The Ministry of Labour just announced that Ontario’s general minimum wage will be adjusted upward by 20 cents as of October 1, 2017 to keep up with rising prices. We must remember that this measure does not increase the minimum wage; it merely helps maintain the original $11.00 value that was established in 2014 by the Ontario government – thanks to the workers who organized for this important win.
We know $11.60 will not be enough to survive on. Even for those of us who are able to find full-time work, $11.60 will still keep us 17% below the poverty line. Workers need at least $15 hourly to make ends meet as well as other important legislative measures such as decent hours, paid sick days, the right to unionize and more.
With two-thirds of Canadians now supporting a $15 minimum wage we believe it is about time that the Ontario government brings in this necessary reform instead of incremental adjustments. Alberta is already implementing a path to $15 by 2018 and 21 states in the U.S. have passed higher minimum wage laws. There is no reason why poverty wages should continue to be the norm in Ontario.
The Fight for $15 & Fairness movement is growing throughout the province with actions taking place in communities, campuses and workplaces every week. The indexation of the minimum wage to inflation was a key victory of the Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage, given that Ontario’s minimum wage had been frozen for 12 of the 20 years between 1995 and 2015.
Together we can win a $15 minimum wage for all workers, regardless of their age, student status, job or sector of employment – just like we won the indexation.
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, March 25
TORONTO
West-Toronto Outreach Blitz
12:30PM-2:00PM | Jane St and Lawrence Ave W (southwest corner)| Click here for a map
Do you live in West Toronto? Join us in the neighbourhood to spread the word and to strengthen the Fight for $15 and Fairness movement! We need to send a message to our elected Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs), including MPP Laura Albanese, that we need $15 and Fairness in 2017! Come out and bring a friend! We’ll have petitions, leaflets & posters ready to go, and together we’ll talk to passerby about the fight for decent work for all.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, March 28
SCARBOROUGH
Solidarity Action with Striking Food Service Workers at UTSC!
9:30AM-1:00PM | Bus leaves from Bloor and Bedford | Click here for a map
On strike since February 9, UNITE HERE Local 75 has been fighting for fair wages at the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus. Most of Local 75’s members at UTSC make $11.50 per hour with little to no benefits. This Saturday, come out to the solidarity picket! We’ve got a bus from the UofT St. George campus heading to UTSC to support striking food service workers ! The bus leaves from Bloor and Bedford at 9:30am and seats 40! We’ll be picketing with food service workers from 10am-1pm and returning to the downtown campus shortly after! Click here o secure your spot on the bus.
To RSVP & share on Facebook, click here.
Friday, March 31
TORONTO
The Fight for Decent Work: Building Unity in the Era of Trump
6:30 pm to 9:00 pm | Central YMCA | Click here for a map
The Fight for $15 in the US is a multiracial movement of non-union and union workers, which has won wage increases for 19 million underpaid workers, putting nearly $62 billion back into workers’ pockets. The Fight for $15 has also been a driver in the successful campaigns for paid sick days, fair scheduling, decent hours and so much more. Join this important public forum on how we can build the Fight for $15 — and Fairness — in the midst of a polarizing political landscape. Panel moderated by acclaimed journalist DESMOND COLE with:
- ASHLEY CATHEY, Fast food worker from Memphis, Tennessee and member of the US Fight for $15 national organizing committee.
- KENDALL FELLS, national director of organizing for the US Fight for $15.
- DEENA LADD, coordinator of the Toronto-based Workers’ Action Centre and a leader in Ontario’s Fight for $15 and Fairness.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Friday, April 7
HAMILTON
Workersgiving: A Comedy Benefit for #15andFairness
8:00PM-10:30PM | CoMotion on King, 115 King St E | Click here for a map
We’re looking to raise funds, raise FUNs and also raise #15andFairness awareness. The comedy show features a list of pro comedians who will help take your mind off the struggle ahead. Comedians: Aisha Brown, Jackie Pirico, Zack McDonald, Mayce Galoni, Sara Hennessey, Paul Hutcheson with host Matthew Surina and freelance hosts Mitchell Rathgeb and Amanda Terfloth. Doors open at 8:00PM, show starts at 8:30PM. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Drinks will be for sale throughout the night as well as free snacks and refreshments.
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here. To grab your tickets click here.
Saturday, April 8
LONDON
Assembly for Decent Work
10:00AM-2:00PM | OPSEU, 1092 Dearness Dr | Click here for a map
Are you worried about work prospects for your children? Do you need better treatment at work? Ontario is reviewing its employment and labour laws. Join us for a discussion and training on how to talk to your MPPs to win the changes we need to employment laws in the province! Lunch and refreshments will be served!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
Tuesday, April 11
TORONTO
Equal Pay Day
12:00PM | College St. and University Ave.| Click here for a map
Equal Pat Day marks the gender pay gap. On average, women must work 15.5 months – or 3.5 months into the new year – to earn what a man earns in 12 months. Ontario’s ministers of Labour, Finance, Women’s Issues, Economic Development, Education, and Skills Development all have an express mandate to close the gender pay gap but the government still hasn’t announced how it plans to close the gap. Make sure to wear red because the gender pay gap leaves women in the red!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.
TORONTO
Toronto-Wide Organizing Meeting
5:30 pm to 8:00 pm | 720 Spadina Ave, Suite 223 | Click here for a map
Join us for our next city-wide Fight for $15 and Fairness organizing meeting! We know we have the majority with us, but we need to organize this sentiment and put pressure on our MPPs to make sure we get the legislative changes we need in 2017!
To RSVP and share on Facebook, click here.