We are done with their lies. The Ford government boasts about finding $3.8 billion in savings for corporations, while blaming migrants and refugees for cuts to public services. They are throwing away millions to get out of the Beer Store contract, but claim we don’t have enough money for our schools and hospitals.

The truth is, there is more than enough for everyone. Will you join us on Sunday, June 16 to denounce the fear-mongering and deception that makes the politics of austerity possible?

Click here to join us in Guelph
Click here to join us in London
Click here to join us in Ottawa
Click here to join us in Peterborough
Click here to join us in Toronto

Here in Ontario and across the country, politicians are fueling racist and anti-immigrant sentiments to divide us, gain power, then implement a pro-corporate agenda that hurts everyone. The damage is real: acts of white-supremacy are on the rise. And while we fight one another for scraps, the super rich simply get richer.

This is why the Fight for $15 & Fairness has pledged to join the #UniteAgainstRacism mobilizations led by the Migrant Rights Network. On June 16, join the cross-country day of action! Let’s reclaim the collective power we hold when we act together to demand fairness for all.
We ALL deserve:
- Decent work.
- Quality, universal, public services.
- The right to live where we want, with our families, without fear of deportation.
- A world free of discrimination and unfairness.
- A world free of war, corporate impunity, and climate change.

Say it with us loud and clear: greedy corporations and unaccountable politicians are the problem, not migrants, not refugees, not the people of color. It is time to stop the cuts that push our communities into deeper poverty and the politics of division that undermine our power. Actions are being updated regularly, find the most current info at: www.migrantrights.ca/June16

Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter

Not able to join us on Sunday, June 16? $15 & Fairness events are happening regularly, visit our website to see upcoming actions you can join.

A new poll released yesterday shows 75% of Ontarians think Premier Ford is taking us in the wrong direction. The public outrage against Ford’s cut to public services and the rollbacks of our rights is so high that 4 in 10 Conservative voters say they wouldn’t vote for the party again.[1]

There is no doubt that the People of Ontario are angry at the Ford government for repeatedly choosing corporate profits over workers, our health and the environment. It’s crucial that we organize this sentiment to create sustained pressure to not only shame the Conservative government, but also to stop the attacks on our communities.

This is why from Muskoka to Malton, and from Niagara Falls  to Ottawa, $15 & Fairness supporters have been organizing local events to hold the Ford government to account and defend our rights against bad bosses. In the coming days please make every effort to join us at a local action near you:

• June 7 & 8 - Power of Many Provincial Days of Action
  June 7 marks one year of resisting government cuts to public services, education, health care and decent work. Labour and community will be hitting the streets throughout Ontario to show that we didn't vote for cuts to public services or attacks on decent work. Join an action in a community near you, click here! 
  
  
• Climate justice means decent work and migrant rights! Sign the pact for a Green New Deal!
  People across the country are coming together to create a shared vision for an economy that protects the planet -- and its inhabitants. Sign the pact here, to get on board. Round-table discussions are taking place everywhere! Click here to find one near you.
  
  We know that any bold vision to protect the environment must include: decent work; universal, high quality public services; permanent resident status for all migrants and refugees; indigenous self-determination, gender justice, and an end to racism; and an end to practices and persecution that displace people and force them to migrate.
  
  Please help us bring this decent work perspective to a Green New Deal town hall near you. We have a specific $15 and Fairness petition tailored to the environmental movement that helps make the link between workers’ & migrant rights and climate justice. You can download the petition here. A complementary leaflet has been produced by the Migrant Rights Network and is available for download here.
  
  
• Support the Niagara workers on strike for $15 & Fairness
  Last year when the minimum wage increased, management started stealing workers’ tips at the Rainforest Cafe. Workers -- mostly women -- decided to form a union to protect themselves and now they’re on strike, and need our help. They are demanding a minimum wage of $15 an hour, respect at work, and an end to sexual violence in the workplace. Across Ontario let’s join forces to help these workers win $15 & Fairness -- please take a moment now to email the employer, click here.

Scroll below to find an action near you!

May 23
SCARBOROUGH, Door knocking outreach in Scarborough
Thursday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Morningside Ave & Lawrence Ave E
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 25
MISSISSAUGA, Mississauga wants $15 and Fairness outreach
Saturday, 11: 00 AM - 12:00 PM - 100 Dundas St East
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 27
OTTAWA, Ottawa organizing meeting
Monday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - 25OneCommunity
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 28
BRACEBRIDGE, Parry Sound-Muskoka decent work coffee meet up
Tuesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM - Oliver's Coffee Corporation
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

NIPISSING,  Nipissing Decent Work Panel
Tuesday, 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM - White Water Gallery
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 29
LONDON, Train the trainer workshop: Building capacity to fight racism & xenophobia
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Tolpuddle Cooperative, Common Room
Click here to RSVP

June 1
TORONTO, Injured Workers' Rally
Saturday, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM - Queens Park
Under Ford’s watch, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board gave a multi-billion dollar gift to employers by cutting their premiums by 30%, while injured workers are denied access to the services they need. On June 1st, join the rally at Queens Park to ensure every Ontario worker gets protected if they get injured on the job.
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

ETOBICOKE, Fighting for $15 and Fairness in Mimico
Saturday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - Birds and Bee's Cafe
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

June 2
BRAMPTON, Brampton organizing meeting
Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Knightsbridge Senior Citizens Centre
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

June 4
TORONTO, Toronto organizing meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - 720 Spadina Ave Unit 223
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

June 8
TORONTO, West Toronto canvass at Dufferin Station
Saturday, 12:00 NOON - 1:30 PM - Northwest corner of Dufferin and Bloor
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

June 11
SCARBOROUGH, Centennial College -- Fairness for contract faculty info session
Tuesday, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM - School of Business Boardroom, Progress Campus
Click here to RSVP

June 16
TORONTO, Migrant Rights Network Day of Action to #UniteAgainstRacism
Sunday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM - Grange Park
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

[1] Read the Toronto Star story here.

When employers face no consequences for breaking the law, they simply keep violating workers’ rights. This is why the enforcement of our rights is so critical, and we need YOU to take urgent action to ensure access to justice for all: click here to email Premier Ford to call for legal aid cuts to be reversed.

After taking away our rights at work, Premier Ford is now trying to limit our ability to take legal action against bad bosses. His government’s recently announced 30% cut to legal aid and cancellation of funding for immigration and refugee law services is an assault on the poorest members of our communities. Here’s what these cuts could mean for workers in Ontario:

• Low-wage workers who experience thousands of dollars in wage theft won’t be able to get support from local community legal clinics to file claims with the Ministry of Labour;
• A migrant care worker who bravely left her abusive employer won’t be able to access legal aid to secure her immigration status long enough to press charges against her employer;
• A refugee who faces death or torture if deported would not be able to access legal aid to appeal their case, or get information in their first language about their legal rights.

Decisions on how legal aid cuts are going to be implemented will be made this week. Help us send a strong message right now to defend the community legal clinics we rely on.

Click here to send a letter to stop these cuts from coming into effect.

The reality is workers, tenants, immigrants, refugees, and people with low-incomes turn to legal clinics when their rights are violated. But Ford’s cuts will put these very legal clinics at risk and the people who are already marginalized will be hit the hardest.

Please send your message now to stop legal aid cuts and ensure no legal clinic in Ontario has to close its doors. With the click of a button, you can send our pre-drafted email to Premier Doug Ford, Attorney General Caroline Mulroney, and have all the Legal Aid Ontario Board of Directors copied.

Friend, thank you for speaking out! After sending your email, please help us spread the word by sharing this email with your friends.

Between the Ford government’s relentless attacks on public services, global rise in hate crimes and environmental catastrophes, it can become easy to forget the strength of our collective power. But, that would be a mistake.

From the right to vote, to access to universal health care to a $14 minimum wage, the hard-fought gains we benefit from today are all thanks to people who organized against the odds. In fact, many exciting organizing initiatives are happening right now that we want you to know about:

• Bike and food couriers organize for $15 & Fairness
  Learn more, visit: www.foodstersunited.ca -- This morning couriers working for Foodora, the international app-giant for food delivery, announced they will fight to unionize and win $15 & Fairness. Because Foodora misclassifies them as “independent contractors”, these workers currently don’t have access to even the most basic labour protections such as sick days or employment insurance. If these workers are successful, it will be a breakthrough in organizing for workers in the “gig economy” and a huge step forward in the fight for decent work. Let’s do everything we can to make sure they win. Email Foodora right now at support@foodora.ca to speak out for these workers (and don't forget to cc campaign organizers at info@foodstersunited.ca). 

 Spread the word on Facebook (click here) to show couriers some love!
Follow the Justice for Couriers Campaign: on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

• #UniteAgainstRacism so no worker is left behind
  Learn more, visit: https://migrantrights.ca/may1 -- Governments are the ones who are responsible for cutting public services and legislating poverty-level wages to please corporate lobbyists, NOT migrants or refugees. Join us in rejecting the divide between migrant, immigrant, undocumented people and citizens, and assert that we are all workers. Together, we must insist that no worker be left behind. Today, find a local event for International Workers Day, and show up with this placard. Then take a photo of yourself with it & share on social media with #UniteAgainstRacism.
  
  
• Legal Aid Ontario lawyers organize to stop the cuts
  Visit www.stoplegalaidcuts.ca/ to email your MPP now -- The Ford government’s $30 million cut to legal aid is an assault on the poorest members of our communities. The hardest hit will be Ontario’s most vulnerable people, including women fleeing domestic violence, refugees fleeing life-threatening persecution, and innocent people facing prison because they can’t afford a lawyer. Access to justice should be a right for ALL!

Today, on International Workers’ Day, we want you, to double-down on your commitment to help build workers’ collective power. Scroll below to find an action near you!

May 1
TORONTO, We Love Workers at UofT! #MayDay
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Sidney Smith Hall, University of Toronto
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

MISSISSAUGA, TAWC - 2019 YYZ May Day Street Festival
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Pearson Airport, Terminal 1 Departures 
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

HAMILTON, International Workers' Day March
Wednesday, 3:30 PM - 9:00 PM - Gore Park
Click here to share on Facebook

BRACEBRIDGE, No Workers Left Behind Rally
Wednesday, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM - MPP Norm Millers Bracebridge Office (165 Manitoba St)
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Toronto May 1 International Workers' Day Rally
Wednesday, 5:00 PM - Nathan Philips Square
Click here to share on Facebook

NORTH BAY, $15 And Fairness Strategy Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM - UNIFOR 103 Office (107 Sherriff Ave, Suite 102B)
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

OTTAWA, Workers Cabaret: Resistance Is Beautiful
Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM - Arts Court
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 2
SCARBOROUGH, Scarborough Decent Work Outreach
Thursday, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM - McDonalds by Kingston Rd and Lawrence Ave
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 4
ETOBICOKE, Etobicoke-Lakeshore $15 and Fairness Outreach
Saturday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM - The Sydney Grind (2883 Lakeshore Blvd W)
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 5
MISSISSAUGA, Malton Nagar Kirtan Parade Outreach
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM - Sri Guru Singh Sabha (7280 Airport Rd)
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 7
TORONTO, Toronto-Wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - 720 Spadina Ave Unit223
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 8
TORONTO, Tea and Data-Entry Party
Wednesday, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM - 720 Spadina Ave Unit 223
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 11
TORONTO, West Toronto outreach at Spring Into Parkdale
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Roncesvalles Ave and Queen St W
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 13
KINGSTON, Kingston Organizing Meeting
Monday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM - Coffee Way Donuts
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

Premier Doug Ford made his priorities crystal clear last week by releasing his very first provincial budget. Suffice to say, working people or our families are NOT of concern to the Premier.

SPEAK UP NOW!
Click here to find an action near you.

From education to environment, health care to social services, cuts to public services are coming. We know cuts will be devastating both for the quality of the services our communities rely on, and the working conditions of the people who deliver them. The budget hits people on social assistance, Indigenous peoples, migrants and refugees the hardest, with these specific cuts alone adding up to billions.

Forcing our communities into deeper poverty to boost corporate profits is inexcusable. Ford's budget prioritizes $3.8 billion in savings for corporations. Meanwhile, $11 million in funding is cut from the Ministry of Labour further weakening the enforcement of our rights on the job. It was bad enough that the Ministry was ordered to stop using proactive inspections back in September, but now they will start relying on employer self-regulation. Bad bosses will no doubt see this as an open invitation to continue violating workers' rights. 

Over and over again, Doug Ford is proving that he is for corporations, not the people. Earlier in April his government's own Financial Accountability Office confirmed what we had said all along. Had the $15 minimum wage kicked in on January 1st 2019 as scheduled, 1.3 million Ontarians each would have received a $810 boost (after-tax). But, under Ford’s so called low-income tax credit, 62% of minimum wage earners get nothing while those who are eligible get only about a $400 tax-credit

With wages frozen, rights under attack and services being cut, people are outraged in all corners of the province. Now is the time to take action!

• Ontario Federation of Labour is organizing a provincial Day of Action tomorrow (Wednesday, April 17) to protest Doug Ford's budget: click here to find events in Toronto, click here to find events across Ontario.
• Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition (ISARC) has committed to holding local town halls to amplify the voices of Ontarians who are living on the margins, the first is scheduled to take place in Kingston on April 23rd (see details below, or click here to learn more about this initiative).

Please take a look at upcoming events and join one near you. We cannot ever forget that WE are the majority, and united we will win decent work for ALL.

Wednesday, April 17th
ONTARIO-WIDE: Power of Many Day of Action
Wednesday, All day | Across Ontario
Ford's 2019 budget means more cuts to programs and public services that working people depend on. Join the Ontario Federation of Labour to help spread the word about what is at stake in this budget and how we can all take action. Actions are happening in Toronto, Peel, Guelph, London, Waterloo, North Bay, Ottawa, Kingston, Durham, Chatham, Stratford, Sault Ste. Marie, Cornwall, and Thunder Bay. Click here to find events in Toronto, click here to find events across Ontario.

BRAMPTON, Brampton Outreach
Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM | Brampton Downtown Terminal
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

BRACEBRIDGE, Decent Work Coffee Meet up
Wednesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Oliver's Coffee Corporation
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

Monday, April 22nd
KINGSTON, Decent Work Discussions: How Tenants Fight Back!
Monday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | The Grad Club
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

Tuesday, April 23rd
KINGSTON, Voices from the Margins Town Hall
Tuesday, 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM |St. Vincent de Paul, 85 Stephen St
Many people in Ontario are hurt by the rollback of our scheduled $15 minimum wage, cuts to services, and inadequate social assistance programs. Interfaith Social Assistance Reform Coalition is organizing a series of town halls to collect and amplify these stories. If you are interested in sharing your experiences, please consider attending the event. Email coordinator@isarc.ca to RSVP.

TORONTO, Toronto-wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 720 Spadina Ave Unit 223
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

Thursday, April 25th
SCARBOROUGH, Know Your Rights: Employment Standards Workshop
Thursday, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM | ACCES Employment
Click here to RSVP

Saturday, April 27th
TORONTO, West Toronto Canvass at Dufferin Station
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Dufferin TTC Station
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

Sunday, April 28th
BRAMPTON, Brampton Organizing Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Knightsbridge Senior Citizens Centre
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

SAULT STE MARIE, Decent Work Coffee Meetup
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Shabby Motley Handcraft
To RSVP and share on Facebook

Tuesday, April 30th
TORONTO, Rally to Protect Public Healthcare
Tuesday, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Queens Park
To RSVP and share on Facebook

Wednesday, May 1st
ONTARIO-WIDE, #UniteAgainsRacism - No Worker Left Behind!
Politicians want us to blame migrants and refugees instead of realizing that it’s the super rich who are responsible for low wages and underfunded services. We will not be fooled! On May 1st, find a local event for International Workers Day, and show up with this placard. Then take a photo of yourself with it and share it on social media with #UniteAgainstRacism. Learn more, visit: https://migrantrights.ca/may1

MISSISSAUGA, Toronto Airport May Day Street Festival
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Toronto Pearson International Airport
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

OTTAWA, Workers Cabaret: Resistance Is Beautiful
Wednesday, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM | Arts Court
Click here to RSVP or to share on Facebook

Sunday, May 5th
MISSISSAUGA, Malton Nagar Kirtan Parade Outreach
Sunday, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Sri Guru Singh Sabha
Click here to RSVP

Saturday, May 11th
TORONTO,  West Toronto Outreach at Spring into Parkdale
Saturday, 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM | Roncesvalles and Queen Intersection
Click here to RSVP or share on Facebook

Premier Doug Ford has zero mandate to make the people of Ontario work more while getting paid less. But that is exactly what his government will do to save costs for corporate executives at the expense of workers, our health and the environment.

All signs indicate that the Ford government will use its majority inside Queen's Park to pass the dangerous Bill 66 next week. This legislation will:

   - Remove protections against excessive hours of work & unpaid overtime [1]
   - Make it harder for workers to learn about their rights on the job [2]
   - End collective bargaining agreements for many construction workers in the public sector [3]
   - Put children's lives at risk and jeopardize early childhood educator jobs [4]
   - Lead to more pollution in Ontario by cancelling protections against toxic chemicals in our workplaces [5] and much more.

The reality is NO ONE signed up for such drastic changes that put communities at risk. This is why the only place Ford government enjoys a majority is inside the legislature. On the streets, in our workplaces and campuses, we have the power of many.

New community organizing tool: Download the petition

Over two-thirds of Ontarians support a $15 minimum wage now. Nearly 80% support paid sick days, including 64% of Conservative voters. Clearly, the vast majority of people in Ontario support our agenda for decent work and wages. We need your help to organize this sentiment!

Click here to download our new petition.

You can use the new $15 & Fairness petition to invite friends, neighbours and co-workers to join this growing decent work movement. Once completed with signatures and contact info, take a photo of the petition and send it to us at info@15andFairness.org. Alternatively, you can also ask your friends to sign the online petition (click here) by forwarding this email to them.

Join an event, get involved in your community:

From Ottawa to Brampton, Hamilton to Sault Ste Marie, local events are bringing $15 & Fairness supporters together to defend our rights against bad bosses, and hold this government to account. Check out the event listing below, and join us to learn more about how you can get involved. For the latest listing of events, visit: www.15andfairness.org/events

March 30
GUELPH, Activists' Workshop to learn skills for community organizing
Saturday, 10:00 AM to 2:45 PM - St. Andrews Church, 161 Norfolk St
Click here to sign up & share on Facebook

April 1
OTTAWA, Ottawa Organizing Meeting
Monday, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - 251 Bank St, 2nd Floor
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

HAMILTON, Door Knocking in Hamilton
Monday, 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM - 60 Ventura Drive
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 2
KINGSTON, Kingston Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - OPSEU Hall, 824 John Counter Blvd
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

OTTAWA, Ottawa Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Tuesday, 6:00PM - 8:30 PM - Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 3
SAULT STE. MARIE, Sault Ste. Marie Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - OPSEU Regional Office, 154 Great Northern Rd
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 6
TORONTO, $15 and Fairness joins the Rally for Education
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 2:0 PM - Northwest corner of University and College
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 9
TORONTO, Toronto Wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - 720 Spadina Ave Unit 223
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 13
ETOBICOKE, Etobicoke-Lakeshore $15 and Fairness Outreach
Saturday, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM - The Sydney Grind, 2883 Lakeshore Blvd W
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

TORONTO, A Green New Deal for All
Saturday, 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM - Steelworkers Toronto Area Council, 25 Cecil St
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 17
BRAMPTON, Brampton Outreach
Wednesday, 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM - Brampton Downtown Terminal, 8 Nelson St W
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 23
TORONTO, Toronto Wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM - 720 Spadina Ave Unit 223
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

April 28
BRAMPTON, Brampton Organizing Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Knightsbridge Senior Citizens Centre, 1A Knightsbridge Rd
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

May 1
TORONTO, Toronto Airport May Day Street Festival
Wednesday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Terminal 1, Pearson Airport
Click here to RSVP and to share on Facebook

Sources on Bill 66:
[1] Toronto Star op-ed by labour lawyer Josh Mandryk
[2] CityNews clip 
[3] Carpenters' District Council of Ontario statement on Bill 66
[4] Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care deputation on Bill 66
[5] Huffington Post article

We woke up to immense grief today.

49 Muslims were murdered in a mosque in New Zealand during prayer, and the death toll is rising. Before his murderous rampage, the shooter published an anti-immigrant manifesto. He praised US president Donald Trump as 'a symbol of renewed white identity' and wrote the name of the Quebec City mosque gunman on an assault-rifle, posting the image on social media. 

We know that Canada is not immune.

Police reported hate crimes went up 47% in 2017 [1]. At least 300 known white supremacist organizations are currently active across the country [2]. Over 70% of the migrants in Canada are denied full access to basic labour or social rights because of unfair temporary permits [3]. Women of colour continue to earn far less than white men [4]. Black and Indigenous communities are unfairly targeted by police and imprisonment [5,6]. Meanwhile, anti-immigrant populist messaging by federal political parties increased dramatically during the recent by-elections [7,8].

But, we refuse to be divided.

That’s why, from Halifax to Vancouver, communities across Canada are coming together to #UniteAgainstRacism. Actions are taking place between March 17th and 24th. 

Will you join us in taking action at this critical time? Go to http://migrantrights.ca/en/march21/ to find the event closest to you (or scroll below to see Ontario actions). 

The reality is, many in our communities are struggling. Too many of us are facing job losses, low wages, and cuts to services. 

Meanwhile the Ford government is forcing an austerity agenda upon us, as corporate profits go untaxed, and bad bosses get rewarded with lax labour laws and reduced fines when they break the law.

Let there be no doubt, in our communities, we are united in our desire for decent work. We are united in our concern for our children's future, the rising cost of living, and retirement.

But those at the top want to divide us. They want us fighting for scraps, and blaming migrants, people of colour, and others so we are too distracted to demand the fundamental changes our communities need. 

Spread the word: Share on Facebook -- Share on Twitter

Those of us fighting for $15 and fairness believe that uniting against racism right now is the only way forward. This is why we will be mobilizing together with the Migrant Rights Network to counter racist and anti-immigrant rhetoric. Join us! Find an action near you at http://migrantrights.ca/en/march21/. You can participate even if you can’t attend. On March 21, 2019 post a selfie on social media with #UniteAgainstRacism, and tell your friends why you will be opposing all forms of xenophobia this year.

*** More actions are being announced, please click here for the latest listing of #UniteAgainstRacism events ***

Sunday, March 17

HAMILTON
11am, United Steelworker Centre
RSVP | Facebook

NIAGARA
2pm, 1665 Four Mile Creek Rd
RSVP | Facebook

Wednesday, March 20

PETERBOROUGH
6pm, Confederation Park
RSVP | Facebook

Thursday, March 21

TORONTO
5:30pm, Nathan Phillips Square
RSVP | Facebook

Sunday, March 24

OTTAWA
2pm, 166 Frank Street
RSVP

---------------------------------

Source [1] Globe and Mail
Source [2] Toronto Star
Source [3] Government of Canada, Immigration Data
Source [4] Maclean's 
Source [5] Globe and Mail
Source [6] The Conversation
Source [7] Burnaby Now
Source [8] Toronto Star

While marking today’s International Women’s Day, we are thankful for your ongoing support to close the equity gap in workplaces.

As recent data show, on average, women in Ontario earn 70 cents for every dollar a man makes. Newcomer women earn 66 cents, and women of color earn 62 cents. Meanwhile Indigenous women earn a mere 57 cents, for every dollar earned by their white, male counterparts. This is simply unacceptable.

Take action!
Scroll below to see upcoming local events

Shamefully, instead of trying to close this outrageous gap, the Ford government has turned to its corporate friends to come up with excuses to scrap the very legislation (named the Pay Transparency Act) that was brought in last year to address this kind of gross inequality in the workplace. Click here to read the Huffington Post story to learn more.

The truth is, Labour Minister Laurie Scott’s “public consultation”, favours Big Business voices, while closing the door on input from workers and women. As the Toronto Star editorial notes, this review is not asking women: “How does earning 30 per cent less than a man impact your ability to pay bills, educate your children, pay for housing and retire?” Yet the government is eager to find out how to save a few more dollars for corporations, at our expense.

Women and racialized workers are over represented in minimum wage work. Years of academic research show that a $15 minimum wage would lift workers out of poverty, and strengthen the economy. But because of Premier Ford, we won’t see a $15 minimum wage until at least 2025. And although the evidence shows that the right to equal pay for equal work could curb the rise in precarious employment, the Conservative government also cancelled this. Now they are going after the Pay Transparency Act.

It goes without saying that women and men both stand to gain when women are paid fairly. Equal pay would increase resources available for households, for parenting, for elder care, and would boost local businesses as women experience greater disposable income.

This is just one more reason why we keep fighting for $15 and Fairness. Today, on the International Women’s Day, join us in redoubling our efforts to make workplaces fairer for ALL workers.  Please make every effort to come out to an event near you (scroll below), and if you can please donate to sustain the fight for equity (click here) – every bit helps, no amount is too large or too small.

Saturday, March 9th
TORONTO, Marching at IWD: In solidarity with Migrant Care Workers
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM | OISE, University of Toronto
In Toronto, this year we are marching in solidarity with migrant care workers who recently won an incredible victory, which will give workers more flexibility to change employers when facing violations of rights. Come out and march with us. If you cannot attend in person, lend your support by signing this important petition.
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Sunday, March 10th 
BRAMPTON, Brampton Organizing Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Knightsbridge Seniors Club
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Monday, March 11th
KINGSTON, Kingston Strategy Meeting
Monday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | Rober Sutherland Hall, Queens University 
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Tuesday, March 12th
TORONTO, Toronto Wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 720 Spadina Ave
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OTTAWA, Ottawa Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM | 251 Bank Street, 2nd floor
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Wednesday, March 13th
TORONTO, Willowdale wants $15 and Fairness
Wednesday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Sheppard-Yonge TTC station.
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

BRAMPTON, Brampton Workers Say NO to Bill 66!
Wednesday, 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Main Street/ Bovaird Drive
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Thursday, March 14th
TORONTO, Bill 66 is bad for health. Tell Ford to share the wealth!
Thursday, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Queens Park Station
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Friday, March 15th
SCARBOROUGH, Scarborough-Centre: Bill 66 is Bad for Workers!
Friday, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Warden Ave & Lawrence Ave E 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

SCARBOROUGH, Scarbrough-Rouge Park: Bill 66 is Bad for Workers!
Friday, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Morningside Ave & Sheppard Ave E
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TORONTO, Rally for Our Future! Climate Strike for Good Jobs
Friday, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | York University Student Centre
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BARRIE, Community Outreach and Education
Friday, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Meridian Place Barrie
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Sunday, March 17th
NIAGARA, Niagara #UniteAgainstRacism
Sunday, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM |1665 Four Mile Creek Rd
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Tuesday, March 19th
OSHAWA, Durham Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | IBEW Hall
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Wednesday, March 20th
KITCHENER, Waterloo Region Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | ETFO Waterloo 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Thursday, March 21st
TORONTO, Toronto: #UniteAgainstRacism
Thursday, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Nathan Philips Square
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Monday, March 25th
TORONTO, Power of Many: Take Back Ontario Conference
Monday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Metro Toronto Convention
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Wednesday, April 3rd 
SAULT STE MARIE, Sault Ste. Marie Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | OPSEU Regional Office
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Sunday, April 28th 
BRAMPTON, Brampton Organizing Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Knightsbridge Senior Citizens Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Migrant care workers have just won an incredible victory, reminding us all how powerful we can be when we raise our voices collectively.

In direct response to years of grassroots organizing, the federal government announced a new pilot program this weekend, which will, for the first time, allow care workers to have a sector specific work permit which give workers more flexibility to change employers when facing violations of rights. This means that abusive employers will have a harder time taking advantage of care workers, because these workers won't have to risk deportation to get away from a bad situation. In addition, care workers will now be able to bring their families with them to Canada. Click here to read more.

This is an important step forward in the struggle for workers’ rights, women’s rights and racial justice. There is no doubt that our fight to win $15 & Fairness for ALL workers continues – that means pushing for permanent residency status upon arrival and getting rid of exemptions that exclude migrant workers from basic employment rights. 

Provincially, it is clear Premier Doug Ford is not interested in making life better for workers in Ontario. Why else would he lower fines for employers who break the law, and take away 2 meagre paid sick days a year from millions of workers?

Right now, Ford is forging ahead with Bill 66 which will cancel protections against unpaid overtime and excessive hours of work -- leading to more precarious jobs. (Click here to speak against Bill 66). Because of this government's attacks on the basic rights and services our communities rely on, many of us are hurting.

From minimum wage earners to the parents of children with autism, and from post-secondary students, staff, and faculty to early childhood educators, everybody is forced to make sacrifices EXCEPT corporate executives who profit from poverty wages while failing to pay their fair share of taxes. We will not tolerate this.

By organizing in every neighbourhood, workplace, and campus and by raising our voices in local media (see an example from Parry-Sound Muskoka by clicking here), we will hold this government to account. The Ford government may have a majority of seats inside the Ontario Legislature, but we are the majority on the streets -- and resistance is growing!

There are several events coming up across Ontario (scroll below), please make every effort to join us in person to take action.

February 27
TORONTO, UofT $15 & Fairness says NO to Bill 66!
Wednesday, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM | Sid Smith Hall, University of Toronto St George
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

KITCHENER, Waterloo Region Power of Many: Activation Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | ETFO Waterloo
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 28
NORTH BAY, North Bay Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Thursday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | OPSEU Region 6 Union Hall
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 4
KINGSTON, Kingston Workplace Rights Survey Outreach
Monday, 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM | Cataraqui Centre Transit Stop
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

HAMILTON, Hamilton Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Monday, 7:15 PM - 9:00 PM | Carpenters Union Local 18
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 7
TORONTO, Fighting for Labour Rights: A Public Health Issue
Thursday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Dalla Lana School of Public Health
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 9
TORONTO, International Women's Day Toronto Rally and March
Saturday, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM (RALLY), March starts at 1:00 PM | Ontario Institute for Studies in Education
This year we will be marching with care workers! Save the date and see you there!
Click here to RSVP and share on Facebook

March 10
BRAMPTON, Brampton Organizing Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Knightsbridge Community and Senior Citizens Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 11
KINGSTON, Kingston Strategy Meeting
Monday, 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Rober Sutherland Hall, Queens University
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 12
TORONTO, Toronto Wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | 720 Spadina Avenue
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 13
BRAMPTON, Rally: Brampton Workers Say No to Bill 66
Wednesday, 5:00 PM -  6:00 PM | Main Street/ Bovaird Drive Intersection 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 19
OSHAWA, Durham Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Tuesday, 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM | IBEW Hall
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 21
TORONTO, Toronto Rally: #UniteAgainstRacism
Thursday, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Nathan Philips Square 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 25
TORONTO, Power of Many: Take Back Ontario Conference
Monday, 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Metro Toronto Convention Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

April 3 
SAULT STE MARIE, Sault Ste. Marie Power of Many: Regional Activation Meeting
Wednesday, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM | OPSEU Regional Office
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

Following wide-spread reaction from environmental and community groups across Ontario, the provincial government announced last month that it would no longer proceed with Section 10 of Bill 66, which would have opened the door to the destruction of the Greenbelt.

Through protests, op-eds in local newspapers, calls and visits to Members of Provincial Parliament, the People of Ontario showed the Ford government that attacks on environmental protection will not be tolerated. We need your help to build on this momentum to get Bill 66 withdrawn in its entirety. Click here to take a quick action on Bill 66.

Workers' rights are under attack

Unfortunately Bill 66 still contains components that would harm our communities. For example, Bill 66 proposes to repeal the Toxics Reduction Act 2009 (TRA), a law that requires certain industrial facilities to consider ways to reduce the use and emissions of toxic chemicals in their operations. Repealing this act will impact workers' ability to learn about hazardous chemicals in the workplace and -- by extension -- in our communities. 

Bill 66 would also make it harder for workers to refuse excessive hours of work or receive overtime pay. Moreover, if adopted, this dangerous law would reduce workers’ access to stable pension plans; reduce child care spaces, weaken the rules that ensure child care workers are present in adequate numbers to care for our children and be properly trained; make it harder for trades and labourers in the public sector to get the protection of a union agreement; and more. 

At the same time, the government is also weakening the enforcement of existing law. After reducing fines for law breaking employers with Bill 47 last fall, Ford government has now stopped conducting proactive inspections through the Ministry of Labour. Without enforcement, our rights are merely words on paper. Click here to email Premier Ford right now.

Keep fighting for $15 & Fairness

Despite these attacks on our rights, the most recent Ontario job numbers prove what we have been saying all along. Decent work is not only good for our communities but also makes for a stronger economy. After all, when workers have money in their pockets, they spend it.

Contrary to the doomsday predictions of corporate lobbyists, Ontario's economy added nearly 80,000 jobs last year, mostly due to an increase in full-time work! (Click here to read the RankandFile.ca article that breaks down these numbers) These improvements occurred after the minimum wage increased from $11.60 to $14, and measures like paid sick days and equal pay for equal work came into effect. 

Clearly, the economic evidence and public opinion support better wages and working conditions. Now it is our job to organize the majority in Ontario who want and need decent work. Join us at an upcoming event in your community to win $15 & Fairness for ALL!

February 7th
NORTH YORK, Willowdale Outreach Blitz
Thursday, 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Don Mills TTC Station
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Workers' Rights Workshop: Building Power at UofT
Thursday, 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Workers Action Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 9th
SCARBOROUGH, Scarborough Town Centre Outreach
Saturday, 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM | Scarborough Town Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

ETOBICOKE, Etobicoke Outreach Blitz
Saturday, 1:00 PM to 2:00PM | Kipling TTC station
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 11th
HAMILTON, Hamilton Organizing Meeting
Monday, 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM | ATU 107 Hall 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 12th
TORONTO, Health Care for Migrants: National Day of Action 
Tuesday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM | Immigration and Refugee Board
Click here to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Data Entry Pizza Party
Tuesday, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM | Workers Action Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

TORONTO, Toronto-wide Organizing Meeting
Tuesday, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM | Workers Action Centre
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 14th
TORONTO, 14th Annual February 14th Strawberry Ceremony for mmiwg2s
Thursday, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM | Toronto Police Headquarters
Click here to share on Facebook

February 16th
OTTAWA, What could a Green New Deal look like in Canada?
Saturday, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM | University of Ottawa 
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

February 17th
BRAMPTON, Local $15 and Fairness Meeting
Sunday, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Knightsbridge Community and Senior Citizens Centre (1A Knightsbridge Rd)
Click here to RSVP, Click here to share on Facebook

March 21st
CROSS CANADA, International Day for the Elimination of Racism
Mark this important day in your calendar, and stay tuned for details about a local action happening near you. We are encouraging our networks to help centre migrant workers’ issues on that day. For more information, visit: migrantrights.ca.