TUESDAY! We need YOU at the decent work organizing meeting
Two years into the pandemic, frontline workers continue to work in dangerous, low-wage work without adequate paid sick days. And for those who lost their jobs during the Omicron crisis, federal income support remains totally inadequate and difficult to access.
It's clear our governments are more beholden to corporate interests than they are to protecting workers. Or as Economist Jim Stanford puts it:
"Bosses need workers to keep working, no matter what: after all, that’s what produces the value-added. And if workers must die in the process, so be it." [1]
Governments will only take action when they are more afraid of us than they are of the backlash from corporations. That's why we must continue fighting for decent work.
Can you join us this Tuesday, January 18 at 7 pm EST?
Over 400 joined our Omicron Emergency Town Hall
On January 11th, Justice for Workers co-hosted with the Workers' Action Centre and the Decent Work and Health Network an Emergency Town Hall on how the Omicron crisis is impacting workers. Over 400 people joined the meeting, and many more sent their regrets and asked if the meeting would be recorded. The good news is: if you missed the Town Hall, you can watch it now!
Don't miss the next provincial organizing meeting
Your participation at the next meeting is crucial. Here are the breakout groups we'll be hosting at Tuesday's meeting:
- Federal issues: Emergency Income Support; Status for All; Indigenous justice; Fix Employment Insurance for good
- Paid sick days: Keep fighting for provincial and federal laws
- Early Childhood Education: Organizing for safe and healthy child care from decent wages, workplace protections and paid sick days
- Occupational Health & Safety & Injured Workers: Section 21; Workers Safety and Insurance (Workers compensation)
- Organizing for decent work: Ending misclassification, Protections for gig workers; Equal pay for part-time, contract, and temp agency workers; Just cause protection for all
- ASL - Organizing for decent work: Workers at the Bob Rumball Centre for Excellence for the Deaf (CUPE 4263) in Milton will lead this breakout group on local organizing that will be conducted in American Sign Language and English
We hope you can join us next Tuesday, January 18 at 7 pm EST. The meeting will have ASL interpretation and Closed Captioning. Click here to RSVP.
Reinstate $500 in Emergency Income Support NOW!
Workers are being devastated by the loss of work and wages but the current Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit provides only $270 per week after tax for workers to survive on. And the new restrictions on access means it is even harder for workers to get supports than when the pandemic first broke.
Please call on the federal government to provide $500 in weekly income support to all those who need it. Help us put pressure on politicians and win tangible changes in the lives of workers.
Thank you for being an important part of the movement for decent work. I hope to see you at the organizing meeting next Tuesday!
Jared Ong
On behalf of the Justice for Workers campaign
WE ARE WINNING! From minimum wage hikes to legislating paid sick days - organizing works!
Thanks to you, there is dramatic progress in the fight for decent work. From raising the floor to a $20 minimum wage to legislating 10 permanent paid sick days, we are gaining real ground.
We hope you can celebrate with us on our final online Decent Work Organizing meeting of the year taking place on Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm.
Minimum Wage Round-Up
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The Ontario New Democratic Party supports our demand for a $20 minimum wage. If elected, the NDP will raise the minimum wage to $16 on Oct. 1, 2022; $17 on May 1, 2023; $18 in 2024; $19 in 2025; and $20 in 2026, and then indexing wages to inflation beyond 2026.
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Ontario’s Conservative Premier Doug Ford was forced to reverse his 2018 decision to cancel our $15 minimum wage. Minimum-wage workers in Ontario will see a 4.5% wage increase on January 1, 2022. And the minimum wage is likely to become $15.60 in October 2022 due to annual cost of living adjustments.
This falls short of the $15.75 we would have had today if Ford had not cancelled $15 in 2018. And as the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates, an average minimum wage earner lost more than $3,000 over the past three years. In total, this transferred $1.7 billion away from the lowest paid, essential workers to corporate profit. [1] -
The Federal Liberal government fulfilled its promise for a $15 minimum wage. This December 29th, there will be a federal minimum wage for the first time in 25 years. Under this legislation, the federal minimum wage will be either $15 or the provincial minimum wage where most work is done -- whichever is higher. This means raises for federal workers in 7 different provinces.
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The New Brunswick Conservative government announced a two-step, $2.00 minimum wage increase. The first $1 increase takes effect on April 1, 2022, and the second $1 increase takes effect on October 1, 2022. This 17% increase to $13.75 is not enough. But it does show that when workers organize, we can make a difference.
Paid Sick Days Round-Up
- Both the Ontario NDP and Liberals tabled legislation for 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days. But when the NDP's Bill-8 came to a vote, every Conservative MPP voted against paid sick days for the 27th time. We know the majority of Ontarians support paid sick days, so let's remind every Conservative MPP they voted against paid sick days this coming provincial election.
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The Federal Liberal government is prioritizing legislation for 10 paid sick days. Sadly, the Liberal's Bill C-3 allows employers to ask workers to get a sick note -- which defeats the purpose of having workers stay home when they are sick. And workers will only 'earn' 1 paid sick day for each month of work. Before the legislation is passed, we need you to tell your MP: we want seamlessly accessible 10 paid sick days immediately.
- The British Columbia NDP government announced 5 employer-paid sick days taking effect on January 1, 2022. This is an important first step and should inspire us to keep fighting until every worker has access to at least 10, employer-paid sick days.
There is real momentum for decent work across Canada. Thanks to you, fair wages, paid sick days, and safer workplaces will be central election issues in the months ahead. Please help us keep up the fight by joining our Justice for Workers organizing meeting on Tuesday, December 14 at 7:00 pm.
Decent Work Calendar
Tuesday, December 7
OTTAWA: Decent work organizing meeting | 7:00 pm | online
Join us for this online planning meeting where we will be discussing the next steps in the fight for decent work in the Ottawa area. From "Know your Workplace Rights" workshops to canvassing, and from MPP visits to phone zaps, let's organize for the year ahead!
RSVP to get the Zoom link and share on Facebook here
Wednesday, December 8
PAN-CANADIAN: Bring back CRB & Fix EI Phone Action | online
It's not too late for Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland to do the right thing and restore CRB. But with only days left before parliament recesses, we need to act now to let our MP's know we expect them to do the right thing.
We will be hosting two phone actions, so choose the time that works best for you:
- 11:30 am to 12:15 pm EST (8:30 am to 9:15 am PST and 12:30 pm to 1:15 pm AST)
- 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm EST (3:00 pm to 3:45 pm PST and 7:00 to 7:45 pm AST)
RSVP to get the Zoom link or share the event on Facebook.
Sunday, December 12
LONDON: Decent work outreach blitz | 11:00 am | in person
Join us as we talk to people in London about 10 paid sick days, a $20 minimum wage, extending the CRB, safer working conditions and decent work for all! We'll meet at 1055 Wellington Rd. We will be at the parking lot outside the White Oaks Mall Walmart at 11:00 am.
RSVP to get a reminder email or RSVP and share on Facebook.
PEEL/BRAMPTON: Decent work holiday social | 12:00 noon | in person
Join us at Tomken Arena (4495 Tomken Road, Mississauga) to celebrate all the amazing organizing for decent work that workers have been doing in Peel. There will be raffles, games on decent work, loot bags for the kids and refreshments. Please make sure you let us know the ages of your children and how many people you are bringing so we can make sure there is enough food.
RSVP to get a reminder email and RSVP and share on Facebook
Tuesday, December 14
ONTARIO & Canada: Decent work organizing meeting | 7:00 pm EST | online
There is growing momentum for a $20 minimum wage; for 10 paid sick days plus an additional 2 weeks during pandemics; for equal pay; and for real protections for frontline workers, including gig workers, temp agency workers, part-time workers and casual workers. We are also fighting for justice for migrant workers; Indigenous sovereignty; and for adequate federal income supports (Canada Recovery Benefits and Employment Insurance).
RSVP to get the Zoom link and share on Facebook
Wednesday, December 15
BRAMPTON: Paid sick days holiday outreach | 5:00 pm | in person
We all want paid sick days and decent wages for the holidays. Join us at the bus terminal across from the JYSK store at 5:00 pm. We'll be handing out candy canes, collecting signatures on petitions, singing holiday songs and talking to our community about why workplace protections are essential for all of us, on the job or off. Can't wait to see you there!
RSVP to get a reminder email or RSVP and share on Facebook
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Now's the time to step up the fight!
Let us know how we can help you host a workshop, planning meeting, decent work social, phone zap, or an outreach action in your community. And for inspiration, don't miss the province-wide organizing meeting on December 14 at 7:00 pm (EST).
See you there!
Pam Frache
On behalf of Justice For Workers
[1] A $15 minimum wage: Workers paid a steep price for the three-year delay, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, November 8, 2021 https://monitormag.ca/articles/a-15-minimum-wage-workers-paid-a-steep-price-for-the-three-year-delay
We Won! Keep fighting for $20
This week, Premier Doug Ford finally relented and announced he will restore the $15 minimum wage he cancelled back in 2018. We hope you feel proud of your role in forcing this anti-worker Premier to reverse course. This about-face is a vindication of everything we have done together: When we are united, we can make gains even under the most hostile governments.
But in the time it’s taken Ford to admit his mistake, our wages have fallen behind. When Ford cancelled our $15 minimum wage, he also suspended for 2 years the yearly cost of living adjustments.
In doing so, Ford transferred billions of dollars from workers right into the pockets of Amazon, Walmart, Loblaws, and other corporations who made record profit during the pandemic. And during all this, the pandemic has created supply shortages which are causing the price of basic household goods to skyrocket.
It will be seven years since workers first demanded $15 an hour when the $15 minimum wage takes effect in January 2022. That’s why a $15 minimum wage doesn’t cut. We need at least $20 an hour to survive!
$20/hour minimum wage for all. No exemptions.
As part of his minimum-wage announcement, Premier Ford promised to scrap the sub-minimum wage rate for liquor servers. This will increase liquor servers’ wages from $12.55 to $15.00, a pay hike of almost 20%. This is a huge step forward in our ongoing fight for equal pay. But our work isn’t done. Migrant workers are still exempted from minimum wage laws and students under the age of 18 are will still be paid less than their over-18 coworkers.
Decent Work Organizing Meeting: November 16th
We must keep fighting until everyone earns at least $20 an hour. That’s why we need YOU at our next decent work organizing meeting on Tuesday, November 16 at 7:00 pm EST. Will you be there?
Say YES to Paid Sick Days
NDP MPP Peggy Sattler’s private members’ Bill 8 for 10 paid sick days (plus 14 more days during public health outbreaks) will be debated on November 18 and the vote will take place November 22. We know the Ontario Liberals will be supporting Bill 8 so if Premier Ford and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton are serious about “working for workers,” the Conservative caucus must unanimously vote YES to implement Bill 8 without delay.
Workers can't wait another day for paid sick days. Join us at November's Organizing meeting to organize for paid sick days!
Tell Prime Minister Trudeau to restore the CRB
If we can force a Conservative Premier to reverse course on the minimum wage, we can convince our Prime Minister and federal Finance Minister to change their minds on cancelling the Canada Recovery Benefit. Eliminating CRB will not address the real source of the labour shortage, which is caused by transportation bottlenecks and an exodus of workers from jobs with poverty wages, unsafe working conditions, and unstable hours.
It's not too late for Justin Trudeau and Chrystia Freeland to do the right thing. 
November 10th: Phone Zap to bring back the CRB and fix EI!
On November 10 at 12:30 EST, we are joining forces with Campaign 2000; the Good Jobs for All coalition; the Steelworkers Toronto Area Council; and UNIFOR for a pan-Canadian Phone Zap to call on our federal representatives to bring back CRB income supports and to fix Employment Insurance for good.
Please join us for 45 minutes next Wednesday, November 10th at 12:30 pm EST (9:30 am PST and 1:30 pm AST). Every phone call and email we make will be crucial, so your participation is essential.
From paid sick days to the minimum wage, the tide is turning in favour of workers across this country. And we couldn't have done it without you!
Paid Sick Days: Back by Popular Demand
Paid sick days are back on the legislative agenda
Last year, the Ontario NDP broke ground by tabling legislation echoing our campaign demands for employer-paid sick days plus the 14 additional days during pandemics. Soon after, the Liberal's followed with their own paid sick days bill. In response, Doug Ford and his caucus voted down permanent paid sick days no less than 25 times.
But thanks to your support, paid sick days are back by popular demand. In the first week of the new fall legislative session, both the Ontario Liberals and the NDP tabled new paid sick day bills. (Bill 7, 10 Paid Sick Days for Ontario Workers Act, 2021 and Bill 8, Stay Home If You Are Sick Act, 2021). Both bills call for 10 permanent paid sick days with additional paid days during public health emergencies (10 and 14 days respectively).
74 days left to introduce federal paid sick days
During the Federal election, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau committed to legislate 10 permanent paid sick days for federally-regulated workers within 100 days of their re-election, and convene the provinces to close the paid sick days gap across the country.
Now's the time to fight for a comprehensive vision for paid sick days. We need you to join us at the next Decent Work Organizing Meeting on Tuesday, October 19 at 7 pm EDT. Let's keep up the pressure to legislate paid sick days on our own federal and provincial representatives.
Will you be at the October Decent Work Organizing meeting?
Extend CRB. Fix Employment Insurance.
The Canada Recovery Benefit is set to expire on October 23rd. If the CRB is allowed to end it will be devastating for thousands of families across Canada, especially in areas of the country where COVID cases are dangerously high.
Eliminating CRB will not address the real cause of the labour shortage which is the exodus of workers from jobs with poverty wages, unsafe working conditions, and unstable hours. That’s why we must extend CRB and indeed restore the weekly benefits to at least $500 per week.
We also need to fix Employment Insurance to be more accessible, adequate and inclusive. This means:
- Restoring the $500 floor for weekly benefits;
- Reducing the required insurable hours to 12 weeks of work or 360 hours;
- Making all EI benefits available for at least a year;
- Eliminating unfair rules that punish workers for leaving exploitative work;
- Ensuring access for migrant workers; and
- Ending misclassification so gig workers can access EI and other entitlements.
Take action now and send an email to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other federal representatives.
Solidarity with gig-workers!
Premier Doug Ford is soon set to ram through legislation that will make it legal for app-based companies like Uber to misclassify their workforce. If allowed to proceed, this law will create a new category of employee that will permanently deny gig workers full protection under the law.
Jennifer Scott, President of Gig Workers United will host a breakout group at our organizing meeting on Tuesday, October 19, where we'll plan next steps in the fight to protect gig workers. Please RSVP here to receive the Zoom link to the meeting.
Stop wage theft at Cargo County Trucking
Workers at Cargo County Trucking company are facing wage theft, illegal deductions and unsafe working conditions. But even after being ordered by the government to pay their workers what they are owed, this company continues to evade their legal obligations and refuses to budge.
Will you take 5 minutes to phone Cargo County to let them know you support the workers? Tell them you won’t stop speaking out until workers receive their full pay. We've provided phone numbers, background information and suggested speaking notes.
Upcoming Events and Actions
Saturday, October 16 - 3:00 pm EDT
SCARBOROUGH: Decent work outreach blitz
Malvern Community Recreation Centre (Bus Stop)
Nineteen months into the pandemic and Ontario still doesn’t have fair wages for frontline workers or 10 permanent paid sick days!. Join us in Scarborough at Sewells Rd. and Brenyon Way (near the bus stop outside Malvern Community Centre). We’ll be talking to community members and asking them to sign our decent work petition.
RSVP to let us know you're coming
Tuesday, October 19 - 7:00 pm
ONTARIO: Provincial Decent Work Organizing Meeting
Online
Join us at the October 19 decent work organizing meeting where we’ll be hosting an emergency phone action on extending CRB and fixing EI. We'll also have breakout groups to fight for paid sick days, gig-workers, and more
RSVP to receive the Zoom link
Friday, October 22
CANADA-WIDE: Paid sick days phone ZAP Online
Online
We need at least 10 permanent, universal, seamlessly accessible, fully-paid sick days now! No matter where you are across the country, we need your voice as we call for federal and provincial or territorial action.
RSVP to receive the Zoom link and Spread the word on Facebook here
Friday, October 22 - 6:00pm
ETOBICOKE: Paid sick days & Decent Work outreach blitz
Islington TTC Station
Join us for this outreach blitz in Etobicoke. We’ll be leading on the urgent need for paid sick days.
RSVP and share on Facebook to let us know you're coming
Sunday, October 24 - 11:00 am
BRAMPTON: Justice for Workers Organizing Meeting
Warehouse Workers’ Centre | 224 Rutherford Road South, Brampton
Join us on Sunday at 11 am to plan the next steps in the fight for justice for workers in Brampton. We will be doing a short training on how to meet with elected representatives so that we can be delivered the many signatures we have been collecting on our Decent Work petition.
RSVP and let us know you're coming and share on Facebook
Thursday, October 28 - 6:00 pm
ONTARIO: Decent Work and Health Network Organizing Meeting
Online
Paid sick days and decent work are fundamental health issues. That's why Health providers are meeting on Thursday, October 28 to plan next steps in winning at least 10 permanent paid sick days federally and provincially.
If you’re a health worker, please RSVP to get the Zoom Link
Thursday, November 4 - 6:00 pm
DURHAM REGION: Paid sick days phone Zap!
Online
The federal government is promising action on 10 paid sick days before the end of 2021. But we need also provincial legislation to protect the rest of us. We’ll be calling Durham Region elected officials to tell them we need 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days.
Saturday, November 6 - 12:00 noon
MILTON: Decent work planning meeting and outreach blitz
Milton Public Library Main Branch| 1010 Main Street East, Milton
We'll be meeting at 12 noon inside the Milton Public Library (Main Branch). Then we'll head out for another outreach blitz at 1:00 pm.
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See you at next Tuesday’s decent work organizing meeting! And if you can’t make it, join us next month for our November 16 organizing meeting.
Rajean - for the Justice for Workers team
It's Thanksgiving weekend. Will you be the next Decent Work Champion?
October 7 was World Day for Decent Work. But we know workers have to fight for better wages and working conditions every single day of the year.
Here at home, the Justice for Workers campaign (formerly the Fight for $15 and Fairness) is led by workers in low-wage, part-time, and unstable employment. By fighting and organizing together, we raised the minimum wage, forced governments to move on paid sick days, secured improvements for part-time and temp agency workers, and improved labour laws for millions of workers.
But battling bad bosses and big business takes resources.
That’s why, as we head into the Thanksgiving weekend, we are asking you to become a Decent Work Champion by making a $20 contribution each month.
From farm workers and grocery store workers to truck drivers and delivery workers, the people who are putting food on our tables this weekend deserve a $20 minimum wage and much better working conditions.
Will you be our next Decent Work Champion?
Having consistent monthly support allows us to plan ahead and expand the resources we need to make decent work for all a reality. This is especially important, as we gear up for a provincial election that's just eight months away!
No matter what you can contribute, every donation will be well-used and appreciated. Your monthly contribution will make all the difference.
10 Paid Sick Days in 100 Days
This Federal Election may have returned a Liberal minority government, but we won't allow it to return to the status quo. With the Liberal government pledging to take action on paid sick days within their first 100 days, we have a real opportunity to advance a decent work agenda.
It's time for 10 Paid Sick Days
Within 100 days of being elected, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau promised to:
- Legislate 10 permanent, paid sick days for federally regulated workers
- Push provinces and territories to take action on legislating paid sick days
During the election, the NDP was the first federal political party to support 10 legislated paid sick days, and now that the Liberals are also championing this basic right, we can't let this opportunity go to waste. There are 85 days left for the government to make good on their promise, and we must hold them accountable.
Let's be clear: Paid sick days must be employer-paid
Profitable companies like Amazon, Walmart and Loblaws are refusing to provide paid sick days to their workers to protect their health. Instead, they are demanding public money be diverted from health care to subsidize their bottom line. We don’t need more corporate subsidies. We need wealthy corporations to pay their fair share with employer-paid sick days.
#MakeGigWorkDecentWork
Employers misclassify workers as independent contractors to deny them basic rights like minimum wage, and overtime and vacation pay. Misclassification also allows app-based corporations to avoid paying their fair share to workers' Employment Insurance and Canada Pension Plan.
Right now, Premier Doug Ford is preparing to table legislation that will make it legal for corporations like Uber to classify gig workers as independent contractors. Any law that legalizes a new sub-category of “workers” will legalize inequality. We cannot allow further Uberization of our workplaces.
On October 7th - the World Day for Decent Work - we join with gig workers to demand:
- An end to the misclassification of gig workers as independent contractors
- Full and equal rights under Ontario's Employment Standards Act and the Canada Labour Code.
In Toronto, we'll gather at Queen’s Park at 8 am to tell our Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs) that it’s time to fully protect gig-workers' rights -- including the right to join unions.
If you can’t make it to Queen’s Park on October 7, help amplify this message on social media using the hashtags #MakeGigWorkDecentWork and #Justice4Workers. Please also tag Labour Minister Monte McNaughton @MonteMcNaughton and Premier Doug Ford @FordNation.
Stop wage theft at Cargo County
Throughout the pandemic, too many truck drivers have been misclassified as independent contractors, and are dealing with wage theft, illegal deductions, and unsafe working conditions.
But courageous workers from Cargo County trucking company are organizing against these employment rights violations.
Join us on Wednesday, October 6 at 12:00 noon for a phone zap to demand Cargo County pay their workers, stop illegal deductions and implement safer workplace practices.
Organize with us this October
Join us on Tuesday, October 19 at 7:00 pm for our monthly organizing meeting co-hosted with the Ontario Federation of Labour. We'll have breakout groups to organize for: 10 employer-paid sick days; solidarity with gig-workers and ending misclassification; fixing Employment Insurance and extending the Canada Recovery Benefits; and more.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIONS
Wednesday, October 6 - 12:00 noon
ONTARIO: Phone ZAP to support Cargo County truck drivers
Join us in calling Cargo County to demand they pay their workers, stop illegal deductions, and implement safer workplace practices.
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook.
Thursday, October 7 - 8:00 am
ONTARIO: #MakeGigWorkDecentWork
We are joining forces with gig workers on October 7 to demand gig-work be decent work. In Toronto, we will be gathering for an action Queen’s Park at 8:00 am.
If you can't make it to Queen's Park, please amplify the message with #MakeGigWorkDecentWork and #Justice4Workers and tag Labour Minister Monte McNaughton @MonteMcNaughton and Premier Doug Ford @FordNation.
Tuesday, October 19 - 7:00 pm
ONTARIO: Provincial Decent Work Organizing Meeting
Join us online for our monthly provincial organizing meeting co-hosted by the Ontario Federation of Labour. We'll have breakout groups that include organizing the fighting for paid sick days and ending misclassification of gig-workers.
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook
Friday, October 22 - 5:00 pm
ETOBICOKE: Paid sick days and decent work outreach blitz
Islington TTC Station
Join us for an outreach blitz in Etobicoke. We’ll be leading on the urgent need for paid sick days in the next 85 days.
Please click here to RSVP and share on Facebook
Sunday, October 24 - 11:00 am
BRAMPTON: Justice for Workers Organizing Meeting
Warehouse Workers’ Centre | 224 Rutherford Road South, Brampton
Join us to plan the fight for decent work in Brampton. We will be doing a short training on how to meet with elected representatives so that we can deliver the many signatures we are collecting on our petition for decent work.
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook
Thursday, October 28 - 6:00 pm
DECENT WORK AND HEALTH NETWORK: Organizing Meeting
Paid sick days and decent work are fundamental health issues. Health providers are meeting on Thursday, October 28 to plan next steps in winning at least 10 permanent paid sick days federally and provincially. With Ford’s temporary paid sick day scheme set to expire at the end of 2021, the time to win paid sick days is now.
Thursday, November 4 - 6:00 pm
DURHAM REGION: Paid sick days phone ZAP!
With the 4th COVID wave peaking, it's urgent the Ontario government steps up to legislate paid sick days. From 6pm to 7pm on November 4th, we’ll be calling Durham Region elected officials to tell them we deserve at least 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days.
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook
Saturday, November 6 - 12:00 noon
MILTON: Decent work planning meeting and outreach blitz
Milton Public Library (Main Branch) | 1010 Main Street East, Milton
We'll be meeting at 12 noon inside the Milton Public Library (Main Branch). Then we'll head out for a Decent Work outreach blitz at 1:00 pm.
Let's make sure we vote for decent work
If we win a higher federal floor for minimum wage and paid sick days, and if we can win improvements to Employment Insurance and Canada Recovery Benefits, it will make it easier to fight for better provincial labour laws across Canada. Let's send as many decent work champions to Ottawa as we can!
Because of COVID, many election polling locations have changed this year, so make sure you have a plan to vote today.
Where do our parties stand on Decent Work?
A $20 federal minimum wage
New Democratic Party
- Supports a $20 federal minimum wage, with annual cost of living adjustments
Liberal Party of Canada
- Legislated a $15 federal minimum wage which will take effect December 29, 2021, with annual cost of living adjustments
Conservative Party of Canada
- No mention of federal minimum wage in their platform
Green Party of Canada
- Supports a $15 federal minimum wage
10 permanent, employer-paid sick days
New Democratic Party
- Supports legislating 10 permanent, paid sick days for federally regulated workers
- Will meet with provinces to push for legislated paid sick days for provincially regulated workers
- Will extend Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit until all workers have paid sick days
Liberal Party of Canada
- Supports legislating 10 permanent, paid sick days for federally regulated workers
- Will meet with provinces to push for legislated paid sick days for provincially regulated workers
Conservative Party of Canada
- No mention of legislated paid sick days in their platform
Green Party of Canada
- No mention of legislated paid sick days in platform
Employment Insurance (EI) for all, with a minimum of $500/week for both EI and Canada Recovery Benefits (CRB)
New Democratic Party
- Supports a minimum floor of $2,000 per month ($500 per week) for those on Employment Insurance
- Will eliminate unfair rules so EI is available to those who have to quit their jobs, go back to school, provide childcare, protect their health or the health of immunocompromised family members
- Will allow workers with episodic illnesses and disabilities to access EI sickness benefits one day at a time as needed
- Will extend EI sickness benefits to 50 weeks
Liberal Party of Canada
- Supports a new benefit for self-employed workers comparable to EI for as long as 26 weeks up with a maximum of $15,500. Workers would only contribute as much as they would pay as an employee
- Continue the review of EI for a stronger and more inclusive Employment Insurance system that began prior to the election
- Has extended EI Sickness Benefits to 26 weeks and scheduled to take effect in Summer 2022
Conservative Party of Canada
- No mention of improving Employment Insurance Regular Benefits
- For gig-workers only, will create a private plan that would provide gig workers with only a fraction of what they would receive from EI if they were not misclassified as “self-employed”
- Will extend EI sickness benefits to 52 weeks only for those suffering “a serious illness.”
Green Party of Canada
- No mention of improving EI or the CRB
September 21: Decent Work Organizing meeting
No matter who wins the federal election, we will need to keep organizing for decent work for all. Join us on Tuesday, September 21 at 7 pm EDT. We will debrief the election results and plan the next steps in our campaign.
October 1: A new Ontario minimum wage
Workers fought hard to win the annual cost of living adjustments to the minimum wage so that our wages don’t fall even further behind. Check your pay stub after October 1st to make sure you received the new, higher minimum wage.
But Ontario’s minimum is still too low. Conservative Premier Doug Ford cancelled our $15 minimum wage that would have come into effect on January 2019. Had Premier Ford not cancelled it, our minimum wage would be $15.75 this October 1st instead of $14.35.
Ford has robbed workers of $1.40 an hour. For the more than 1.7 million minimum wage earners in this province, that represents $2.5 million an hour transferred from workers’ pockets to corporate profits.
Premier Ford claims he's "For the people". Yet again he shows he is for corporations like Amazon, Loblaws, Walmart and others who've raked in record profits while paying poverty-level wages and denying their workers permanent, employer-paid sick days.
So while we’re glad to have our annual wage adjustment, let’s redouble our efforts to win a $20 minimum wage for all and keep our annual cost of living adjustments. That’s another good reason to RSVP for the next provincial organizing meeting on Tuesday, September 21.
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UPCOMING EVENTS AND ACTIONS
Tuesday, September 21 - 7:00 pm
ONTARIO: Provincial Decent Work Organizing Meeting
Join us and the Ontario Federation of Labour as we debrief the Federal election results and plan the next steps in our campaign for decent work.
RSVP for Zoom Link and share the event on Facebook
Friday, September 24 - 12:30 pm
TORONTO: Climate Strike
Queen’s Park | Toronto
Two years after Toronto saw its largest climate strike, let’s gather again to demand real and immediate climate action. More details are to come, but in the meantime, click “going”, mark the date on your calendars, and invite your friends!
Sunday, September 26 - 12:00 pm
BRAMPTON: Justice for Workers Organizing Meeting
Warehouse Workers’ Centre | 224 Rutherford Road South, Brampton
We’ve been out canvassing and we know that Brampton wants decent work for all. Join us on Sunday at 12:00 noon to plan next steps in the fight for justice for workers.
Let us know you're coming and share the event on Facebook.
Monday, September 27 - 6:00 pm
LONDON: Decent Work Canvass and Postering
Victoria Park | 580 Clarence Street, London
We’ll be out on the streets talking about why we need to keep fighting for a $20 minimum wage, paid sick days, fair scheduling, equal pay for part-time and full-time workers, and so much more. Meet us by the stage within Victoria Park.
Wednesday, September 29 - 6:00 pm
ETOBICOKE: Know Your Rights Teach-In
Michael Power Park | 5055 Dundas St W, Toronto
Got a bad boss? Got questions about your rights at work? Want to join the fight for decent work? Then let's talk! Join us for this outdoor teach-in to learn about your rights at work and how to defend them.
Let us know you're coming and share the event on Facebook.
Friday, October 1 - 5:00 pm
TORONTO WEST: Decent Work Canvass
Dufferin TTC Station | Toronto
We’ll be out on the streets talking about why we need to keep fighting for a $20 minimum wage, paid sick days, fair scheduling, equal pay for part-time and full-time workers, and so much more. Join us on the northwest corner of Dufferin and Bloor.
Let us know you're coming and share the event on Facebook.
Tuesday, October 19 - 7:00 pm
ONTARIO: Provincial Decent Work Organizing Meeting
Join us online for our monthly provincial organizing meeting co-hosted by the Ontario Federation of Labour.
2 weeks to elect decent work champions
This Labour Day weekend, let’s reflect on why decent work must be central for any federal or provincial government. With two more weeks before the September 20 federal election, let’s keep organizing to send as many decent work champions to Ottawa as we can.
Here’s what we expect from Decent Work Champions:
- A federal minimum wage of at least $20 per hour
- At least 10 permanent, employer-paid sick days a year
- An extension of the Canada Recovery Benefit
- The restoration and extension of the $500 weekly income support for the Canada Recovery Benefits and Employment Insurance
- Make our Employment Insurance (EI) system fair
- Full protections for gig workers and ending the practice of misclassifying workers
- Equal pay for part-time, contract, and temp agency workers
- Equal rights for migrants, which means full immigration status for all
- Indigenous justice by implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, ending federal court opposition to settling land claims, and respecting all treaties
Download your Federal Election poster.
Find a labour day event in your community.
Message to our politicians:
Every worker needs 10 paid sick days permanently
Organizing makes a difference. In our last Action Update, we reported that both the federal New Democratic Party and Liberal Party responded to our movement by putting the issue of paid sick days squarely on the political agenda. And just days ago, Ontario Premier Doug Ford extended the Worker Income Protection Benefit till December. This shows that when we fight together, even the most anti-worker government can be forced to move.
Make no mistake, Ford’s temporary 3-day sick day scheme falls short of what we need. Many of us have already used their three days and have nothing as the fourth wave gains momentum. But instead of taking action, Ford prorogued the Ontario legislature, extending his own paid break while doing nothing to make sure we can afford to stay home if we or our loved ones are sick.
Nothing less than 10 permanent paid sick days will be enough to protect us from COVID-19. That’s why our allies in the Decent Work and Health Network launched a new email tool to demand Ontario Premier Doug Ford implement permanent, adequate paid sick days legislation.
Send a letter to keep up the pressure for paid sick days in Ontario.
Say NO to politicians who back big business
The Ontario Conservative government is working with big corporations like Uber to pass legislation that makes it legal for employers to misclassify their workers as independent contractors. Any move to create a new category of worker with fewer rights will create incentives to deny gig-workers basic labour protections.
Indeed, this week we learned a corporate lobbyist for Uber is a lead author for the federal Conservative Party’s 2021 election platform. (1) Perhaps this explains why Conservative Party leader Erin O’Toole is campaigning to allow Uber and other app-based corporations to opt-out of Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan (2). Under O’Toole’s scheme, instead of the (current) maximum weekly EI benefit of $595.00, the very most an unemployed gig worker could possibly receive is $100 a month ($1,245.36 per year).
Let's not let them get away with it. Please click here to sign and share the Gig Workers' Bill of Rights.
Save the date for the next provincial organizing meeting
The next provincial decent work organizing meeting is Tuesday, September 21 at 7 pm. This meeting will give us a chance to debrief the federal election results and strategize for next steps in the Justice for Workers movement.
RSVP to now to receive the Zoom link.
UPCOMING ACTIONS
Wednesday, September 8
Decent Work Canvass
We’ll be out on the streets talking about why decent work matters federally and provincially. Stop by to get your #Elxn44 posters and sign the petition for decent work for all.
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Brampton outreach at Bramalea Terminal | 4 pm to 5:30 pm
RSVP and share on Facebook -
Davenport outreach at Dufferin TTC Station | 4 pm to 5:30 pm
RSVP and share on Facebook
Sunday, September 12
Brampton Justice for Workers Picnic
Chinguacousy Park | 1 pm to 3 pm
Decent work is the foundation of safe and healthy communities. That means paid sick days, decent wages, fair schedules, and stable work for all. But can we afford decent work? Join us for this picnic where we'll talk about what it would take it would take. Bring your friends, family and your questions!
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook
Sunday, September 26
Brampton local organizing meeting (in-person)
Warehouse Workers' Centre | 12 pm - 1 pm
Join us to plan the next steps in the fight for Justice for Workers in Brampton.
Please click here to RSVP and share on Facebook
Wednesday, September 29
Etobicoke Justice for Workers outdoor teach-in
Michael Power Park | 6 pm - 7 pm
Got a bad boss? Got questions about your rights at work? Want to join the fight for decent work? Then let's talk! Join us for this outdoor teach-in to learn about your rights at work and how to defend them.
Please click here to RSVP or RSVP and share on Facebook
- See: Erin O’Toole’s Plan For Gig Workers Was ‘Carbon Copied’ From Uber’s Corporate Lobbyists
- See: Page 42 of the Conservative Party Platform
GAME ON: Let’s make decent work a federal election issue!
Election 2021: Let’s vote for decent work champions
Today, Justin Trudeau announced that, if elected, his government would legislate 10 paid sick days for federally regulated workers. And he would immediately convene all provincial representatives to discuss legislating sick leave across Canada.
Make no mistake, this announcement was the result of overwhelming public pressure from organizers like you right across the country. With both the federal New Democrats and Liberals now supporting at least 10 paid sick days, who will stand up for workers next?
We have a real chance to make paid sick days and other decent work issues central on the campaign trail. Join the fight and organize with us on Tuesday, August 24 at 7:00 pm.
RSVP for meeting Zoom Link
Share the event on Facebook
Stop the CRB cuts! Stand with migrant workers!
The movement for decent work is taking to the streets; from migrant rights to income support, we are fighting for decent work for all.
No time to wait, status for all now!
Migrants, including refugees, care workers, farmworkers, undocumented people and international students, will be taking action for immigration status for all on June 20 at 1 PM. A year-long campaign led by the Migrant Rights Network has led to creating a new pathway to immigration program -- but the new program is woefully inadequate. As a result, the vast majority of working-class, racialized and particularly undocumented people are shut out of permanent resident status. They live here without income support, workplace rights and even access to healthcare during the pandemic.
Join a local action
- TORONTO: June 20, 1 PM, IRB, 74 Victoria Street, March to City Hall
Please RSVP and share on Facebook - SUDBURY: June 20, 1 PM, MP Marc Serrée Constituency office. 2914 Hwy 69 N, Unit 1, Val Caron
Please RSVP and share on Facebook
Can't join an in-person action? Join us online!
Before or on June 20, take a photo with your family and post a message to Justin Trudeau: Unite All Families! Status for All!. Make sure to tag @MigrantRightsCA in your photo.
#KeepCarloInCanada
Carlo Escario is a Filipino healthcare worker who has been on the frontlines throughout the pandemic but is at risk of being deported to the Philippines on June 22. With public pressure, Carlo and his family were able to postpone the original scheduled May 13 deportation. However, Carlo is still in imminent danger of deportation unless immigration Minister Marco Mendicino intervenes. From farm workers to health workers, migrant workers continue to put their lives on the line in Canada providing the services and skills we all rely on, only to face deportation.
Click here to take action. And please be sure to support the Migrant Rights Day of Action on June 20.
Stop the 40% cut in CRB income support
The federal budget proposes to cut the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) by $200 per week. That’s a staggering 40% cut to vital income support that nearly one million workers depend on. At $500 per week before taxes, the CRB fails to provide even with the equivalent of minimum wage. A 40% cut will be a catastrophe for workers and the economy.
It’s not too late to stop this cut! Will you send a message right now to Prime Minister Trudeau, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and your own member of parliament? Click here to send a message today.
If the budget passes as is, the CRB cut will be scheduled to take effect on July 17 - just four weeks from now.
Meanwhile, the economy is nowhere near recovered from COVID 19. Unemployment and joblessness remain at record levels, with Black, Indigenous, Racialised and Newcomer workers are hit especially hard and more likely to depend on the CRB.
Join us as we make urgent phone calls to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister and your own Member of Parliament. Click here to RSVP right now, and bring a friend.
We will all be keeping a close eye on the federal budget. If the budget is passed with the 40% cut to CRB, the Justice for Workers campaign will be calling for an emergency day of action. Keep your eye on your inbox for more updates in the coming weeks.
As the weather heats up, so does the fight for decent work! Let’s get organized and hit the street!
Across Ontario, we’re getting organized and ready to reach new people in our communities! We have a fresh new petition calling on the Ontario government to ensure paid sick days, a $20 minimum wage, and other crucial changes to ensure decent work for all.
Check out the toolkit for action here.
Don’t miss these upcoming organizing and action events:
Saturday, June 26
- TORONTO: 10:30 am to 12:00 noon Outdoor canvass at Bloor and Dufferin. Click here to RSVP on our website and Click here to RSVP and share on Facebook.
- OTTAWA: 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm Summer canvass at Britannia Beach. Click here to RSVP on our website and Click here to RSVP and share on Facebook
- BRAMPTON: Online organizing meeting:10:00 am to 12:30 pm. Click here to RSVP and get the zoom link
Tuesday, July 6
- OTTAWA: Online organizing meeting from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Click here to RSVP and get the zoom link
Tuesday, August 24
- ONTARIO: Decent work organizing meeting from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Click here to RSVP and get the zoom link
Ready to hit the streets in your community, but don't see an action?
Let us know how we can help you get organized by emailing [email protected]
Solidarity Summer: Support workers on strike for decent work
Black Creek Community Health Workers
The Black Creek Community Health Centre (BCCHC) workers provide a vital service to the Jane and Finch/Black Creek communities that extend beyond healthcare. The workers have been forced on strike for fair wages. Under Bill 124, all public sector workers are entitled to a wage increase of up to one percent per year (up to a total of three years). Still, their employer denies them even this modest increase in wages.
Click here to send a message to Minister of Health Christine Elliot and the BCCHC Executive Director Cheryl Prescod. You can also show your support for these workers by joining the picket line at 2202 Jane Street in Toronto.
Wine Rack Workers deserve decent pay and fair scheduling
Since June 7, workers at Wine Rack have been forced on strike after months of trying to negotiate a fair deal with Arterra Wines Canada. Throughout their negotiations, the workers at Wine Rack have been fighting for fairer scheduling, decent wages, and respect for union rights.
To support Wine Rack workers, please follow their call to boycott Wine Rack stores during the strike. Follow SEIU Local 2 for updates and find out how and where you can support their picket lines in Toronto.
You can also join the Solidarity Rally for Wine Rack Workers this Saturday, June 19, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Please RSVP and share on Facebook.
North York: Support Rexplas workers!
35 Rexplas workers - who are predominantly racialized women – have been on strike since April 26, asking for nothing more than decent wages and respect on the job. They have worked throughout the pandemic and many earn just above the minimum wage and commute long hours on public transit to get to work. Some have worked at the company for more than 30 years. Rexplas (Richards Packaging Inc.) made record profit during the pandemic while denying workers a livable wage.
You can support these workers by sending an email to Rexplas (click here) and join their picket lines at 500 Burmac Dr, North York, ON, M9W 2X8 or 6095 Ordan Dr, Mississauga, ON, L5T 2M7.
Sarnia: Nurses still striking for decent work
Since May 1, 24 nurses employed by the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON) have been on strike for a fair contract. These workers care for medically fragile students in schools and patients at home. They have been without an agreement since April 2019. The workers have been calling for a one percent wage increase as per Bill 124. In addition to fair wages, these workers have been calling for paid sick leave, health benefits, bereavement leave and fair overtime compensation.
Please take a moment to amplify their strike efforts and sign up to volunteer (click here).
Toronto - June 27 at 12 PM Pride March and Rally: We Must ‘Change Everything’: Creating Liveable Queer, Trans and Two-Spirit Lives without Police and Prisons
One year after the historic call to defund and abolish police in response to the horrific acts of violence targeting Black and Indigenous people, the No Pride in Policing Coalition (NPPC) is holding a Pride March and Rally on June 27 starting at Nathan Phillips Square. The action will be live-streamed. Please check out the NPPC event page for more information (Click here).
Support Justice for Workers
The year ahead will be crucial. We need to organize now to make sure we elect a provincial government that will put workers’ needs before corporate profit. We have less than a year to talk to - and organize - as many workers as we can across the province.
But doing all this requires financial resources that we don’t yet have. We need to produce and distribute more material and we urgently need more staffing infrastructure to support local organizing.
You can make a huge difference by becoming a monthly donor to the Justice for Workers campaign. A monthly contribution of just $5.00, $10.00 or even $20.00 will help generate steady income and allow us to make the crucial investments we need to win.
Thanks in advance for any amount you can contribute.
And of course, thank you for all your ongoing solidarity. We are making a difference in the fight for decent work -- and it's because of you and everyone like you.
