Hands Off Labour Laws, Hands Off $15!

TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hundreds of union members across Toronto are expected to gather on Monday October 15 to let the Ontario Minister of Labour know about the widespread support for a $15 minimum wage and strong worker rights.

Co-organized by the Labour Council and United SteelWorkers Toronto Area Council, the rally is a public demonstration by workers for workers – including those without unions facing precarious employment and in dire need of the $15 minimum wage increase scheduled for Jan 1^st, 2019.

After a decade of organizing, workers in Ontario won important labour law reforms in 2018 with the passage of Bill 148: Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act.

“This government needs to answer two questions before it acts to weaken Bill 148. First, how do they think anyone can put a roof over their head working only one job at $14 an hour? Second, why should billion dollar companies be allowed to pay poverty wages in 2019? People need fair wages and laws that work for them, not putting corporate profits first,” said John Cartwright, President of Toronto & York Region Labour Council.

Unionized workers across Toronto have a long history of defending the rights of all workers to have safety in their workplaces, scheduling rights, time off for emergencies, equal pay for equal work, and the right to collectively bargain and organize their workplaces. This is one of many rallies planned across the province on the same day to tell Doug Ford – “Hands off Workers’ Rights”.

WHEN: Monday, October 15, 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm.

WHERE: outside the Ministry of Labour (400 University Avenue, Toronto)

SPEAKERS:

• Carol Landry, USW International Vice-President
• John Cartwright, President, Toronto & York Region Labour Council
• Nigel Barriffe, Urban Alliance on Race Relations & Good Jobs for All Coalition
• Deena Ladd, 15 and Fairness

Toronto & York Region Labour Council Media Contact:

Cope343