Join us at our Jobs, Justice and Climate Webinar and November Provincial Organizing Meeting!

November 17, 2023

Ontario’s Labour Minister David Picinni just tabled legislation that will undermine our rights at work.

The misnamed “Working for Workers Act 4.0” weakens existing laws that protect workers. It strengthens the power of multinational corporations like Uber. And it diverts attention from the Ontario government’s failure to enact and enforce existing labour laws. 

Our laws are only as effective as they are enforced. Under the Ford government, there is widespread abuse of workers at the hands of Ontario recruiters and temp agencies, as revealed by a new 4-part investigation by the Toronto Star. Part I was published on Thursday and Part 2 was published today. These are must-read articles that show how widespread the abuse really is under the Ford government's watch.

Yet despite this abuse Labour Minister Picinni just announced they are halting legislation that was only weeks away from taking effect on January 1, 2024. This new legislation would have put much needed regulations on temp agencies and recruiters. Yet Minister Picinni’s stated reason for delaying this law is to work on “narrowing the scope.” 

We are not surprised. Journalist Sarah Mojdehedzedeh puts it best: 

Some of Ontario’s most recognisable employers that received millions in government subsidies are entangled in exploitation schemes after relying on temp agencies and recruiters.”

November Justice for Workers Meeting: Tuesday Nov 28

Piccini’s actions are another reminder of why we must keep up the fight for decent work. Will you join us at our November Justice for Workers online organizing meeting on Tuesday, November 28 at 7:00 pm?

 

Jobs, Justice and Climate Panel: Monday Nov 20

The Council of Canadians is taking the lead with Blue Green Canada, the Ontario Federation of Labour, Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, and Justice for Workers on a panel discussion about Jobs, Justice and the Climate.

This panel will feature workers in climate-impacted sectors sharing their hopes, fears, and demands as the world addresses the impacts of climate change and transitions away from fossil fuels. 

RSVP to the the Jobs, Justice and Climate panel to watch online on Zoom, or meet us in-person at the Sheraton Centre in Toronto. 


Save the date: 2024 Provincial Strategy Meeting

Like last year’s Beat the Bosses Bootcamp, the 2024 in-person Ontario strategy meeting is an important opportunity to learn new skills, share lessons and kick-start our organizing for the year ahead. The 2024 Ontario strategy meeting will take place from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3 at the Toronto Metropolitan University Student Centre.

Whether you are an experienced decent work organizer or want to be the part of the next generation of local leaders, we invite you to join us for a weekend to launch our 2024 fight back.