworkerscentre.ca/advocacy-705
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
West End $15 and Fairness Outreach Blitz
12:30PM – 2:30PM | Southeast Corner of Bloor & Spadina | Click here for a map
Are you ready for another fun outreach action to talk to local residents about the urgent need for $15 & Fairness in our communities? Come out and help us talk to our neighbours about what is at stake with Bill 148, and how we can make sure that it passes with the strongest possible language despite the big business lobby`s resistance.
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
Thursday, July 20
KINGSTON
Celebrating $15 & Fairness
7:00PM – 8:30PM | 89 Colborne St | Click here for a map
In light of the Ontario government`s proposed legislation to increase the minimum wage to $15 and introduce labour law changes, join us for a celebratory town hall. Let`s celebrate what we have achieved, talk about what these reforms mean for workers in Kingston and discuss our next steps. There will be cake, speakers, Q&A discussion, & a raffle with great prizes. We hope to see you there!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Workersgiving – A comedy fundraiser for $15 & Fairness
8:00PM – 11:00PM | Christie Pits Pub, 814 Bloor St West | Click here for a map
We’re looking to raise funds, raise FUNs and also raise #15andFairness awareness. It took a lot of effort to get to this legislative point and what better way to let off some steam and build grassroots resources than a comedy night with professional comedians who will help boost your enegry for the struggle ahead. Tickets are $10 in advance at: www.bruha.com/event/1549 or at the door – all proceeds will go to the campaign.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.