The Ontario Federation of Labour joins the Ontario NDP MPP Jill Andrew’s call for Premier Doug Ford and Attorney-General Douglas Downey to appeal the Ontario Court of Appeal decision making voluntary intoxication a legitimate defense in sexual assault cases.
Ontarians are fed up with the Ford government’s failure to support the working people of Ontario, and they will be telling him so on Wednesday, June 3 with the Ford Failed Us Province-wide Day of Action, says the Ontario Federation of Labour.
From taking action in their communities, to sending a letter to their MPP, to asking questions of the Premier in a People’s Question Period, the workers of Ontario will tell the PCs that they have failed Ontarians.
The Ontario Federation of Labour is outraged and demands action, in solidarity with Black, Brown, Indigenous and all communities of colour, in the fight to end racism and white supremacy and joins the call for a full investigation into the death of Regis Korchinski-Paquet. “Over and over again, we see the lethal effects of over-policing…
The Ontario Health Coalition sent an open letter to Premier Doug Ford signed by family councils, health professionals, social organizations, cultural organizations, seniors’ and retirees’ groups, health coalitions, legal clinics, and many others who collectively represent more than 1.5 million Ontarians. The OFL is one of the signatories to the letter. The letter is below. If…
The labour movement is devastated by the loss of Sister Megan Whitfield, who passed away suddenly on May 24. The OFL mourns with all who knew her.
Sister Whitfield was the first Black President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers’ (CUPW) Toronto Local, the largest local of CUPW. She played a key role at the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), where she was a core member of the Executive Board, Executive Committee and the Workers of Colour Committee. At the OFL convention, she co-chaired the convention resolutions committee.
May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT). It is a day to celebrate the contributions made by 2SLGBTQI+ people to society. It is also a day to take action, increase awareness and affirm the fundamental rights of 2SLGBTQI+ people. Despite the progress that has been made over the years, 2SLGBTQI+…
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is seeking nominations from affiliates, local unions and labour councils for the SOLIDARITY & PRIDE CHAMPION AWARD. This annual award is to acknowledge and celebrate individuals or groups who have made a significant or ongoing contribution to the advancement of the two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (2SLGBTQI+) human…
This list was last updated on May 1, 2020. Please note that this is a working document and will be updated frequently. For more information on OFL’s advocacy for workers during the COVID-19 crisis click here. Below is a policy timeline on COVID-19 for reference and sharing. The OFL will continue to monitor policy changes…
In advance of the May 1 #FixLTCFord online day of action, the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) and unions representing Ontario’s health and long-term care workers demand the Ontario government implement stronger controls in home care, long-term care, retirement and community care facilities. Labour calls on the government to end the growth of precarious work…
Equity-seeking communities must be central in the development of Ford government economic recovery plans. Ontario must commit to collaboration with labour to ensure the inclusion of equity-seeking groups, says the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL).
On the National Day of Mourning we remember workers killed on the job, or who have suffered occupational injury, illness or disease. This year, the Day of Mourning has a particular resonance as we remember the workers who have recently died of COVID-19, and in the line of duty protecting communities in Nova Scotia. In…
During all three phases of reopening Ontario’s economy, the government’s Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee must include the Official Opposition, and consult with workers and the unions that represent them, says the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL). “Decisions related to economic recovery and a safe return to work in Ontario need to be made in…
SENT VIA EMAIL Hon. Monte McNaughton Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development 14th Floor 400 University Avenue Toronto, ON M7A 1T7 Dear Minister McNaughton, RE: Health and safety of front-line workers must be a priority. We are concerned about recent reports that Ministry inspections in response to work refusals related to COVID-19 are not…
The OFL is pleased to hear Prime Minister Trudeau’s announcement that the government of Canada has reached an agreement with GM where the company will retool its unused plant in Oshawa for the production of much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for Canadian workers. “The GM plant in Oshawa can be a made-in-Oshawa, Ontario, Canada solution…
The OFL mourns with the families, friends, coworkers and communities of the people murdered in Nova Scotia on Sunday, April 19, 2020.
Governments at every level must do more for workers and their families. When it comes to rent relief, the cancellation or abatement of rent, evictions, and utility payments, are what is needed.
Download a poster for your window to let front-line workers know that you thank them, stand in solidarity with them, and are demanding protections that will keep them safe and healthy, as they work to keep us and our communities healthy and safe.
The people of Ontario were looking for stability, and assurances that vital public services like health and long-term care, and social assistance received funding increases that would meet the demands and pressures of COVID-19. In this rapidly evolving crisis, it is not clear that today’s economic and fiscal update has risen to meet those needs.
This page was last updated March 25, 2020 Below is a list of resources on COVID-19. This list includes the OFL response to Ford’s emergency legislation, demands for workers during the pandemic, a fact sheet outlining short-term and long-term actions to avoid the harm that the virus can bring to your health, and an important timeline…
“The Premier continues to say that workers should ‘stay home when [they] are sick,’ when he knows very well that it is impossible for workers to follow that directive if they do not have paid leave and other supports,” said OFL President Patty Coates. “Ontario is only as healthy as the most vulnerable person in our province.”