This week, Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) President Laura Walton joins the Canadian Provincial and Territorial Federations of Labour Presidents in Halifax during the Council of the Federations summer meeting of the Premiers. This gathering provides a platform for Federation of Labour leaders to collectively address the critical issues workers face across the country.
A primary focus of this meeting is combating the growing trend of privatizing public services. “In Ontario, we are all too familiar with Doug Ford’s plan for privatization, which starves our public services robbing the province of the resources needed to sustain good public services,” says OFL President Laura Walton. “This issue isn’t confined to Ontario; it’s occurring across the country, impacting working people and their families. We see its detrimental effects on important public services that workers rely on, such as childcare, education, and healthcare.”
On Tuesday, as the Premiers met, labour leaders joined healthcare workers for a rally to keep healthcare public, as well as a solidarity rally for striking LCBO workers in Ontario. The rallies were well attended by both provincial and national union leaders, and community allies – right in front of the meeting of the Premiers, downtown Halifax.
The federations are also advocating for paid sick days and provincial anti-scab legislation. “Protecting workers’ rights is essential,” said Walton. “We need robust legislation to ensure workers are treated justly and fairly, with no room for scab labour that puts jobs and livelihoods at risk.”
“Currently, we see scab labour being promoted by our provincial government in Ontario. The LCBO, for example, is bringing in scab workers while over 9,000 workers’ jobs are at risk. This is just one of many instances, reflecting a growing trend with almost every strike and lockout.”
Amidst the cost of living and affordability crisis impacting workers’ incomes, the federations are committed to advocating for decent wages, benefits, and pensions. “Workers deserve a reliable income to support their families,” added Walton. “We are committed to the fight for fair wages that keep up with the cost-of-living crisis.”
“These meetings empower us to learn and unite in our common goal of fighting for workers,” Walton continues. “Other provinces and territories face the same issues as Ontarians, including the cost-of-living crisis, privatization, and scab labour. By coming together, we set our priorities straight and build a unified labour movement across the country.”
In Halifax, these leaders stand united this week to tackle the urgent concerns of workers nationwide.
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