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.
I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of every activist who took time to communicate the most important message we could send to Ontarians in this election: that they deserve change that works for working people – change for the better.
In workplaces, and in town halls across Ontario, labour came together. We talked about our hopes and vision for Ontario, we talked about why we support the NDP plan to make change for the better. Activists across the province knocked on doors, made phone calls, spoke to their friends, families and fellow union members. This election brought our movement together, and it’s through our solidarity that we will continue to fight for change that works for working people.
Our work got results. While this is not entirely the outcome the labour movement worked toward, the NDP opposition will be a strong voice, a voice that will present a positive alternative to regressive policies and privatization. The OFL will continue to champion the rights of working people. The NDP’s election as the official opposition shows that millions of Ontarians want fairness and equality. We connected with them through this election campaign, and we will build on those connections. We will stand in solidarity to build our movement.
The 2018 Ontario election has been widely described as a “change election,” but one thing hasn’t changed – the labour movement’s commitment to fight for social justice and the protection and expansion of workers’ rights in Ontario.
I hope you’ll join with the OFL at the Ministry of Labour on June 16 at 1:00 p.m., when we come together to Rally for Decent Work, and show our new government the strength of the labour movement. Together we will continue to demand change that truly works for working people: change for the better.
In Solidarity,
Chris Buckley
President
Ontario Federation of Labour
