Since 1992, October has been recognized as Women History Month – a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of women. Canadian women have shaped and continue to shape our unions, our workplaces and our society with their strength, wisdom and courage.
Women may hold up half the sky but the goal of economic and social equality is rooted in partial day-to-day struggles. The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) has been and continues to be part of every battle fought for equality. Union women, then and now, give voice to issues of inequality and work to build a future free of discrimination, violence and poverty.
Women’s History Month represents an opportunity to highlight the past and present contributions of union women and to recognize the achievements of women from all walks of life as a vital part of our society. It also provides an opportunity to highlight how we all benefit today from the struggles and achievements of women activists in the quest for women’s equality.
The leadership role played by the OFL Women’s Committee was crucial to winning on front line issues such as maternity leave, pay and employment equity, family law and labour law reform, child care, full access to abortion and midwifery, measures to end violence against women, LGBTQ equality rights, and the right to a union.
The OFL helped to found and sustain many equality organizations such as the Equal Pay Coalition, Organized Working Women, Ontario Coalition for Better Child Care, Women Against Free Trade, pro-choice groups, anti-poverty organizations, the Coalition of Visibility Minority Women and the Disabled Women’s Network.
Today the majority of union members are women. The demographic of union membership continues to shift dramatically to include a greater proportion of workers of colour; gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered workers; workers with disabilities; young workers and Aboriginal workers.
It is these union members, mostly women, who are making history by leading the way in the fight for a livable minimum wage, good & safe jobs, affordable housing, access to child and health care – social and economic justice!
These great strides are to be celebrated during Women’s History Month, as Ontario’s labour movement reflects on the progress it has made and the challenges ahead. Our vision is of a diverse society where everyone’s contributions are celebrated and recognized equally.
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow the OFL on Facebook and Twitter: @OFLabour.
