Latest News and Updates
LGBTQ Pride 2013
posted on May 17, 2013April 2013 LGBTQ Pride 2013 Dear Sisters and Brothers: Visible signs of union pride are extremely important for smaller towns and communities across Ontario. Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) identified workers and their families are very often invisible or, if out, at serious risk of harassment in their workplaces and their communities. Over [...]
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Hate Must Be Challenged Every Day and in Every Way: OFL Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia – May 17, 2013
posted on May 17, 2013OFL STATEMENT May 15, 2013 Hate Must Be Challenged Every Day and in Every Way OFL Statement on the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 17, 2013 For the second year in a row, Ontario’s LGBTQ community and its allies are celebrating historic victories for the rights and protections of transgender people as part [...]
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Workers’ Rights Should Know No Borders: OFL Statement for South Asian Heritage Month – May 2013
posted on May 3, 2013OFL STATEMENT May 1, 2013 Workers’ Rights Should Know No Borders OFL Statement for South Asian Heritage Month – May 2013 Across Ontario, workers are joining the South Asian community in recognizing May as South Asian Heritage Month. However, this year’s celebrations are dampened by news of the April 24 collapse of a Bangladesh garment [...]
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Bullying Only Thrives in the Shadows: OFL Statement on the Day of Pink, Anti-Bullying Day – April 10, 2013
posted on April 9, 2013OFL STATEMENT April 10, 2013 Bullying Only Thrives in the Shadows: OFL Statement on the Day of Pink, Anti-Bullying Day – April 10, 2013 Last year, the Ontario government passed historic anti-bullying legislation, but the issue of bullying, and its traumatic consequences, remains a daily concern in the lives of too many people. The impact [...]
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EQUAL PAY DAY: APRIL 9, 2013
posted on March 28, 2013EQUAL PAY DAY: APRIL 9, 2013 Greetings Sisters and Brothers: In Ontario women are “in the red” because on average they earn 28% less than men, for work of equal value. I know it’s hard to believe in 2013 but it’s a fact, and the gap is even bigger for racialized women, women with disabilities [...]
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OFL 3rd Aboriginal Gathering ─ June 14 to 16, 2013
posted on March 12, 2013OFL 3rd Aboriginal Gathering ─ The Way the River Flows The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is holding its 3rd Aboriginal Gathering from June 14-16, 2013. The OFL and its affiliates have a long history of activism and lobbying on Aboriginal, Métis and Inuit issues. This is a Gathering that is reaching out to all [...]
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Video: Rally for Rights and Democracy: The Full Story Behind the #J26Rally
posted on February 8, 2013On January 26, 30,000 people demonstrated outside the Ontario Liberal Convention for good jobs and public services. Watch the YouTube video here!
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Watch this short video of the #J26Rally
posted on February 1, 2013On January 26, 30,000 people demonstrated outside the Ontario Liberal Convention for good jobs and public services. Watch the YouTube video here!
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Feb 6-7: Memories and Movements in African Canadian History
posted on February 1, 2013Feb 6-7: Memories and Movements in African Canadian History Memories and Movements in African Canadian History will recognize the 100th anniversary of the death of freedom fighter Harriet Tubman and celebrate the Steelpan movement, which was born out of resistance and through its resilience continues to play an active role in the lives of Canadians. [...]
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Statement: Celebrating History Through Action: OFL Statement in Support of Black History Month – February, 2013
posted on January 31, 2013OFL STATEMENT February 1, 2013 Celebrating History Through Action: OFL Statement in Support of Black History Month – February, 2013 As millions celebrate February as Black History Month, they will also be marking an important milestone in the movement to abolish slavery: the 100 year anniversary of the passing of abolitionist Harriet Tubman. Born into [...]
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Rising Together Against Violence Against Women: OFL Statement in Support of One Billion Rising – February 14, 2013
posted on January 17, 2013OFL STATEMENT January 17, 2013 Rising Together Against Violence Against Women: OFL Statement in Support of One Billion Rising – February 14, 2013 The Ontario Federation of Labour is joining with people around the world in a global movement to demand an end to violence against women and girls. One million workers in Ontario are [...]
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International Women’s Day 2013 – Order Posters & Pins by Feb. 15
posted on January 17, 2013International Women’s Day (IWD) started in 1911 and is recognized annually around the world on March 8 to celebrate the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future. This year, join the OFL in celebrating IWD by ordering posters and pins to distribute to your members. Order yours today! OFL’S IWD 2013 [...]
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Advisory: OFL President to Join Chief Spence and Allies in Rally for Justice
posted on January 10, 2013FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2013 OFL President to Join Chief Spence and Allies in Rally for Justice (Ottawa, Ontario) – As First Nations leaders prepare to meet with Canada’s Prime Minister and Governor General, Ontario Federation of Labour President Sid Ryan will show the support of Ontario’s labour movement for Canada’s Aboriginal community by [...]
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OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER HARPER: Talk to Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation
posted on December 17, 2012OPEN LETTER TO PRIME MINISTER HARPER: Talk to Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation DECEMBER 17, 2012 Dear Prime Minister Harper: On behalf of one million members of the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) I am calling on you to meet with Chief Theresa Spence of the Attawapiskat First Nation who is engaged [...]
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OFL President Sid Ryan to Hunker Down with the Homeless in Sidewalk Sleep-Out to Protest Social Assistance Cuts
posted on December 11, 2012FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 2012 OFL President Sid Ryan to Hunker Down with the Homeless in Sidewalk Sleep-Out to Protest Social Assistance Cuts (Toronto, Ontario) – OFL Officers Sid Ryan and Irwin Nanda will join poverty activists and people who are homeless in a sidewalk sleep-out at MPP Glen Murray’s Toronto Centre Constituency Office [...]
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Media Advisory: Community-Labour Coalition joins education worker fight against Bill 115; hosts assembly to challenge cuts to services and rights
posted on December 6, 2012For Immediate Release December 6, 2012 Media Advisory: Community-Labour Coalition joins education worker fight against Bill 115; hosts assembly to challenge cuts to services and rights (TORONTO, ON) ─ Hot on the heels of a nationally recognized report exposing Ontario’s growing income inequality, the Ontario Common Front is expecting hundreds to attend a general assembly [...]
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OFL Statement for December 6, 2012 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
posted on December 5, 2012OFL STATEMENT December 5, 2012 Rising Together Against Violence Against Women: OFL Statement for December 6, 2012 National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women As Ontarians gather in cities and towns across the province to remember the women victims of gender-based violence, Ontario’s labour movement is beginning to build for a global [...]
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OFL Statement for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2012
posted on December 3, 2012OFL STATEMENT December 3, 2012 Ontarians with Disabilities Hit the Hardest by Government Cuts: OFL Statement for International Day of Persons with Disabilities, 2012 December 3 marks the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities. According to the UN, persons with disabilities make up 15 percent of the world’s population and a quarter of [...]
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ADVISORY: Windsor Town Hall Exposes Local Impact of Government Cuts to Services and Democratic Rights
posted on November 26, 2012FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 26, 2012 (Windsor, Ontario) – Outraged at the McGuinty governments’ deep cuts to social programs and the recent attack on the democratic rights of education workers, community members from across Windsor will be gathering this evening for a public town hall meeting. The forum will provide an opportunity for local residents [...]
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Honouring Lost Lives, Seeking Justice for the Living: OFL Statement on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2012
posted on November 19, 2012OFL STATEMENT November 20,2012 Honouring Lost Lives, Seeking Justice for the Living: OFL Statement on the Transgender Day of Remembrance, November 20, 2012 Since 1999, November 20 has been recognized as the International Transgender Day of Remembrance. It is a day to reflect on the lives of transgendered people who have been killed due to [...]
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DOWNLOAD THE CONFERENCE AGENDA: OFL Equity Conference (Nov. 9-11, 2012)
posted on November 7, 2012The Ontario Federation of Labour will be hosting an Equity Conference from November 9 to 11 under the theme: “We Are Ontario: Putting Equity Before Austerity.” The event will be opened up to members who belong to the OFL’s many equity-seeking constituencies. Community groups will also be invited to add their voices and experiences to [...]
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OFL Launches Democratic and Economic Rights Campaign
posted on November 7, 2012Demand good jobs, public services, workers’ rights & the recall of the legislature! The Ontario government has been shut down while worker’s rights are under threat and cuts to jobs and services are hurting every community. It’s time to defend everyone’s democratic and economic rights. Download the campaign flyer here Jan. 26, 2013: Rally for [...]
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In Memoriam: Charles Roach (Activist+Artist+Musician+Lawyer+Revolutionary)
posted on October 4, 2012Charles Roach September 18, 1933 − October 2, 2012 Equality and civil rights advocates across Canada lost an incredible community activist and friend with the passing of renowned lawyer Charles Roach. Charlie never shied away from a cause. For more than 50 years, he led the fight against systemic racism and defended the most vulnerable in [...]
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ADVISORY: Ontario Federation of Labour to Join the Occupy Rally on Parliament Hill, Sept. 17
posted on September 14, 2012FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2012 (Toronto) — On Monday, September 17, Ontario’s labour movement will be joining Canada’s Occupy movement on Parliament Hill to demand a stop to Prime Minister Harper’s cuts to jobs and services. Planned for the date that Parliament resumes after the summer recess and the one year anniversary of Occupy [...]
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Ontario Common Front report puts inequality in the news
posted on August 30, 2012Yesterday the Ontario Common Front hit the provincial scene in a big way with the launch of a report on Ontario’s growing inequality that dominated the media and put a spotlight on the harsh impact of cuts to jobs and services. Download a full copy of “Falling Behind” Download quick reference fact sheets The report [...]
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Join the Ontario Common Front on Facebook! Help fight cuts across Ontario
posted on August 9, 2012The Ontario Common Front is a coalition of labour and community groups that have come together to challenge cuts to jobs and services in every community in Ontario. Join the Ontario Common Front on Facebook and share the page with your friends, coworkers and community allies. www.facebook.com/OntarioCommonFront Check out the website of the Ontario Common [...]
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Out and Proud: Labour Contingent Photos from Toronto Pride
posted on July 2, 2012On July 1, the OFL and many affiliates celebrated Toronto Pride by marching together in a proud labour contingent. The theme of this year’s contingent was “We Are Ontario: Out and Proud” and it served as an opportunity to challenge government cuts to jobs and social programs that will affect the LGBTQ community. Click here [...]
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Urgent: Support Needed for Students Occupying Minister Glen Murray’s Office to Drop Tuition Fees
posted on June 22, 2012Post-secondary students from across the GTA are currently occupying the office of Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray to drop tuition fees. Please support them by bringing members and flags to join the picket outside of Murray’s Cabbagetown Constituency Office today between now and 4:00 pm and help to spread the word.
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No More Broken Promises! OFL Statement on National Aboriginal Day, June 21, 2012
posted on June 21, 2012After years of inaction on critical Aboriginal land and resource matters and its refusal to protect the sacred burial sites of the Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation on Big Trout Lake, the Government of Ontario finally showed signs of conceding. In March 2012, the McGuinty Government relented to public pressure and issued a temporary stop to all mining activity on KI land, but the moratorium didn’t apply to Toronto-based God’s Lake Resources, which staked its claims early enough to get in under the wire.
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“Toby’s Law” Marks Break-Through for Human Rights
posted on June 13, 2012On the opening day of the OFL’s Out@Work Conference, delegates were joined by NDP MPP Cheri DiNovo (Parkdale-High Park) who announced the second reading passing of Bill 33, Toby’s Act (Right to be Free from Discrimination and Harassment Because of Gender Identity or Gender Expression). In her fourth attempt to secure Human Rights Code protections [...]
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Toxic River Poisons Grassy Narrows
posted on June 8, 2012The people of Grassy Narrows have sustained themselves for thousands of years on their traditional territory – 2,500 square miles of forest, lakes and rivers north of Kenora, Ontario. Now plans for clear-cut logging, mining and the legacy of residential schools, hydro damming, relocation, and mercury poisoning threaten to uproot the way of life of [...]
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Open Letter to Québec Students:
posted on June 6, 2012On behalf of over one million workers in Ontario, I am writing to you to express our strongest solidarity with your movement to stop tuition fee hikes and maintain a high quality, accessible post-secondary education system in Québec. We salute your movement’s determination to continue in the face of an intransigent government and violent police crack-downs.
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Sid Ryan: Redirecting our priorities (Guest Column in the Toronto Sun)
posted on June 2, 2012Sid Ryan, Guest Columnist Article Appeared in Print Edition: Saturday, June 2, 2012 Read the article on the Toronto Sun website and share your comments Quebec is currently gripped in a not-so-quiet revolution and, in an ironic twist, it is the children of the ’60s and ’70s who led an era of momentous social upheaval [...]
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Sid Ryan: The case for zero tuition (Opinion Article in the National Post)
posted on June 1, 2012Numerous National Post columnists have argued that striking Quebec students should just accept higher tuition rates. I don’t get that argument. In Ireland, where I’m from, education is free from kindergarten through university. It seems absurd to me that we charge our young people any college or university fees at all, given that their skills and knowledge will propel our economy.
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Letter to the Toronto Sun: Draconian Legislation
posted on May 24, 2012Megan Harris appears blind to her own double standard. She complains about the efforts of students to bring accessible post-secondary education to Ontario, then she admits to moving from Toronto in 1990 to study at a much more affordable Montreal university where she escaped Ontario’s punishingly high tuition fees. For 14 weeks, more than 150,000 striking college and university students have been joined by thousands of citizens of all ages and backgrounds in overwhelmingly peaceful protests against the plan of Quebec Premier Jean Charest to double tuition fees.
Read MoreOFL’s Sid Ryan calls on the Ontario student movement to take to the streets to stop punishingly high tuition fees: OFL Officers to join mass protest in Montréal
posted on May 22, 2012(Montréal, Québec) — Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) President Sid Ryan is today calling on the Ontario student movement to follow the lead of Québec students in taking to the streets to stop punishingly high tuition fees. All three OFL officers, including OFL Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Hutchison and Executive Vice-President Irwin Nanda, will be joining a mass rally in Montréal today to protest skyrocketing tuition fees and draconian laws to suppress civil rights.
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