The Ontario Federation of Labour is the province’s “house of labour”, or central labour body. Just as workers unite in a union to protect their rights, so also do unions unite in central labour bodies to further their aims and objectives.

From its inception in 1957, the OFL has grown to represent 700,000 Ontario workers in more than 1,500 affiliated local unions.

Provincial labour federations are directly chartered by the Canadian Labour Congress. The OFL’s full-time president, secretary-treasurer and executive vice-president oversee the day-to-day operations of the Federation. Along with 33 vice-presidents representing a cross-section of affiliates and equity groups they form the OFL Executive Board. They are elected at the OFL Convention which is held every two years.

Executive Board members chair the various OFL standing committees which supervise ongoing policy concerns – strike co-ordination and support, education, energy and environment, health, human rights, labour relations, occupational health and safety, persons with disabilities, political education, social services, solidarity and pride, women, workers’ compensation, and youth. In addition, special committees can be established to deal with particular problems as they arise.

Policy conventions are held every two years, at which time union members help set OFL policy and the future direction of the labour movement.

The OFL is a relatively small and efficient operation with a dedicated staff that provides an impressive array of services.