News

(TORONTO, ON) The Ontario Federation of Labour is concerned about the unnecessary and anecdotal “bulletproof vest” comments made in the Legislature, by Ontario’s Minister of Community Safety and Corrections Michael Tibollo. “I went out to Jane and Finch, put on a bulletproof vest, and spent 7 o’clock to 1 o’clock in the morning visiting sites…

National, Provincial and Territorial Labour Leaders encourage Canada’s Premiers to unite behind a universal, single-payer, public prescription drug coverage program. In addition to giving every Canadian access to life-saving prescriptions, a universal Pharmacare plan will free up money for much needed investment in healthcare.   (SAINT ANDREWS, N.B.) During the Council of the Federation meeting in…

(TORONTO, ON) – In the face of looming back-to-work legislation and cuts that will erode public services and quality of life for Ontarians, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) vows to stand up for the hard-won rights of workers in this province. “Today’s Throne Speech delivered disappointing news for public services in Ontario. The question…

With the swearing-in of Ontario’s 42nd government and Premier Doug Ford’s appointment of his cabinet, the need for the advocacy provided by the Labour movement, on behalf of workers in our province, is clearer than ever. The OFL represents 54 unions and one million workers and champions the rights of all working people in Ontario,…

The Ontario Federation of Labour is disappointed in the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Janus v. AFSCME (American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees). As part of the global labour movement, the OFL knows that international solidarity is key to the work we do as a movement. In a 5-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court…

Every year since 1984, the OFL has inducted five new names of retired or deceased trade unionists into the OFL Labour Honour Roll. This prestigious recognition is intended to acknowledge the significant contributions of individual OFL members to the life and growth of the trade union movement in Ontario. It is also intended to inspire…

(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is marking National Indigenous Peoples’ Day with the launch of new resources for understanding and action, and the permanent installation of a land acknowledgement plaque at the OFL building in Toronto. National Indigenous Peoples’ Day, June 21, recognizes and celebrates the unique heritage, diverse cultures and…

On World Refugee Day the Ontario Federation of Labour calls on the governments of Ontario and Canada to speak out to stop the shameful separation of migrant families arriving at U.S borders and re-examine immigration detention policies in Canada, and the Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement. “As families are being torn apart at the U.S.…

(TORONTO, ON) ­– Premier-designate Doug Ford’s announcement of a public sector hiring freeze, except for “essential front-line services” in jails, fire, and policing, spells trouble for Ontario’s already overburdened and underfunded public services. “Ontario hospitals and long-term care facilities, for example, are already in a state of crisis,” said Ontario Federation of Labour President Chris…

(TORONTO, ON) – Just nine days after the Ontario election, thousands flooded the streets outside the Ministry of Labour and marched to Queen’s Park today in support of the $15 minimum wage and fairer labour laws. People came in from Niagara to Ottawa, Brampton to Oshawa, and joined the rally carrying signs that read “WE…

Download the poster here. (TORONTO, ON) – Thousands of Ontarians are expected to gather for the Decent Work Rally on June 16 to let the incoming government know about the widespread support for a $15 minimum wage and strong labour laws. Co-organized by the Fight for $15 & Fairness campaign and the Ontario Federation of…

(TORONTO, ON) – With the election of a Progressive Conservative majority government, Ontario’s labour movement will fight to ensure workers’ rights and public services are protected. “While this is not the result the labour movement was hoping for in this election, we saw clearly in the campaign that many Ontarians support decent work, protections for…

The election of a Progressive Conservative majority government has set the path for Ontario’s next four years. As a labour movement, we have our work cut out for us. The Ontario Federation of Labour will continue the fight for fairness and equality, a fight that builds on the gains workers have made in this province.…

If you care for Ontario, your families, and your friends, you must vote for the NDP in the upcoming election. The Labour movement has long fought for the rights of workers, whether they are in a union or not. While Doug Ford says that he stands up for ‘the little guy,’ the experience of workers…

During an all-candidates’ debate last week in Sault Ste.Marie, PC candidate Ross Romano suggested that a workplace injury sustained by NDP candidate Michele McCleave-Kennedy, was not significant because she was injured on the job “by children”. By dismissing Ms. McCleave-Kennedy’s occupational injury, Mr. Romano not only showed his lack of respect for the work of…

Greetings, Change That Works for Ontario means a vote for Andrea Horwath and the Ontario NDP. As President of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) which represents over a million workers and advocates for every worker in Ontario, I’d like to highlight what’s at stake in the June 7, 2018 provincial election. The OFL has…

To download the registration form, click here. Supreme Court of Canada Pay Equity Decisions – Implications for Ontario and Pay Equity Bargaining Technical Training on Pay Equity Maintenance On May 10, 2018, the Supreme Court released decisions on two Quebec cases that will have a significant impact on pay equity for all of Ontario’s unions,…

To download the OFL/AIL scholarship application form click here. Dear OFL Members, The OFL is proud to be joined in partnership by American Income Life (AIL) Canada in calling for applications for the annual OFL/AIL Labour Post-Secondary Scholarships. Two OFL members, or the children of members, will be selected from a pool of applicants to…

The Ontario Federation of Labour condemns the Islamophobic and bigoted remarks about a number of communities in Canada that are attributed to Tanya Granic Allen. The removal of Granic Allen from her position as the PC candidate in Mississauga Centre, for statements that the PC party calls “irresponsible,” is long overdue. “Granic Allen’s discriminatory and…

(TORONTO, ON) – The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) will hold a Day of Action for CUPE 3903 at York University this Friday, May 4, 2018. Strikers and their supporters will be blocking entrances to York University. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. Friday, OFL affiliates, Labour Councils, as well as community and campus supporters will join…