The past few weeks have been difficult, with members of our communities targeted by hateful attacks and policies. In response, however, millions of people have mobilized in an incredible show of solidarity, and resistance. Magnificent demonstrations have taken place starting with the Women’s March on January 21, which brought together 60,000 people in Toronto alone – see the BlogTO clip from the action here.
The Fight for $15 and Fairness sends its deepest condolences to the families and friends of those killed in Quebec City when a gunman opened fire in the Centre Culturel Islamique de Quebec. From borders to the workplace, we must all stand up against Islamophobia and racism. We call on all supporters of decent work to join the National Days of Action Against Islamophobia and White Supremacy, February 3-4.
While we speak out against the attack on the Muslim community in Quebec City or the racist and Islamophobic immigration policies, we must also oppose the everyday incidents of Islamophobia and racism in our workplaces. Far too often workers — especially those in precarious employment — are singled out for racist and Islamophobic harassment, with little recourse.
Food service workers at York University and the University of Toronto (members of Unite Here Local 75), for example, have been directly targeted for racist and Islamophobic mistreatment as they fight for higher wages and better working conditions. Many of the workers who are organizing are workers of colour, are newcomers to Canada or are women.
They need our support:
Sign the letter at york15.ca to support the food service workers who are standing up against anti-Black racism and Islamophobia, as they fight for $15 and fair working conditions.
Already sent your letter? Take a solidarity selfie explaining your support, share it on social media. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #15andFairness and #YorkU.
For upcoming Fight for $15 & Fairness events in your community, please scroll down. Can’t see an event near you? Let us know how we can help you to organize one in your neighbourhood, campus or workplace.
February 4
Come out to one of the Ontario rallies taking place as part of the pan-Canadian Days of Action Against Islamophobia and White Supremacy. To see the full list of events, click here.
TORONTO
11:30 am to 2:30 pm | Southeast Corner of Dundas & University click here for a map
We are meeting an hour before the Toronto rally to build support for Aramark workers facing Islamophobia and anti-Black racisn at their workplace.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
LONDON
12:30 pm to 2:30 pm | Victoria Park click here for a map
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
OTTAWA:
1:30 pm to 3:00 pm | Human Rights Monument click here for a map
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
February 7
TORONTO: FIGHT FOR $15 AND FAIRNESS CITY-WIDE ORGANIZING MEETING
5:30 to 8:00 pm | Suite 223, 720 Spadina Ave click here for a map
Join us for our next city-wide Fight for $15 and Fairness organizing meeting! We know we have the majority with us, but we need to organize this sentiment and put pressure on our MPPs to make sure we get the legislative changes we need in 2017! Snacks at 5:30 pm – Meeting begins at 6:00 pm and finishes at 8:00 pm.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
February 8
OTTAWA: FIGHT FOR $15 & FAIRNESS ORGANIZING MEETING
6:30 pm to 8:00 pm | Centretown United Church, 507 Bank St click here for a map
We have lots of exciting plans in the works! We’re coming up with fun and creative February actions, ramping up our campus organizing, and getting ready for taking our message to our local MPPs. Get involved! In case you have any questions, send an email to: [email protected]
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
February 14 – Ontario Campuses
It’s time to show workers some love! This Valentine’s Day, we’ll be talking to students, staff and faculty about $15 & Fairness at campuses across the province. We’ll be collecting signatures on our petition for $15 & fairness and inviting people to write valentines to their boss – to see a sample valentine, click here. How do you know your boss doesn’t love you? What would you love to get at work – paid sick days, a $15 minimum wage, fair scheduling? We might even have some yummy valentine treats to hand out to passersby. For requests for material or questions about hosting an event, please email [email protected].
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
YORK UNIVERSITY
11:00 am to 1:00 pm | Central Square click here for a map
The Fight for $15 and Fairness at York University is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special day of tabling! Stop by our table for a free slice of cake and participate in our “valentines to our bosses” activity by sharing why your boss doesn’t love you!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
WILFRID LAURIER UNIVERSITY – BRANTFORD CAMPUS
RCW Lobby click here for a map
Laurier-Brantford Fight for $15 & Fairness will be tabling in solidarity with other campuses across Ontario on February 14. We will organize “Your Boss Doesn’t Love You” activities to celebrate the day with fellow students, staff and faculty. To stay in the loop about this event, join our Facebook group by visiting this page. For more information please send an email to [email protected].