Time is running out: Fix equal pay & scheduling
Today is International Day for Decent Work. Thanks to you and the efforts of thousands of others across Ontario, we have much to celebrate for! Over the past year, our growing $15 & Fairness movement successfully pressured the government to introduce legislation to raise the minimum wage to $15 by January 1, 2019, which will boost the incomes of 1.7 million people (quarter of the workforce) as well as their families. Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, also includes 2 paid personal emergency days for all, as well as measures to make it easier for workers to join unions. Courageous workers, students, teachers, faith leaders, union activists, health providers & many others led actions across the province to make Bill 148 possible, but our job is not done.
On this International Decent Work Day, we are calling on you to help us re-double our efforts to win the strongest possible Bill 148. Are you with us?
Push for stronger equal pay language & fair scheduling
As Bill 148 got debated and reviewed by the provincial
parliament over the summer, corporate lobbyists, spearheaded by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, forced changes to the legislation, introducing loopholes to the equal pay for equal work and fair scheduling measures, which our $15 & Fairness movement had worked so hard to get on the agenda.
Bill 148 cannot just be words on paper. We need to make sure that the language for equal pay for equal work and fair scheduling is the strongest that it can be. This will support workers who are in precarious jobs — most of whom are female, immigrants, and racialized — by not allowing them to get paid at lower rates for doing work similar to their full-time, permanently hired co-workers. Fair schedules are urgently needed to help workers plan their lives, hours of work, and manage family responsibilities.
Constituency week (October 10-13): Visit your representative!
This week is the perfect time to bring our message directly to members of provincial parliament (MPPs), who’ll be at their riding offices as part of the constituency week. We expect Bill 148 to soon go through a second-round of clause-by-clause review, which will be our opportunity to win stronger language to ensure equal pay and fair schedules for all. We need your help to make sure all MPPs hear our message clearly.
Print the material –> Grab a Friend –> Visit your MPP
- There is a poster you can download (11×17, tabloid paper), which we encourage you to hang outside the constituency office and take photos with.
- There is strength in numbers! If you can, take a friend (or 2) with you to drop by the office of your Member of Provincial Parliament to deliver an even louder message. The most important thing is that our elected officials hear from their constituents, whether in a group or solo, please stop by your MPP’s office.
- Every member of the provincial parliament should receive a visit from the $15 & Fairness campaign this week. No matter which political party your MPP is with, they should know that you expect them to fix the equal pay & scheduling language in Bill 148. Click here to confirm who your MPP is or where their office is located.
We will help amplify these MPP visits across social media, if you use Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, don’t forget to share a photo of you outside the MPP’s office and include the hashtag #15andFairness. You can also send us your photo by replying to this email, and we can post them for you. Happy International Decent Work Day to us all!
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, October 10
OTTAWA
MPP Visits – Constituency Week
Starting Tuesday, we’re taking our message straight to Members of Provincial Parliament in Ottawa. We’ll be delivering piles of signed petitions, letters, and postering around constituency offices so that MPPs know that we expect them to represent our interests.
– Tuesday 10:00 AM – MPP Bob Chiarelli (Ottawa West)
– Wednesday 2:00 PM – MPP Marie France Lalonde (Orleans)
– Wednesday 7:00 PM – MPP Yasir Naqvi (Ottawa Centre)
– Thursday 1:00 PM – MPP Natalie Desrosiers (Vanier)
To find out more about each action, email: [email protected]
BRAMPTON
Organizing Meeting for $15 & Fairness
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | Four Corners Library, 65 Queen St East | Click here for a map
Following an incredibly successful community picnic that we organized in September, bringing together close to 300 local supporters, we are continuing to mobilize! Come out, hear updates on the campaign, and help us plan future actions. There will be snacks!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Good Enough to Work, Good Enough to Stay: Panel Discussion
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Steelworkers Hall (25 Cecil St.) | Click here for a map
While characterized as “temporary” foreign workers, migrant workers have been a permanent part of Canadian workforces and communities for decades. Come learn more about the struggles and barriers faced by migrant workers, and how we can fight for the kind of labour laws that allow them to raise their voices and win the rights they deserve.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Wednesday, October 11
TORONTO
Accessibility Now: Rally for Accessible Transit
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Bloor & Yonge (Northeast corner) | Click here for a map
Accessibility is a right, not an option! Transit in Toronto continues to fail our communities, due to being insufficient, unaffordable and inaccessible. The barriers in the transportation system, and the negligence, make it at times impossible for people with disabilities to move around in the city. This is unacceptable, come out and demand #accessibilityNOW
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
BRAMPTON
Door-knocking for $15 & Fairness
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Castlemore and Highway 50 area
We will be going door to door in the Castlemore and Highway 50 area to speak to people about Bill 148 and ask if they would like to put up lawn signs! During the past two weeks, we had very positive responses at the doorsteps, with many community members taking up lawn signs. Let’s build on this! (Stay tuned on Facebook for exact meeting location)
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
OTTAWA
Fight for $15 & Fairness Postering Blitz!
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Ottawa City Hall, 110 Ave Laurier O | Click here for a map
We know Bill 148 needs stronger language on equal pay for equal work and fair scheduling, for workers to be truly protected. But time is running out, so we’re bringing our message to the streets! Join us as we poster our way to MPPs Yasir Naqvi’s office for constituency week! We’ll have tape and posters, just bring yourself!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Thursday, October 12
HAMILTON
Decent Work & Health Network Meeting & Letter Writing Party
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Michael DeGroote Centre for Learning & Discovery, MDCL 2230
Hamilton residents, students and health providers are getting organized. Will you join? Following a packed event in September, we are meeting at McMaster University. Come and join the Hamilton Decent Work and Health Network (DWHN) for a meeting (6-7 PM) and letter-writing party (7-8 PM). Plug into DWHN planning at the meeting, then voice your support for a stronger Bill 148 by drafting a letter-to-the-editor for local newspapers.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Parkdale Wants $15 & Fairness: Phone-bank & Letter Writing!
6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Parkdale Community Legal Services, 1266 Queen St West | Click here for a map
There is an incredible appetite in our communities for $15 & Fairness. Help us call supporters who have signed the $15 & Fairness petition, and let them know about the many ways to get involved. We will also write some letters to the editor for local papers to help get our message out there! Come out!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Friday, October 13
KINGSTON
Canvass
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Corner of Bagot & Princess St | Click here for a map
Join us for a downtown canvass –the fight is not over! The minimum wage increase to $15 is not a done deal and the improvements to employment standards in Bill 148 have yet to be adopted and can still be greatly improved. Meanwhile, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce and the big business lobby are busy campaigning against these promised gains. Let’s hit the pavement and spread the word! Everyone is welcome!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Sunday, October 15
TORONTO
$15 & Fairness Solidarity Contingent at the Unity Rally to End White Supremacy
11:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Northwest corner of College & University | Click here for a map
From borders to the workplace, we must all stand up against white supremacy. We call on all supporters of the $15 and Fairness movement to join the Unity Rally to End White Supremacy in Toronto. We oppose every form of hate. Far too often workers — especially those in precarious employment — are singled out for racist and Islamophobic harassment, with little recourse. We are organizing to demand dignity and respect for all.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Monday, October 16
TORONTO
Regent Park Organizing Meeting
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Regent Park Community Health, 40 Oak St | Click here for a map
Are you interested in being more involved with the $15 & Fairness campaign? Join the monthly Regent Park organizing meeting to find out more. Big business groups are trying to stop the government from raising the minimum wage to $15 by January 1, 2019. Help us stand up to them — our communities need decent work now!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, October 17
TORONTO
$15 & Fairness Solidarity Contingent for Raise Social Assistance Rates Rally
11:30 AM – 2:00 PM | Toronto City Hall | Click here for a map
Government must act now to raise income for all of us! From social assistance to minimum wage — it’s time to raise the rates! On October 17, the International Day for the Elimination of Poverty, the Fight for $15 & Fairness Campaign will be joining the Time Is Now: Raise Social Assistance Rates Rally. Come out and march with us!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Wednesday, October 18
YORK UNIVERSITY
Why the Fight for $15 & Fairness Isn’t Over: Panel Discussion
2:30 PM – 4:00PM | Student Centre, Room 430 | Click here for map
The Ontario government has responded to our movement’s demands by proposing decent work legislation. However, the bill has not yet passed, and the Big Business Lobby is trying to stop it. Come learn about the campaign and how to get involved with a panel discussion featuring lead organizers from Unite Here Local 75, temp agency workplaces, student groups, and others! Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, October 24
TORONTO
Toronto-wide Organizing Meeting
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM | 720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 223 | Click here for a map
We must re-double our efforts to solidify our gains, spread the word and push to ensure $15 & Fairness for everyone. We also need to build support for all workers who fight and strike for $15 and Fairness in their workplaces, like airport workers at Pearson International, and faculty staff. Please RSVP so we know how many snacks to provide!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Thursday, October 26
TORONTO
Regent Park Outreach
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Corner of Dundas and Parliament | Click here for a map
Meet us in front of FreshCo and Tim Hortons (opposite of Regent Park Community Health Centre) to talk to our neighbours about what is at stake with Bill 148. We have not won the $15 minimum wage yet, we need to stay mobilized to make sure this important legislation is strengthened and passed. Come out, bring your friends and family!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Saturday, October 28
LONDON
Assembly: Stand Up for Decent Work and Oppose Hate!
9:30 AM – 4:00 PM | Unifor Local 26 Hall, 606 First St | Click here for a map
Join the London Common Front, students and workers in a discussion on how to challenge racism on the streets and in our workplaces. Panelists will speak to the importance of the $15 minimum wage and decent work to tackle racism, and methods to build broad coalitions to push back the rise of hate in our communities.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Parkdale wants $15 & Fairness: October Outreach Blitz!
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Queen Street West and Jameson Avenue | Click here for a map
Are you ready for another fun outreach action to talk to Parkdale residents about the urgent need for $15 & Fairness in our community? Come out! We’ll have petitions, leaflets & posters ready to go, and together we’ll talk with passersby about the fight for decent work for all. Join us, and feel free to bring a friend!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Legislative Assembly Resumes, let’s step up the pressure!
The Toronto Star published a heart-breaking expose revealing the reckless treatment of workers by temporary staffing agencies, and how much the law allows it. Reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh went undercover to investigate the daily realities faced by temp workers, including dangerous working conditions. This must-read story reveals how Ontario companies use temp agencies to avoid their responsibilities as employers. Amina Diaby is one of three temp agency workers killed at Fiera Foods.
“Amina Diaby died last year in an accident inside one of the GTA’s largest industrial
bakeries where, the company says, worker safety is its highest concern.
The 23-year-old was one of thousands of Ontarians who have turned to temporary employment agencies to find jobs that often come with low pay and little training for sometimes dangerous work.”
Clearly we have a long way to go to ensure decent working conditions for temp agency workers and hold employers accountable. That’s why we are re-doubling our efforts to win the strongest possible labour law reform via Bill 148, and beyond. If you are outraged by this expose, join the author Sara Mojtehedzadeh at the public forum on Friday September 15 (see below) and learn more about the changes our communities need.
PUBLIC FORUM: Toronto, September 15
Fighting for Decent Work: from Bill 148 to the next election!
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Hart House, University of Toronto | Click here for a map
Our movement has pressured the government to respond to our demands for decent work, and legislation (Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act) has been proposed to make many important changes that will benefit workers across Ontario! We are coming together to celebrate the progress we’ve made to this date, strategize about ways to resist the big business lobby’s efforts to weaken the bill. Join us! Now is the time to increase the pressure, and mobilize to win better laws through and beyond Bill 148.
The event will be moderated by Toronto Star reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh, featuring:
– Gilary Massa on challenging racism and Islamophobia
– Navneet Aujla on justice for temporary agency workers
– Alia Karim on students and the fight for decent work
– Deena Ladd on winning $15 & Fairness in Ontario
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here. This event has free admission. Don’t miss this important conversation, please help us spread the word on Facebook and forward this email to your friends.
LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY RESUMES TODAY!
Update on Bill 148 – Push now for stronger equal pay language
Despite the attacks of corporate lobbyists, in mid-August, most of the substantive elements of Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017, were maintained during the first round of amendments August 21. And thanks to the efforts of our labour-community partners across Ontario, we even won some (very) modest improvements. Unfortunately, there were also some important setbacks, which we must be ready to fight, now that the Legislative Assembly has resumed.
The first setback consists of amendments to the scheduling provisions of Bill 148 that will give employers loopholes to avoid the fairer scheduling provisions under the proposed legislation. The second setback consists of an amendment to the equal pay provisions of the bill that define seniority through the number of hours worked, not the date of hire. This provision will entrench inequality between full-time and part-time workers, defeating the intent of equal pay. It could also undermine collective agreements where seniority is based on the date of hire, not the number of hours worked.
Amendments put forward by the NDP to eliminate the sub-minimum wage rates for students under the age of 18 and liquor servers were defeated, as were amendments that would have increased paid vacation and emergency leaves for workers. However, an amendment calling for a separate, unpaid leave for workers who self-identify as victims of sexual violence or domestic abuse was supported by all parties.
Unfortunately, there was no movement to strengthen the language provided in Bill 148 to ensure equal pay for part-time and full-time workers, and for temporary agency workers. Strong language on this issue is crucial for addressing the gender wage gap because women are by far the greatest proportion of part-time workers – a consequence of their still shouldering the bulk of family care-giving. Strong equal pay language would also be a body blow to the temporary staffing industry that contributes to precarious employment and undermines unions’ ability to organize.
Bill 148 could be tabled in Legislative Assembly for 2nd Reading (consideration) any day now and parliamentary procedure dictates it must go to Committee for (further) consultation and amendments. While this additional round of consultations creates another platform for the Big Business lobby to advance its agenda, it also gives workers another chance to mobilize to improve the equal pay language and stop the previously noted concessions.
We don’t know the precise day Bill 148 will be tabled; nor do we know when, or for how long, it will be considered by the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. This makes our work in the weeks ahead all the more important. Let’s use the fall to increase the pressure on our Members of Provincial Parliament, and let them know that our communities expect them to deliver the strongest possible labour legislation.
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!
Monday, September 11
TORONTO
Workers’ Comp Is A Right – Campaign Launch
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM | 720 Spadina Ave, Suite 202 | Click here for a map
Join us for the launch of Ontario Network of Injured Workers’ Groups’ (ONIWG) province-wide campaign, featuring a community forum. When workers are injured or made ill on the job, they have a right to full compensation. They have a right to be treated with dignity and respect. Currently, the cutting edge of austerity in Ontario means those rights are being violated. ONIWG is launching a new campaign to win fairness for injured workers with three key demands for systemic change:
• No cuts based on phantom jobs!
• Listen to injured workers’ treating healthcare professionals!
• Stop cutting benefits based on “pre-existing conditions”!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here. Food will be provided at the event, please register on the Facebook page to let the organizers know you are coming.
Tuesday, September 12
TORONTO
Let’s Rise – Unite Here Local 75 Rally & March, and the Make it Fair After-Party
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Renaissance Toronto Hotel Downtown | Click here for a map
Come join Toronto’s famous hospitality workers on our Social Justice Red Carpet as we celebrate the stars of our city’s hospitality industry! While we fight to win stronger labour laws for workers across Ontario, bad bosses are doing everything they can do intimidate workers and deter them from organizing. Come out to the Rally at Renaissance Toronto Downtown and let’s march together to the Soho House Toronto & Shangri-La Hotel!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
POSTPONED: Toronto-Wide Organizing Meeting for $15 & Fairness
Instead, of our usual bi-weekly organizing meeting, let’s all join the UNITE HERE Local 75 march and rally (see above). But we’ll see you all on Friday, September 15 between 6:30 pm and 9:00 pm at the public forum with Toronto Star reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh, and other special guests.
Wednesday, September 13
OSHAWA
FORUM – Liveable Wages: Separating Realty from Myth
6:00 PM – 7:30 PM | 61 Charles Street, ROOM 151 on the 1st floor – UOIT’s Downtown Campus | Click here for a map
Join us for this panel discussion on why decent work and wages will strengthen our economy and create strong communities. We will discuss common misconceptions and out-dated analysis to separate myth from reality. Speakers include:
– Tiffany Balducci, President at Durham Northumberland CUPE District Council
– Pam Frache, Provincial Coordinator for the 15 & Fairness Campaign
– Malka, York University Food Service Worker that won $15 minimum wage after striking
– Mina Rajabi, Vice President of York Federation of Students
For more information, email: [email protected].
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Friday, September 15
TORONTO
PUBLIC FORUM: Fighting for Decent Work: from Bill 148 to the next election!
6:30 PM – 9:30 PM | Great Hall – Hart House, University of Toronto | Click here for a map
Let’s get together to CELEBRATE the great work being done in our communities, chart next steps in the FIGHT for the strongest possible labour reform in Ontario, and show how our movement will UNITE to win decent work for all!
This event will be moderated by Toronto Star reporter Sara Mojtehedzadeh, featuring:
– Gilary Massa on challenging racism and Islamophobia
– Navneet Aujla on justice for temporary agency workers
– Alia Karim on students and the fight for decent work
– Deena Ladd on winning $15 & Fairness in Ontario
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here. This event has free admission. Don’t miss this important conversation, please help us spread the word on Facebook!
Friday & Saturday, September 15 & 16
TORONTO – University of Toronto
Ontario Campus Assembly – $15 & Fairness
Sept. 15 – 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Great Hall – Hart House – 7 Hart House Circle
Sept. 16 – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sidney Smith Building – 100 St. George Street
Calling all students, campus workers, faculty members! We are hosting our first Ontario-wide Campus Assembly in September. There are only a few spots left, register now for one or both days of the assembly by clicking here. The event will be taking place at the University of Toronto and together we will discuss the next steps to ensure that every campus is a $15 and Fairness campus as we fight to win the strongest possible labour legislation. While the event will be focused on campus organizing, everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.
There will be workshops and discussions on:
– Beating the big business lobby
– Ending racism & Islamophobia
– Bargaining $15 & Fairness demands
– Winning fairness for contract faculty
– Starting from scratch and effective organizing
– Linking decent work and public health
– Uniting students, staff and faculty
– and much more!
To register for one or both days of the assembly: bit.ly/15FCampus
To spread the word on Facebook, click here.
Saturday, September 16
BRAMPTON
Tabling at the South Asian Canadians Health and Social Services Picnic
12:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Eldorado Park, 8520 Creditview Rd | Click here for a map
South Asian Canadians Health and Social Services (SACHSS) is having their second annual picnic and have invited us to come speak to the community about Bill 148. We know how important the link between work, income, and health is, and why our communities urgently need paid sick days, decent incomes and stable schedules to enjoy healthy lives. Come out and join the picnic!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Thursday, September 21
OTTAWA
Ottawa Fight for $15 & Fairness Organizing Meeting
6:30 PM – 7:300 PM | 25OneCommunity, 251 Bank Street, 2nd Floor | Click here for a map
The Fight for $15 and Fairness Ottawa will be hosting another organizing meeting Sept. 21st! We don’t know when Bill 148 will go through and big business is using this opportunity to lobby the government to add loopholes to the legislation so they can avoid treating their workers fairly. Come help us plan out our upcoming outreach and organize against the business lobby backlash. All are welcome to attend as we always enjoy seeing new faces.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
OCAP Speaking Series: Winning Decent Incomes
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Regent Park Community Ctr., 40 Oak St | Click here for a map
Why is social assistance so low? What lessons can we learn from the fight to raise minimum wage? How do we win decent incomes for everyone? Join us at the September Speakers Series to find out. Speakers include: Pam Frache, the Ontario Coordinator for the Fight for $15 and Fairness and Yogi Acharya, organizer with the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty and the Raise the Rates campaign.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here. **This is a free event with a meal, childcare, wheelchair access and tokens.
Saturday, September 23
KINGSTON
Activist Group Mixer Potluck
12:30 PM – 3:30 PM |AKA Autonomous Social Ctr. 75 Queen St | Click here for map
In the interest of solidarity and creating networks, we thought it would be a good idea to get as many of Kingston’s local activist groups together as possible to meet, share some food, share some stories, and connect on the shared battles and challenges we face, as well as how best to support each other. If you are a member of a local group or are interested in learning about local groups, we’d love to have you there!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
The 7th Annual Toronto Disability Pride March
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM | Queen’s Park to 99 Gerard St East | Click here for a map
From the organizers: “Why we’re Marching: To bring recognition of the struggles and value of people with disabilities as we fight against ableism and other forms of oppression; To be visible and show that we have a voice in our community and a right to be heard by taking to the streets; To celebrate and take pride in ourselves as a community of people with disabilities.” Help spread the word and come out on Saturday for the 7th annual march. The organizers are looking for marshalls and volunteers, please find out more here.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Sunday, September 24
TORONTO
West Toronto Outreach Blitz – Parkdale wants $15 & Fairness!
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM | Southeast corner of Queen & Jameson | Click here for a map
Are you ready for another fun outreach action to talk to Parkdale residents about the urgent need for $15 & Fairness in our community? Come out on September 24 to talk to our neighbours about what is at stake with Bill 148, and how we can continue putting pressure on our elected representatives to make sure that we win the best possible labour law reforms. We’ll have petitions, leaflets & posters ready to go, and together we’ll talk with passersby about the
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, September 26
TORONTO
TALK: Lessons of the Fight for $15 in the Trump Era
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM | York University, Ross Building S802 | Click here for a map
Labour organizer Jonathan Rosenblum will discuss the inside story of the first successful fight for $15. Just outside Seattle, an unlikely alliance of Sea-Tac airport workers, union and community activists, and clergy staged face-to-face confrontations with corporate leaders to unite a diverse, largely immigrant workforce in a struggle over power between airport workers and business and political elites. This talk will consider lessons from this campaign that may contribute to building a powerful, inclusive labour movement and enable workers to reclaim their power in the contemporary economy.
To RSVP click here, and to spread the word on Facebook, click here.
Fight for $15 – What’s Next?
Sept. 26, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil Street | Click here for a map
With Deena Ladd of the Workers’ Action Centre and Jonathan Rosenblum, former Fight for $15 organizer with SEIU and author of Beyond $15. – Immigrant workers, Faith activists and the revival of the labor movement. Sponsored by: The Toronto Labour Committee, Workers’ Action Centre, Global Labour Research Centre (York University), Toronto Airport Workers’ Council.
Wednesday, September 27
NORTH YORK
Town Hall Meeting: Why $15 & Fairness matters to our community
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM | 1541 Jane St, North York | Click here for a map
Our movement has pressured the government to respond to our demands for decent work, and legislation has been proposed to make many important changes that will benefit all workers! Two of the three political parties are now confidently calling for higher wages and better laws. Unfortunately, the big business lobby is trying to undermine our movement by making far-fetched claims that decent work and wages will harm our economy. Join us to talk about what $15 & Fairness means for our community.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Sunday, October 1
ONTARIO
Minimum wage adjustment takes effect
Thanks to the work of community and labour activists across Ontario, in 2014, we won an increase to the minimum wage from $10.25 to $11.00 plus legislation that ensures the minimum wage will be adjusted each year on October 1 to keep up with rising prices. These annual adjustments are crucial in helping the minimum wage hold its original $11.00 value. This year, the adult minimum wage will change from $11.40 to $11.60. If we win a $15 minimum wage, as proposed in Bill 148, that wage will also be subsequently adjusted each year on October 1. Unfortunately, there are still sub-minimum wage rates (that are also adjusted annually) that we need to campaign hard to eliminate. Let’s keep the fight going!
Don’t let the Big Business lobby stop us now
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
No time to lose: let’s speak up for $15 & Fairness
It’s been an incredible summer! Bill 148, the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, was sent to committee where consultations took place over ten days in ten different cities.
Every step of the way, the Fight for $15 & Fairness had a strong showing. Meanwhile, actions are still unfolding every week in communities across Ontario (click here or scroll below to see the list of upcoming events). This momentum explains why the government has been moving on our demands and why the Ontario New Democratic Party has stepped up to strengthen the Bill with many of the amendments our movement has been calling for.
NDP announces amendments to strengthen Bill 148
The Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs will be considering amendments to Bill 148 from August 21 to 25. In anticipation of this process, the ONDP promised to introduce amendments that would: eliminate the sub-minimum wage rates for students under the age of 18 and liquor servers; implement an extra week of paid vacation for workers after one year of service (instead of after five years, as the Bill is presently worded); increase the number of paid personal emergency leave days from the Bill’s current proposal of two (2) to five (5); and include dependent contractors in the definition of employee under Employment Standards Act. Although not everything we have asked for, these changes would be welcome steps forward.
Recently, NDP MPP Jagmeet Singh issued a statement calling for much stronger protections for temporary agency workers, for an end to perms-temping, and for greater regulation of temporary agencies. We look forward to the Ontario NDP formalizing these proposals via the amendment process. Click here to read Singh’s letter to Kathleen Wynne, calling for temp agency workers to be converted to permanent employees after three (3) months; for strong equal pay and benefits language in the Bill; and for limits on the proportion of the workforce that can be hired through temporary agencies. These demands echo our Fight for $15 and Fairness demands and would go a long way in curbing insecure work.
Fight isn’t over! Help us strengthen Bill 148
You may have heard that the government is planning to make some important improvements to the wages and working conditions of Ontario workers — and this is fantastic news. But, nothing in the current plans are set in stone and we need to fight to make sure that the legislation — Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act (Bill 148) — moves forward and is strengthened.
Bill 148 is in committee, and we are half-way through the 10 day, 10 city tour that kicked off in Thunder Bay on Monday July 10. This first week’s hearings demonstrated an incredible show of support by community and labour groups who deputed in favour a $15 minimum wage, and other amendments needed to strengthen Bill 148.
Click here to see more photos of the Bill 148 public hearings
But, we know that the 1% are opposed to sharing their profits with the workers who help generate that wealth. For example, Cara Food Inc. — the company that owns Swiss Chalet, Kelsey’s & Montana’s, Eastside Mario’s and others — has deployed its representatives to make deputations during the hearings to suggest that sub-poverty wages are the foundation of their business model and any quick adjustment will somehow bring ruin to their restaurants. That flies in the face of the fact that the CEO of Cara Foods enjoys payouts and stock options worth $100 million.
Let’s be absolutely clear: the Ontario government introduced Bill 148, in response to the high levels of public support for decent work that our movement has demonstrated:
- Campaign Research polling (click here) shows that 64% of Ontarians SUPPORT a $15 or higher minimum wage. Remarkably, a substantial minority of Ontarians — fully 17% — believe that $15 is too low.
- 72% of Toronto residents SUPPORT a $15 or higher minimum wage (51% about right + 21% too little) These data appear on page 10 of the pdf linked above.
- 62% of small- and medium-sized business owners SUPPORT a $15 or higher minimum wage (47% about right + 15% too little) These data appear on page 11 of the pdf linked above. That small- and medium-sized businesses support raising the minimum wage is not surprising. Data released in 2014 shows that small- and medium-sized businesses are already more likely to pay workers more than minimum wage, since they know first hand how important staff are to growing their businesses. This research from Social Planning Toronto looks at Statistics Canada data that show large firms are 5 times (500%) more likely to pay minimum wage than smaller firms. You may also be interested in a new and growing network of employers who are speaking out in support of decent work. Click here to visit the Better Way Alliance.
Until the Bill 148 becomes law, nothing is guaranteed. And even if it becomes the law it doesn’t stop a future government from rolling back the gains we made.
Bill 148 has the potential to improve the wages and working conditions of millions of Ontario workers, by taking much-needed steps forward to raise the minimum wage to $15 by January 1, 2019; introduce fairer schedules; ensure equal pay for equal work for part-time, contract and temp agency workers; and so much more. Of course we need to go further and we are working hard to strengthen the current Bill, that’s why your actions in support of the Fight for $15 and Fairness are crucial.
Corporations claim that any improvement to wages and working conditions will bankrupt their business. That old and outdated story has been proven wrong time and again. Together, we must counter the corporate backlash that opposes our agenda for decent work. Our voices — the 99% — must be louder than the voices of the 1%, even if they have greater access to the media than we do. By speaking out and demonstrating the high levels of public support for the changes in and our proposed amendments to Bill 148, we can counter the big business lobby.
Strengthen Bill 148, help us fight for $15 and Fairness:
- Send a written submission to the Committee reviewing Bill 148. We have prepared a draft letter (click here to download) which you can edit to reflect your (or your organization’s) voice. The letters are due Friday July 21st, 5:30 pm.
- Read the “cheat sheet” (download) to respond to tricky questions on minimum wage increases. For those making deputations, this is essential reading.
- Make sure you are following us on Facebook: we update the campaign’s Facebook page daily with the latest news and evidence. Help us spread the word – here is Toronto Star’s front page story exposing the temp agency industry
- Talk to you friends and co-workers about what’s at stake with Bill 148, here (download) is a useful two-pager that you can print, hand out and use as a poster.
- Come out and join us in your community, scroll down for details:
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!
Monday, July 17
LONDON
London Solidarity Breakfast for Bill 148
7:30AM – 9:00AM | Delta London Armouries Hotel, 325 Dundas Street | Click for map
Join the Ontario Federation of Labour and the London & District Labour Council for a solidarity breakfast to celebrate our intense province-wide efforts to improve the lives of working people. All are welcome to attend. We encourage you to stay to attend the public hearings to support the presenters!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, July 18
KITCHENER
Kitchener-Waterloo Solidarity Breakfast for Bill 148
7:30AM – 9:00AM | Holiday Inn Kitchener, 30 Fairway Rd S | Click here for a map
Join the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Waterloo Regional Labour Council for a solidarity breakfast. Bill 148 increases the minimum wage to $15/hour and includes changes that make it easier to join unions – but the fight is far from over! Everyone is welcome to join us for breakfast, and if you can, stay to attend the public hearing in Kitchener.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
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.
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.
Saturday, July 22
SCARBOROUGH
Junior Carnival $15 & Fairness Outreach Blitz
12:00PM – 2:00PM | Neilson house, 1575 Neilson Road | 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? Join us at the Junior Carnival Parade & Family Day on July 22 to talk to our neighbours about what is at stake with Bill 148, and how we can continue putting pressure on our elected representatives to make sure that we win the best possible labour law reforms. We’ll have petitions, leaflets & posters ready to go, and together we’ll talk with passersby about the fight for decent work for all. Join us, and feel free to bring a friend!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, August 1
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.
Wednesday, August 2
NIAGARA
Niagara Young Workers: Discussion & Social
6:00PM – 10:00PM | Regency Athletic Resort, 8068 Mountain Rd | Click for a map
Join Unifor at this public gathering that brings together unionized and non-unionized young workers from across the Niagara region. We will have a discussion focused on the issues concerning young workers today, including: precarious work, wage concerns, and health & safety, among others. Doors will open at 6:00 pm with food provided, and the event will start at 7:00 pm.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
If you don’t see an action in your community, contact us at [email protected] to find out how you can help kick start your own Fight for $15 and Fairness network.
— The Fight for $15 & Fairness Team
Economists support a $15 minimum wage
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.
Let’s mobilize for Bill 148
We’ve managed to force big changes onto the table – let’s mobilize to strengthen them & counter the corporate lobby!
On June 1, the Ontario government tabled a package of legislative reforms that – if adopted – would represent a huge victory for workers.
Bill 148, The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act, 2017 contains significant steps forward on all aspects of our campaign demands: from fairer wages to paid sick days, from decent hours to respect at work, and from rules that better protect us to the right to unionize. We have worked hard to convince the government to act — and now our work has paid off!
Here are just a few of the highlights from Bill 148 (for a more detailed summary, click here):
- Raising the adult general minimum wage to $15 within 18 months, in addition to previously won annual indexation to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. When implemented, these increases will benefit more than 1.5 million people.
- Equal pay for equal work between full-time, part-time, casual and temporary workers – including those who work for temporary help agencies.
- Three (3) hours of pay for on-call employees who aren’t called in and for any employee whose shift is suddenly cancelled. Workers may refuse shifts scheduled with fewer than four (4) days notice.
- Extension of job-protected, emergency leave to ALL workplaces, protecting an additional 1.7 million workers in smaller workplaces.
- Two (2) of these 10 days will be PAID, and no doctors’ notes will be required to access any of the paid or unpaid emergency leave days.
- Easier access to union protection, especially for those in precarious sectors like cleaners, security guards, homecare and community service workers.
- Three (3) weeks of paid vacation (after five (5) years of service).
- Increased public investment in enforcement.
- More workers will be protected by the Employment Standards Act (ESA).
- And so much more …
But Bill 148 has to pass in the Ontario Legislative Assembly before any of these measures become law. The government has referred the Bill to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs. Over the summer, the Committee will hold public hearings and consider amendments to the proposed legislation. We need to use the summer to mobilize to strengthen the Bill and counter the Big Business lobby.
Help us counter the Big Business lobby!
While we mobilize to support and strengthen the Bill, representatives of Big Business are trying to kill the Bill or water it down. Here are just a few of the corporate lobbyists working against the $15 and Fairness campaign: The Ontario Chamber of Commerce; temp agency lobbyists like Acsess, Adecco and Randstad; the Retail Council of Canada; Restaurants Canada; Food and Beverage Ontario; the Canadian Franchise Association with “over 600 corporate members representing many of Canada’s best- and lesser-known brands” including McDonald’s, Tim Hortons, and Burger King; the National Association of Canadian Consulting Businesses (NACCB), which represents the interests of IT services firms; and many others.
Decades of evidence shows that higher minimum wages and better working conditions create stronger economies and healthier communities for all of us. Yet we can count on Big Business to ignore the evidence and peddle the discredited narrative that helping workers harms the economy. Representatives of the 1% rarely support improvements in workers’ wages and working conditions because they don’t want to part with their vast profits. Did you know that Canada’s top CEOs earn 193 times the average worker’s salary?
Meanwhile, the corporate lobbyists campaigning against Bill 148 often claim to speak on behalf of small businesses, but we know that large corporations with 500 or more employees are far more likely to use minimum wage labour than small businesses. Fortunately, a growing number of small and modest sized businesses are telling their side of the story — that investing in their workforce makes good business sense.
$15 & Fairness Summer starts today!
While the representatives of the 1% are few in number, they have more financial resources to influence elected representatives at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government. They have more money to spend on advertising and have they much greater access to the mainstream media.
The rest of us — the 99% who will benefit from improvements in wages and working conditions — represent the majority. But we have to organize and mobilize to make sure that our voices are heard loudly and clearly. Members of Provincial Parliament need to know their re-election depends on the extent to which they are decent work champions at Queen’s Park.
Help us spread the word!
- Download and copy this leaflet to distribute in your workplace, community, campus or neighbourhood.
- Call or write your MPP. To find your MPP, click here. For a list of MPP phone numbers and email addresses, scroll down.
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.
- Contribute an article to your community or union newsletter.
- Follow our Facebook page for news, supporting evidence and updates.
- Spread the word on Twitter and Facebook #15andFairness #MakeitFair #ONPoli #WorkFairON #DecentWork
Scroll below for the full list of Members of Provincial Parliament in Ontario:
Hon Laura Albanese
York South–Weston
Phone: 416-243-7984
[email protected]
Granville Anderson
Durham
Phone: 905-697-1501
[email protected]
Teresa J. Armstrong
London–Fanshawe
Phone: 519-668-1104
[email protected]
Ted Arnott
Wellington–Halton Hills
Phone: 519-787-5247
[email protected]
Robert Bailey
Sarnia–Lambton
Phone: 519-337-0051
[email protected]
Yvan Baker
Etobicoke Centre
Phone: 416-234-2800
[email protected]
Hon Chris Ballard
Newmarket–Aurora
Phone: 905-750-0019
[email protected]
Toby Barrett
Haldimand–Norfolk
Phone: 519-428-0446
[email protected]
Lorenzo Berardinetti
Scarborough Southwest
Phone: 416-261-9525
[email protected]
Gilles Bisson
Timmins–James Bay
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-461-9878
[email protected]
James J. Bradley
St. Catharines
Phone: 905-935-0018
[email protected]
Patrick Brown
Simcoe North
Phone: 705-326-3246 or 705-526-8671
Sarah Campbell
Kenora–Rainy River
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-465-8501
[email protected]
Hon Michael Chan
Markham–Unionville
Phone: 905-305-1935
[email protected]
Hon Bob Chiarelli
Ottawa West–Nepean
Phone: 613-721-8075
[email protected]
Raymond Sung Joon Cho
Scarborough–Rouge River
Phone: 416-297-5040
[email protected]
Steve Clark
Leeds–Grenville
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-267-4408
[email protected]
Lorne Coe
Whitby–Oshawa
Phone: 905-430-1141
[email protected]
Mike Colle
Eglinton–Lawrence
Phone: 416-781-2395
[email protected]
Hon Michael Coteau
Don Valley East
Phone: 416-494-6856
[email protected]
Grant Crack
Glengarry–Prescott–Russell
[email protected]
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-355-9666
Hon Dipika Damerla
Mississauga East–Cooksville
Phone: 905-238-1751
[email protected]
Bob Delaney
Mississauga–Streetsville
Phone: 905-569-1643
[email protected]
Hon Steven Del Duca
Vaughan
Phone: 905-893-4428
[email protected]
Nathalie Des Rosiers
Ottawa–Vanier
Phone: 613-744-4484
[email protected]
Vic Dhillon
Brampton West
Phone: 905-796-8669
[email protected]
Joe Dickson
Ajax–Pickering
Phone: 905-427-2060
[email protected]
Cheri DiNovo
Parkdale–High Park
Phone: 416-763-5630
[email protected]
Han Dong
Trinity–Spadina
Phone: 416-603-9664
[email protected]
Hon Brad Duguid
Scarborough Centre
Phone: 416-615-2183
[email protected]
Victor Fedeli
Nipissing
Phone: 705-474-8340
[email protected]
Catherine Fife
Kitchener–Waterloo
Phone: 519-725-3477
[email protected]
Hon Kevin Daniel Flynn
Oakville
Phone: 905-827-5141
[email protected]
Cindy Forster
Welland
Phone: 905-732-6884
[email protected]
John Fraser
Ottawa South
Phone: 613-736-9573
[email protected]
Jennifer K. French
Oshawa
Phone: 905-723-2411
[email protected]
Wayne Gates
Niagara Falls
Phone: 905-357-0681
[email protected]
France Gélinas
Nickel Belt
Phone: 705-969-3621
[email protected]
Hon Michael Gravelle
Thunder Bay–Superior North
Phone: 807-345-3647
[email protected]
Lisa Gretzky
Windsor West
Phone: 519-977-7191
[email protected]
Ernie Hardeman
Oxford
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-4046
[email protected]
Michael Harris
Kitchener–Conestoga
Phone: 519-954-8679
[email protected]
Percy Hatfield
Windsor–Tecumseh
Phone: 519-251-5199
[email protected]
Randy Hillier
Lanark–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington
Phone: 613-267-8239
[email protected]
Ann Hoggarth
Barrie
Phone: 705-726-5538
[email protected]
Andrea Horwath
Hamilton Centre
Phone: 905-544-9644
[email protected]
Hon Eric Hoskins
St. Paul’s
Phone: 416-656-0943
[email protected]
Hon Mitzie Hunter
Scarborough–Guildwood
Phone: 416-281-2787
[email protected]
Hon Helena Jaczek
Oak Ridges–Markham
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-531-9551
[email protected]
Sylvia Jones
Dufferin–Caledon
Phone: 519-941-7751
Phone: 905-951-9382
[email protected]
Sophie Kiwala
Kingston and the Islands
Phone: 613-547-2385
[email protected]
Monte Kwinter
York Centre
Phone: 416-630-0080
[email protected]
Hon Marie-France Lalonde
Ottawa–Orléans
Phone: 613-834-8679
[email protected]
Hon Jeff Leal
Peterborough
Phone: 705-742-3777
[email protected]
Hon Dave Levac
Brant
Phone: 519-759-0361
[email protected]
Hon Tracy MacCharles
Pickering–Scarborough East
Phone: 905-509-0336
[email protected]
Jack MacLaren
Carleton–Mississippi Mills
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-267-1020
[email protected]
Lisa MacLeod
Nepean–Carleton
Phone: 613-823-2116
[email protected]
Harinder Malhi
Brampton–Springdale
Phone: 905-495-8030
[email protected]
Amrit Mangat
Mississauga–Brampton South
Phone: 905-696-0367
[email protected]
Michael Mantha
Algoma–Manitoulin
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-831-1899
[email protected]
Cristina Martins
Davenport
Phone: 416-535-3158
[email protected]
Gila Martow
Thornhill
Phone: 905-731-8462
[email protected]
Hon Deborah Matthews
London North Centre
Phone: 519-432-7339
[email protected]
Hon Bill Mauro
Thunder Bay–Atikokan
Phone: 807-623-9237
[email protected]
Jim McDonell
Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry
Phone: 613-933-6513
[email protected]
Hon Kathryn McGarry
Cambridge
Phone: 519-623-5852
[email protected]
Hon Eleanor McMahon
Burlington
Phone: 905-639-7924
[email protected]
Ted McMeekin
Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-566-6614
[email protected]
Monte McNaughton
Lambton–Kent–Middlesex
Phone: 519-245-8696
[email protected]
Peter Z. Milczyn
Etobicoke–Lakeshore
Phone: 416-259-2249
[email protected]
Norm Miller
Parry Sound–Muskoka
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-267-4826
[email protected]
Paul Miller
Hamilton East–Stoney Creek
Phone: 905-545-0114
[email protected]
Hon Reza Moridi
Richmond Hill
[email protected]
Phone: 905-884-8080
Julia Munro
York–Simcoe
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-206-1373
Hon Glen R. Murray
Toronto Centre
Phone: 416-972-7683
[email protected]
Hon Indira Naidoo-Harris
Halton
Phone: 905-878-1729
[email protected]
Hon Yasir Naqvi
Ottawa Centre
Phone: 613-722-6414
[email protected]
Taras Natyshak
Essex
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-3909
[email protected]
Rick Nicholls
Chatham-Kent–Essex
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-3992
[email protected]
Sam Oosterhoff
Niagara West–Glanbrook
Phone: 905-563-1755
[email protected]
Randy Pettapiece
Perth–Wellington
Phone: 519-272-0660
[email protected]
Arthur Potts
Beaches–East York
Phone: 416-690-1032
[email protected]
Shafiq Qaadri
Etobicoke North
Phone: 416-745-2859
[email protected]
Lou Rinaldi
Northumberland–Quinte West
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-263-3980
[email protected]
Hon Liz Sandals
Guelph
[email protected]
Phone: 519-836-4190
[email protected]
Peggy Sattler
London West
Phone: 519-657-3120
[email protected]
Laurie Scott
Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-424-2490
[email protected]
Mario Sergio
York West
Phone: 416-743-7272
[email protected]
Jagmeet Singh
Bramalea–Gore–Malton
Phone: 905-799-3939
[email protected]
Todd Smith
Prince Edward–Hastings
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-536-6248
[email protected]
Hon Charles Sousa
Mississauga South
Phone: 905-274-8228
[email protected]
Peter Tabuns
Toronto–Danforth
Phone: 416-461-0223
[email protected]
Harinder S. Takhar
Mississauga–Erindale
Phone: 905-897-8815
[email protected]
Monique Taylor
Hamilton Mountain
Phone: 905-388-9734
[email protected]
Hon Glenn Thibeault
Sudbury
Phone: 705-675-1914
[email protected]
Lisa M. Thompson
Huron–Bruce
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-396-3007
[email protected]
John Vanthof
Timiskaming–Cochrane
[email protected]
Phone: 705-567-4650
Daiene Vernile
Kitchener Centre
Phone: 519-579-5460
[email protected]
Bill Walker
Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-461-2664
[email protected]
Jim Wilson
Simcoe–Grey
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-268-7542
[email protected]
Soo Wong
Scarborough–Agincourt
Phone: 416-297-6568
[email protected]
Hon Kathleen O. Wynne
Don Valley West
Phone: 416-425-6777
[email protected]
John Yakabuski
Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke
Phone: 613-735-6627
[email protected]
Jeff Yurek
Elgin–Middlesex–London
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-7638
[email protected]
Hon David Zimmer
Willowdale
Phone: 416-733-7878
[email protected]
Historic breakthrough for $15 & Fairness
Today’s announcement by the Ontario government is a package of reforms coming out of the Changing Workplaces Review and our Fight for $15 and Fairness. If enacted, the changes represent a huge victory for workers across Ontario! Although we didn’t get everything we wanted, we have won major improvements in most areas of our campaign.
Here are some highlights, for a more detailed review of the proposed changes click here.
- A $15 general minimum wage within 18 months
- Equal pay for part-time, casual, temporary and contract workers, including temporary agency workers
- Fairer scheduling
- An extra week’s paid vacation (after 5 years of service)
- 10 emergency leave days for all workers, two (2) of which will be paid and no doctor’s note will be required for any worker taking emergency leave
- Protection for contract service workers against contract flipping in the building services sector and publicly-funded institutions (like colleges and universities)
- A modest – but important – extension in card-based certification for union organizing
- Other measures to make it easier for workers to join unions
- An increase in public staffing resources for enforcement
Organizing works: Together we’re winning!
That the government has moved on so many of our demands is a testament to the hard work, tenacity and ongoing organizing efforts of all of you: workers, students, trade unionists, community groups, faith and other community allies.Congratulations and thank you to everyone who signed a petition, mobilized, demonstrated, knocked on doors, canvassed, emailed the Premier, tweeted, put up posters, handed out flyers, met with their MPP, called coworkers, friends and families and so much more.
It is critical that we stay organized in the weeks ahead. There is no room for complacency.
Buckle up for the business backlash
The business lobby is already using their vast resources to peddle their narrative that any changes in support of workers will ruin the economy. The evidence shows this kind of fear mongering is false – click here to see the facts. But we will need to work hard to get the message out that higher wages and better working conditions will improve our workplaces, our communities and our lives, including the lives of our families.
What you can do:
– Immediately write letters-to-the-editor in response to the news articles that are published over the next few days
– Call your MPP to let them know what you support and what needs improvements (see our analysis of the proposed changes by clicking here)
– Talk to your co-workers, friends and family to make sure they have the arguments they need to counter the big business lobby
The gains we have made are historic improvements in Ontario’s labour standards regime. That we have further to go should come as no surprise. But we should all be incredibly proud of the work we have done – and energized for the struggles to come.
Call your MPP right NOW! ⏰
The CBC’s Mike Crawley and the Toronto Star’s Martin Regg Cohn have published leaked information from Liberal cabinet members that show many of our $15 and Fairness demands are being considered for legislation. But there is a real battle underway — what we do now will make all the difference. According to Martin Regg Cohn:
“Government sources say most elements are falling into place after public hearings and private lobbying that has pitted [workers’] demands against a backlash from the corporate sector — with the governing Liberals caught in the middle. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because cabinet deliberations are supposed to remain confidential. In an interview, [Labour Minister Kevin] Flynn hinted strongly at the direction he is taking — if he can win support from his cabinet colleagues.“
Cohn also notes:
“The provincial cabinet will decide next week how far to take the package of reforms spearheaded by Labour Minister Kevin Flynn after a two-year review, Changing Workplaces, headed by outside experts.” Clearly, there is no time to lose. What we do now will shape the outcome of the entire Changing Workplaces Review.
That’s why we’re asking everyone to take $15 minutes now to call, email (or even visit) your MPP. (To find your MPP, click here. For a list of MPP phone numbers and email addresses scroll down.)
As Mike Crawley points out, we need to keep pushing for the best possible legislation because there’s pressure to back away from what workers really need:
“The [final] report urges the government to make paid sick days a right for all employees, but does not recommend a minimum number. Currently, there is no mandate for paid sick days under provincial law. Researchers estimate 40 to 50 per cent of Ontario workers don’t get paid if they call in sick, at least three million people.”
It’s up to us to demand seven (7) paid sick days plus all the other aspects of $15 and Fairness. Please call your your MPP and tell them to:
- Legislate at least seven (7) paid sick days, extend job-protection to all workplaces for 10 days of unpaid emergency leave and provide three weeks of paid vacation to all workers.
- End exemptions or exceptions in the Employment Standards Act (ESA) and Labour Relations Act (LRA) – the rules apply to everyone and protect everyone.
- Expand the definition of employer in both the ESA and LRA, including joint and several liabilities as well as related and joint employers.
- Legislate equal pay and benefits for equal work (including temporary agency, part-time, casual and contract workers) and eliminate sub-minimum wage rates established in the ESA.
- Provide at least two weeks of advanced scheduling notice.
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Expand the definition of employee to stop the misclassification of workers.
- Invest in stronger enforcement of the ESA and LRA and prosecute employers who flout the law.
- Extend just cause protection within the LRA and to ESA.
- Enshrine the right to free association through protection for concerted activity.
- Restore card-check certification; provide early disclosure of workplace information (neutral, online or telephone voting); remedial certification; and expedited and extended power to reinstate workers before the first agreement.
- Provide access to first contract arbitration.
- Extend successor rights to protect workers in the case of contract flipping.
- Consolidate bargaining units in the case of the same certified bargaining agent.
- Provide a framework for broader-based bargaining.
- Guarantee the right to strike – including prohibiting the use of replacement workers, safeguarding the rights of workers who have been involved in a labour dispute (including reinstatement after six months and prohibiting employers from unilaterally deciding to “clean house” after a strike).
- Mandate paid leave for domestic and sexual violence survivors.
- Increase the minimum wage to $15.00 immediately.
It’s time to demand the Liberal government act on OUR behalf — not on behalf of the corporations that profit from cheap labour and precarious, unstable working conditions.
To find your MPP, click here. For a list of MPP phone numbers and email addresses scroll down.
Hon Laura Albanese
York South–Weston
Phone: 416-243-7984
[email protected]
Granville Anderson
Durham
Phone: 905-697-1501
[email protected]
Teresa J. Armstrong
London–Fanshawe
Phone: 519-668-1104
[email protected]
Ted Arnott
Wellington–Halton Hills
Phone: 519-787-5247
[email protected]
Robert Bailey
Sarnia–Lambton
Phone: 519-337-0051
[email protected]
Yvan Baker
Etobicoke Centre
Phone: 416-234-2800
[email protected]
Hon Chris Ballard
Newmarket–Aurora
Phone: 905-750-0019
[email protected]
Toby Barrett
Haldimand–Norfolk
Phone: 519-428-0446
[email protected]
Lorenzo Berardinetti
Scarborough Southwest
Phone: 416-261-9525
[email protected]
Gilles Bisson
Timmins–James Bay
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-461-9878
[email protected]
James J. Bradley
St. Catharines
Phone: 905-935-0018
[email protected]
Patrick Brown
Simcoe North
Phone: 705-326-3246 or 705-526-8671
[email protected]
Sarah Campbell
Kenora–Rainy River
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-465-8501
[email protected]
Hon Michael Chan
Markham–Unionville
Phone: 905-305-1935
[email protected]
Hon Bob Chiarelli
Ottawa West–Nepean
Phone: 613-721-8075
[email protected]
Raymond Sung Joon Cho
Scarborough–Rouge River
Phone: 416-297-5040
[email protected]
Steve Clark
Leeds–Grenville
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-267-4408
[email protected]
Lorne Coe
Whitby–Oshawa
Phone: 905-430-1141
[email protected]
Mike Colle
Eglinton–Lawrence
Phone: 416-781-2395
[email protected]
Hon Michael Coteau
Don Valley East
Phone: 416-494-6856
[email protected]
Grant Crack
Glengarry–Prescott–Russell
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-355-9666
[email protected]
Hon Dipika Damerla
Mississauga East–Cooksville
Phone: 905-238-1751
[email protected]
Bob Delaney
Mississauga–Streetsville
Phone: 905-569-1643
[email protected]
Hon Steven Del Duca
Vaughan
Phone: 905-893-4428
[email protected]
Nathalie Des Rosiers
Ottawa–Vanier
Phone: 613-744-4484
[email protected]
Vic Dhillon
Brampton West
Phone: 905-796-8669
[email protected]
Joe Dickson
Ajax–Pickering
Phone: 905-427-2060
[email protected]
Cheri DiNovo
Parkdale–High Park
Phone: 416-763-5630
[email protected]
Han Dong
Trinity–Spadina
Phone: 416-603-9664
[email protected]
Hon Brad Duguid
Scarborough Centre
Phone: 416-615-2183
[email protected]
Victor Fedeli
Nipissing
Phone: 705-474-8340
[email protected]
Catherine Fife
Kitchener–Waterloo
Phone: 519-725-3477
[email protected]
Hon Kevin Daniel Flynn
Oakville
Phone: 905-827-5141
[email protected]
Cindy Forster
Welland
Phone: 905-732-6884
[email protected]
John Fraser
Ottawa South
Phone: 613-736-9573
[email protected]
Jennifer K. French
Oshawa
Phone: 905-723-2411
[email protected]
Wayne Gates
Niagara Falls
Phone: 905-357-0681
[email protected]
France Gélinas
Nickel Belt
Phone: 705-969-3621
[email protected]
Hon Michael Gravelle
Thunder Bay–Superior North
Phone: 807-345-3647
[email protected]
Lisa Gretzky
Windsor West
Phone: 519-977-7191
[email protected]
Ernie Hardeman
Oxford
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-4046
[email protected]
Michael Harris
Kitchener–Conestoga
Phone: 519-954-8679
[email protected]
Percy Hatfield
Windsor–Tecumseh
Phone: 519-251-5199
[email protected]
Randy Hillier
Lanark–Frontenac–Lennox and Addington
Phone: 613-267-8239
[email protected]
Ann Hoggarth
Barrie
Phone: 705-726-5538
[email protected]
Andrea Horwath
Hamilton Centre
Phone: 905-544-9644
[email protected]
Hon Eric Hoskins
St. Paul’s
Phone: 416-656-0943
[email protected]
Hon Mitzie Hunter
Scarborough–Guildwood
Phone: 416-281-2787
[email protected]
Hon Helena Jaczek
Oak Ridges–Markham
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-531-9551
[email protected]
Sylvia Jones
Dufferin–Caledon
Phone: 519-941-7751
Phone: 905-951-9382
[email protected]
Sophie Kiwala
Kingston and the Islands
Phone: 613-547-2385
[email protected]
Monte Kwinter
York Centre
Phone: 416-630-0080
[email protected]
Hon Marie-France Lalonde
Ottawa–Orléans
Phone: 613-834-8679
[email protected]
Hon Jeff Leal
Peterborough
Phone: 705-742-3777
[email protected]
Hon Dave Levac
Brant
Phone: 519-759-0361
[email protected]
Hon Tracy MacCharles
Pickering–Scarborough East
Phone: 905-509-0336
[email protected]
Jack MacLaren
Carleton–Mississippi Mills
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-267-1020
[email protected]
Lisa MacLeod
Nepean–Carleton
Phone: 613-823-2116
[email protected]
Harinder Malhi
Brampton–Springdale
Phone: 905-495-8030
[email protected]
Amrit Mangat
Mississauga–Brampton South
Phone: 905-696-0367
[email protected]
Michael Mantha
Algoma–Manitoulin
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-831-1899
[email protected]
Cristina Martins
Davenport
Phone: 416-535-3158
[email protected]
Gila Martow
Thornhill
Phone: 905-731-8462
[email protected]
Hon Deborah Matthews
London North Centre
Phone: 519-432-7339
[email protected]
Hon Bill Mauro
Thunder Bay–Atikokan
Phone: 807-623-9237
[email protected]
Jim McDonell
Stormont–Dundas–South Glengarry
Phone: 613-933-6513
[email protected]
Hon Kathryn McGarry
Cambridge
Phone: 519-623-5852
[email protected]
Hon Eleanor McMahon
Burlington
Phone: 905-639-7924
[email protected]
Ted McMeekin
Ancaster–Dundas–Flamborough–Westdale
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-566-6614
[email protected]
Monte McNaughton
Lambton–Kent–Middlesex
Phone: 519-245-8696
[email protected]
Peter Z. Milczyn
Etobicoke–Lakeshore
Phone: 416-259-2249
[email protected]
Norm Miller
Parry Sound–Muskoka
Toll Free Phone: 1-888-267-4826
[email protected]
Paul Miller
Hamilton East–Stoney Creek
Phone: 905-545-0114
[email protected]
Hon Reza Moridi
Richmond Hill
Phone: 905-884-8080
[email protected]
Julia Munro
York–Simcoe
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-206-1373
[email protected]
Hon Glen R. Murray
Toronto Centre
Phone: 416-972-7683
[email protected]
Hon Indira Naidoo-Harris
Halton
Phone: 905-878-1729
[email protected]
Hon Yasir Naqvi
Ottawa Centre
Phone: 613-722-6414
[email protected]
Taras Natyshak
Essex
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-3909
[email protected]
Rick Nicholls
Chatham-Kent–Essex
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-3992
[email protected]
Sam Oosterhoff
Niagara West–Glanbrook
Phone: 905-563-1755
[email protected]
Randy Pettapiece
Perth–Wellington
Phone: 519-272-0660
[email protected]
Arthur Potts
Beaches–East York
Phone: 416-690-1032
[email protected]
Shafiq Qaadri
Etobicoke North
Phone: 416-745-2859
[email protected]
Lou Rinaldi
Northumberland–Quinte West
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-263-3980
[email protected]
Hon Liz Sandals
Guelph
Phone: 519-836-4190
[email protected]
Peggy Sattler
London West
Phone: 519-657-3120
[email protected]
Laurie Scott
Haliburton–Kawartha Lakes–Brock
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-424-2490
[email protected]
Mario Sergio
York West
Phone: 416-743-7272
[email protected]
Jagmeet Singh
Bramalea–Gore–Malton
Phone: 905-799-3939
[email protected]
Todd Smith
Prince Edward–Hastings
Toll Free Phone: 1-877-536-6248
[email protected]
Hon Charles Sousa
Mississauga South
Phone: 905-274-8228
[email protected]
Peter Tabuns
Toronto–Danforth
Phone: 416-461-0223
[email protected]
Harinder S. Takhar
Mississauga–Erindale
Phone: 905-897-8815
[email protected]
Monique Taylor
Hamilton Mountain
Phone: 905-388-9734
[email protected]
Hon Glenn Thibeault
Sudbury
Phone: 705-675-1914
[email protected]
Lisa M. Thompson
Huron–Bruce
Toll Free Phone: 1-866-396-3007
[email protected]
John Vanthof
Timiskaming–Cochrane
Phone: 705-567-4650
[email protected]
Daiene Vernile
Kitchener Centre
Phone: 519-579-5460
[email protected]
Bill Walker
Bruce–Grey–Owen Sound
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-461-2664
[email protected]
Jim Wilson
Simcoe–Grey
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-268-7542
[email protected]
Soo Wong
Scarborough–Agincourt
Phone: 416-297-6568
[email protected]
Hon Kathleen O. Wynne
Don Valley West
Phone: 416-425-6777
[email protected]
John Yakabuski
Renfrew–Nipissing–Pembroke
Phone: 613-735-6627
[email protected]
Jeff Yurek
Elgin–Middlesex–London
Toll Free Phone: 1-800-265-7638
[email protected]
Hon David Zimmer
Willowdale
Phone: 416-733-7878
[email protected]
New video – $15 & Fairness for all care providers
For this Mother’s Day, join us in wishing $15 & Fairness for all those who parent and take care of our communities!
Too many mothers in Ontario struggle to make a living in the absence of affordable child care, equal pay for equal work, access to Employment Insurance, and a shortage of hours. So many care related jobs that are primarily done by women are also dominated by low wages. 25% of childcare workers earn minimum wage that puts them below the poverty line. Personal support workers care for our families tirelessly, while getting under-paid and over-worked by temp agencies. Meanwhile migrant caregivers are excluded from the most basic protections under current labour laws.
Following the release of the Ontario Budget, we asked you to email Premier Kathleen Wynne, and demand action for decent work. Hundreds of you did, thank you!
Right now we are at a crucial point where we must keep up the pressure on our elected representatives.The two-year review of Ontario’s labour laws is about to be concluded when the final recommendations are published later this month. Now is the time to introduce legislation to reform our outdated laws, we cannot wait until the 2018 election.
Please take a moment now to sign the letter to Premier Wynne. You already signed it? Then forward this email to 3 care providers you know to help win fairness for all.
Like Stevie says, we have to claim our own voice and make space for these issues to bring change. This Mother’s Day let’s send an email to Premier Wynne to call for laws that ensure $15 and Fairness, mothers in Ontario deserve nothing less.
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!
Saturday, May 13
TORONTO
Stroller Brigade 4 Child Care
10:00AM – 12:00PM | Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. West | Click here for a map
Early Childhood Educators and staff who care for and educate our youngest learners deserve professional pay & decent work!! This Mother’s Day, ECEs, parents, children and advocates are joining together for a massive Stroller Brigade to amplify our calls for Professional Pay & Decent Work! Come out, bring your strollers, family and noise-makers (tamborines, whistles, shakers, drums)!
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
East End Outreach Blitz
1:00PM – 3:00PM | Pape Subway Station | 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 join us this Saturday. We will be collecting signatures on the campaign petition.
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
OSHAWA
Oshawa Fight for $15 and Fairness Planning Meeting
3:30PM – 5:30PM | United Steelworkers of America | Click here for a map
Join members of We Are Oshawa to help plan out the next phase of the Fight for $15 and Fairness campaign in Oshawa. Meeting starts at 3:30PM at the Steelworkers Hall (115 Albert St). All are welcome and the meeting is family-friendly!
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
Wednesday, May 17
KINGSTON
Kingston $15 & Fairness Petitioning
5:00PM – 6:00PM | Barrack & King | Click here for a map
Join us at the Food Basics/LCBO at Barrack & King for a $15 and Fairness petition session. We will have flyers, posters, buttons, and a table set up. This is a fantastic way to check out the campaign, join us! Email [email protected] for more info.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Thursday, May 18
OTTAWA
Organizing Meeting – Fight for $15 & Fairness Ottawa
6:30PM – 8:00PM | 25One Community, 251 Bank St, 2nd floor | Click here for a map
The labour review recommendations should be out any day now, and that means we need to turn up the heat on our MPPs to make sure they start changing our labour laws now. Join us to plan our next actions – MPP lobbying, community outreach, and building our organizing skills! For more info email us at [email protected].
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, May 23
TORONTO
Toronto-Wide Organizing Meeting
5:30PM – 8:00PM | 720 Spadina Ave, Suite 223 | Click here for a map
Come out to the 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!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Wednesday, May 24
TORONTO
$15 & Fairness Townhall at York South-Weston
6:00PM – 8:30PM | Jane Street Hub, 1541 Jane St. | Click here for a map
West Enders, join us for an evening to get inspired and organized! This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Fight for $15 & Fairness campaign, the lived realities of people in precarious jobs, and plan next steps to make a difference in our neighbourhood. Please send an email to [email protected] to let us know you are coming, so we can plan for numbers. Light refreshments will be provided.
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
Sunday, May 28
TORONTO
Davenport $15 & Fairness Outreach Blitz
12:30PM – 2:00PM | 1094 Bloor St W (Tim Horton’s) | Click here for a map
Let’s spread the word and build a movement for $15 & Fairness in West Toronto. We need to send a message to our elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), including MPP Cristina Martins in Davenport, that we need $15 and Fairness in 2017!
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, May 30
Province-wide
Faith Leaders’ Statement for $15 & Fairness Public Release
In fall last year, leaders of a variety of faith communities launched a statement in support of $15 & Fairness. Since than a total of 137 leaders have signed on, demanding labour law reform. On Tuesday, May 30, we will publicly release these signatures with a press conference at Queen’s Park. While we surpassed our initial goal of 100, we are confident that many more faith leaders will want to add their names to this statement. We’re inviting you to help circulate it among your own faith networks. Faith leaders may add their names by signing a printable version that can be emailed to us.
Injured Workers’ Day – Thursday, June 1
TORONTO
Workers’ Comp Is a Right! Queen’s Park Rally
11:30AM – 1:00PM | Queen’s Park | Click here for a map
When workers are injured or made ill on the job, they should receive full compensation. They should be treated with dignity and respect, and provided with the support they need to get back on their feet. With so many workers in precarious jobs, we cannot be silent in the face of a workers’ compensation system that is more concerned with its own bottom line than with protecting the well-being of injured workers. Join us on the Injured Workers’ Day to demand fairness for all!
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Panel: Fighting Back Against Toxic and Unsafe Work
2:00PM – 4:00PM | OCAD Auditorium 100 McCaul St, Rm 190| Click here for a map
All workers have a right to a work environment that is free from violence, harassment, toxic exposures, and injury hazards. And when injuries or illnesses happen on the job, we have a right to workers’ compensation. But today, those rights are being violated by WSIB, while the government stays idle. Join us for a panel discussion featuring workers who are organizing in different sectors to build a worker-led front for safe work and full compensation. Food will be provided at the event.
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.