Having the courage to take a stand at the bargaining table and go out on strike is one of the most important ways that workers have to act in solidarity with each other and make gains for themselves, their co-workers and future generations.
In other cases, workers are forced to go on strike to stop demands for concessions that would set them back years.
When workers make the serious decision to withdraw their labour and go on strike, it is often at great personal cost to themselves and their families.
Workers also face the situation of being locked out of their workplace, by an employer attempting to break the spirit of the workforce and lower their expectation of fairness, equitable compensation and respect at work.
Striking and locked out workers are not just taking a stand for themselves, but they are sticking up for all working people by not allowing our collective needs to be diminished.
It is essential that as a labour movement, we support workers involved in a labour dispute – whether they are striking or locked out.
The Ontario Federation of Labour will take a leadership role in helping to co- ordinate affiliates to support striking and locked out workers. This will happen through bringing together representatives of unions and labour councils to ensure that as a movement, we are aware of the issues facing workers and how we can best help them to win their fight.
To read the full policy, and to inform the OFL of an ongoing labour disruption at your workplace, click here.