Solidarity Against Austerity: OFL in Action the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) Represents 54 Unions and One Million Workers

Home , Jordan Todosey, Peter Fonseca, Sid Ryan

ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Solidarity Against Austerity: OFL in Action The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) represents 54 unions and one million workers. It is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation.

General inquiries regarding this document should be directed to: Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) | Fédération du travail de l’Ontario (FTO) 15 Gervais Drive, Suite 202, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y8 Telephone: 416-441-2731 Fax: 416-441-1893 Toll-Free: 800-668-9138 Email: [email protected] TDD: 416-443-6305 Web: www.OFL.ca

Follow the OFL online: Twitter.com/OntarioLabour • www.Facebook.com/OntarioFedLabour • Flickr.com/OntarioFedLabour

COPE343 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR

Solidarity Against Austerity: OFL in Action

1 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 1 - Challenging Austerity...... 4 1. Occupy Movement: The Fight for the 99%...... 4 2. The Common Front: Building a Mass Community- Table of Labour Initiative...... 5 3. Defending Pensions...... 6 • Retirement Security for All...... 6 • Flaherty Betrayal of CPP Sparks Occupation. . . . . 6 Contents 4. Anti-Scab Campaign: Solidarity with ECP Workers. . . . 7 5. The People vs U.S. Steel & the Harper Government. . . . 7 6. Torontonians Rally for Respect...... 8 7. Rally to Safeguard Public Health Care...... 9 8. G20 Summit: Canada Pushes for Global Austerity...... 10 • People First Rally Mobilizes 35,000...... 10 • Defending Civil Liberties...... 11

PART 2 - Defending Workers’ Rights...... 12 1. Defending the Right to Strike...... 12 • CAW’s Air Canada Sales Staff Not Intimidated by Government Threats ...... 12 • CUPW in Battle with Canada Post & the Harper Government...... 13 • CUPE Flight Attendants Challenge Minister’s Pro-Corporate Bias...... 14 2. Fighting for Every Worker ...... 15 • Campaign for a Living Wage...... 15 • IQT Wage Theft...... 15 • Workers’ Action Centre: Campaign to Stop Waget Thef ...... 16 • Law Commission of Ontario...... 16 3. Vale Inco: Facing Down Foreign-Owned Companies. . .17 4. OPSEU College Strike: Defending Good Jobs...... 18 5. PSAC Fights Back Against Harper’s Cuts to Federal Public Services ...... 19

PART 3 - Fighting For Equity & Human Rights . . . 20 1. Looming Threats to KI First Nation’s Land but Province Remains Silent...... 20 2. Women STEP IT UP! to Rally and Rock the Vote at Queen’s Park...... 21 3. Unite Here Housekeepers Challenge Sexual Harassment...... 21

2 4. Nationwide Shannen’s Dream Coalition Fights for • Minimum Wage Advisory Committee...... 38 First Nations’ Schools ...... 22 • Union Dialogue on Labour Relations...... 38 5. Campaigning for Public Child Care...... 23 4. Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. . . . . 39 6. OFL Hosts First-Ever Workers of Colour Assembly. . . .24 • Second Career Program...... 39 7. Challenging Homophobic and Transphobic Bullying. . .26 • Adjustment Advisory Program...... 40 8. Young Workers Work on Getting the Next • Workplace-Based Literacy and Basic Skills. . . . . 40 Generation Organized...... 26 • College of Trades...... 41 9. Challenging Ontario to Do Better for People with 5. Attorney General...... 43 Disabilities...... 27 6. Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care...... 43 • Lower Generic Drug Pricing...... 43 PART 4 - Health & Safety and WCB ...... • Meeting with Minister Matthews ...... 44 1. Kill a Worker, Go to Jail: OFL Campaigns to End 7. Ministry of Community and Social Services: Workplace Carnage...... 28 OFL Weighs in on Social Assistance Review...... 44 • Pressure on Governments and Police Departments. .29 8. Employment Insurance (EI) / Unemployment • Expert Advisory Panel on Worker’s Health and Safety.30 Insurance (UI) ...... 44 • Bill 160: Revamping Workplace Health & Safety. . .30 • Regular / Part I Benefits...... 44 2. Demanding Rights for Injured Workers...... 31 • EI Premiums...... 45 • OFL and ONIWG Host Blockbuster Conference. . . .31 9. Canada-European Union Comprehensive • Hundreds of Injured Workers Call on Economic & Trade Agreement (CETA)...... 46 Queen’s Park for Justice...... 31 10. Federal Election: Orange Wave Surges Across Canada. . . 47 • Hunger Strike is Last Resort for Full and Fair WSIB Tribunal Hearing...... 31 PART 6 - International Solidarity...... 48 • No More Cap in Hand! Injured Workers Occupy 1. Wisconsin’s Citizen-Labour Alliances Sweep 6 MPP Offices...... 32 Across the U.S...... 48 • Arthurs Commission Reviews WSIB Funding. . . . .32 2. Arab Spring of Popular Uprisings...... 49 3. OFL’s Occupational Disability Response Team...... 33 3. Stop the XL Pipeline...... 50

PART 5 - Government Relations...... 34 PART 7 - New Affiliations...... 51 1. Ontario Election: NDP Sees Best Provincial Election Results in Over a Decade...... 34 PART 8 - Spreading The Word...... 52 2. Ministry of Finance...... 35 1. Mainstream Media: Making the News ...... 52 • Ontario Budget...... 35 2. Promoting Labour Online...... 52 • Ontario Economic Summit...... 36 3. Facebook: Building an Online Labour Community. . . .53 3. Ministry of Labour...... 37 4. Twitter: Spreading the Word ...... 54 • Presentation to the Standing Committee on 5. YouTube: Online Labour Television...... 55 General Government...... 37 6. Flickr: Sharing Labour Photos...... 55 • Anti-Scab Legislation...... 37 PART 9 - Photo Credits...... 56

3 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 1 Challenging Austerity

OCCUPY MOVEMENT: THE FIGHT FOR THE 99%

he adversity faced by working people around the world since the beginning of the global economic recession of 2008 has given birth to new hope and action. Beginning on Saturday, October 15, 2011, people from all walks of life were inspired to take action against austerity by bringing the ‘Occupy’ movement to cities across Canada. What started as a single occupation at Wall Street in New York City spread to Hamilton, Kingston, London, Sault Ste. Marie, North Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury, Toronto, Windsor and over 1,400 other towns and cities around the world in what has now become a world- Twide movement against corporate greed. 4 PART 1: CHALLENGING AUSTERITY

The central goal of this new move- the province. OFL President Sid Ryan demonstrate its commitment to a better ment is to challenge the unfair distribu- called on trade unionists across Ontario worldy b defending local Occupy camps tionf o wealth and an “austerity agenda” to join the local rallies that launched a and helping the movement gather mo- that is being imposed by governments month-long protest that is still under- mentum. around the world in an attempt to down- way. Over the past several weeks, all load the economic crisis onto the backs three OFL Officers and many members THE COMMON FRONT: of working people, instead of the corpor- of the Executive Board have attended BUILDING A MASS ate and financial sectors that created it. Occupy rallies and local tent cities. The COMMUNITY-LABOUR What is perhaps most inspiring about the OFL and affiliates have given substantial INITIATIVE Occupy movement is the non-hierarchal, supporto t local actions and mobilized grassroots structure that has become members to bolster the movement. On Last month, small and large commun- onef o its defining characteristics. Call- October, 27 the OFL joined CUPW and ity groups, provincial organizations and ing themselves the “99 percent,” the mes- USW in a labour solidarity rally with Oc- unions packed the OFL boardroom to sage of the Occupy protesters has reson- cupy Toronto. Nearly 2,000 protesters continue discussions on building a new ated loudly in Canada, where 32 percent froze traffic in Toronto’s financial district social movement in Ontario. of wealth generated over the last decade to call out corporate crooks, like the Bank The first meeting took place August alone was earned by the top one percent. of Montreal, which has been supporting 25 and was premised on the understand- Contraryo t what the Harper govern- the unscrupulous owners of Infinity Rub- ing that the economic, political, environment has been telling the public, Can- ber throughout a two-year long strike. mental and social challenges facing On- adian banks were pre-emptively bailed The substantial media attention gen- tario are too great for any one union or out with $75 billion of public money – erated by the Occupy movement has al- organization to tackle alone. A call-out almost the equivalent of the U.S. bail-out ready been successful at challenging the letter for the inaugural Common Front when pegged to population size. Since status quo and highlighting the growing meeting forecasted that no matter which the year 2000, corporate taxes have been gap between the top income earners party won the provincial election, there cut ten times, dropping the combined and everyone else. However, rather than was massive work to be done. federal and provincial rate from 42 to heeding this call for government action, Co-chaired by the OFL and Canadian 25 percent. However, this massive re- several city councils have elected to try Federation of Students’ President Sandy duction in corporate taxes has failed to to shut down local occupations and si- Hudson, the October 12 meeting fea- liveo up t promises of job creation and, lence this dissent. Most notably in On- tured a post-election analysis from the over the same period of time, industry in- tario, London Mayor Joe Fontana ordered organizations present, many of which vestments in machinery, equipment and police to conduct an early-morning outlined their priorities and examined technology have dropped by 7.7 percent. evictionf o the Victoria Park tent city. issues associated with organizing locally As, a result the Government of Canada Ryan appealed to the City to cancel the and regionally, such as: How do we move has planned annual budgetary cuts of planned eviction and travelled to Lon- forward in our collective desire to go be- $4 billion that will cost nearly 80,000 don on the eve of the eviction to declare yond efforts to simply defend what we federal jobs and thousands more at the the labour movement’s solidarity with haveo or t secure single reforms? How provincial level. the occupiers. cane w replicate and enhance existing Before the launch of the first Can- Since then, several municipal mayors successful community-labour partner- adian occupations, the OFL swung its sup- across Canada, including Toronto Mayor ships, such as Toronto’s “Good Jobs for All” port behind local organizers by offering Rob Ford, have announced their own model, elsewhere across the province. communications support and in kind do- plans to forcibly remove protesters. It is nations to Occupy protests throughout important for the labour movement to 5 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

Building people power in commun- Dalton McGuinty and pushed for Ontario’s comingo t grips with the crisis. Federal ities across the province, forging strong support for using the Canada Pension Finance Minister James Flaherty was one ties with and among community organ- Plan (CPP) as the main vehicle for achiev- of the speakers and indicated support for izations and leveraging our collective ing the goal. It was an enormous success an expanded CPP as the vehicle through strength are some of the critical issues when the province officially and publicly which to ensure retirement security. that will form the basis of ongoing dis- adopted this perspective and carried it cussions and future meetings. into the June 26th federal Finance Minis- Flaherty Betrayal of CPP Sparks ters’ meeting. In concert with the CLC, the Occupation DEFENDING PENSIONS OFL is calling for a doubling of benefits On the eve of the Kananaskis provincial to ensure a better minimum pension for finance ministers’ meeting, the OFL led an Retirement Security for All all Canadians and a 15 percent increase occupation of Flaherty’s Oshawa constitu- The OFL has worked closely with the CLC to the Guaranteed Income Supplement of ency office December 17, 2010. The high- to ensure the campaign for real retire- Old Age Security to lift all seniors out of profile action enabled us to condemn ment security resonates throughout On- poverty immediately. In March, the OFL- his public capitulation to the financial tario with affiliates, media and the public. CLC Pension Summit at Toronto’s Park industry and give us the profile needed We raised it at the OFL’s quarterly meet- Hyatt Plaza was sold out with retirees, toe promot our views. Flaherty called his ings with the government. In November unions, business, academics, commun- plan – which promoted private sector 2011,e w secured a meeting with Premier ity leaders, pension experts and others pension plans – “a milestone.” The OFL condemned it as little more than a new schemeo t enable the financial industry to retrieve even more lush management fees at the public’s expense: $10,000 invested over a lifetime in the CPP would yield $72,000 by retirement, compared to financial industry investment yield worth less than $29,500. During the day, the OFL also released a poll it had commissioned demonstrating that even a majority of small businesses support labour’s propos- also t increase premiums and allow CPP benefitso t increase. The poll was crucial in refuting statements made by Catherine Swift, President of the Canadian Federa- tionf o Independent Business, which sug- gested small business owners were op- posed to improving the public pension system.e W continue our work with the CLC on this critical file.

6 PART 1: CHALLENGING AUSTERITY

ANTI-SCAB CAMPAIGN: SOLIDARITY WITH ECP WORKERS

The OFL joined with Brantford and District Labour Council and USW Local I-500, Sep- tember 15, 2010, in a three-day, anti-scab rally and picket line at the Engineered Coated Products (ECP) plant in Brantford. The company, named one of Canada’s worst employers, kept the 84 workers out for almost three years by busing in scabs, hiring private security to intimidate workers and avoid responsibility for collective bargaining. Despite profits, it demanded a 25 percent rollback in wages and benefits as well as other concessions. The first houro int the action ECP halted operations. Scabs were shipped out in the early morning hours. On the second evening, ECP triedo t sneak a scab bus back into the THE PEOPLE VS U.S. STEEL & goes along with it, to the United States. plant but was met by crowds of public THE HARPER GOVERNMENT The company was trying to force mem- ande privat sector union members who bersoe t giv up pension indexation for appeared within minutes. On the third More than 10,000 labour and community 9,000 retirees and block new hires from day, the company was finally ready to get activists jammed Hamilton’s downtown any similar defined benefit pension downo t business. Canadian Director of core on Saturday, January 29, 2011 to plans. In an all too familiar Canadian the United Steelworkers (USW) Ken Neu- protest U.S. Steel and the Harper govern- story, U.S. Steel was seeking to substitute mann told the cheering crowd outside the ment’s attack on pensions. Organized by real pensions with defined contribution Brantford courthouse that the union and theC, OFL, CL USW Local 1005 and Hamil- plans – glorified saving accounts – that company would now be returning to nego- ton and District Labour Council, the huge are at the mercy of the stock market. tiations and thanked the OFL for its role in groundswell of solidarity received nation- However, the issues at the heart of helpingo t make progress the “nightmare al and international media attention. the lockout were much greater than the strike.” NDP Nickel Belt MPP France Gé- Union members filled nearly 60 out- employer’s concessionary demands. With linas has been at the forefront of cham- of-town buses and USW members from foreign investment at the highest level pioning the need for the reinstatement Vale Inco in Sudbury and Brantford’s ECP since World War II, Harper continues to of anti-scab legislation to rein in the 2.5 allf o whom have encountered the same obstruct meaningful regulation of the In- percentf o Ontario employers who rely on corporate demands and tactics, arrived vestment Canada Act and its requirement this tactic. Both Quebec and B.C. have such to offer full support to Local 1005 mem- to ensure a “net benefit” for the country legislation in place – which is why the ECP bers. when foreign mega-corporations set up workers in B.C. were able to bargain a con- The company locked out its 900 their operations. The Conservatives ac- tract. The Ontario labour movement con- workers November 7, 2010 and shipped tually plan to weaken this already in- tinues to demand its reinstatement. steel production, and the prosperity that effective act. In 2010, the government 7 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

reviewed only five percent of more than Toronto and York Region Labour Council TORONTONIANS RALLY FOR 400 takeovers, leaving Canada at the and USW Local 1005 in bringing their RESPECT mercyf o corporations like U.S. Steel. The issueso t Bay Street for a Valentine’s steel company even reneged on legal Day protest. Calling on Scotiabank and Since getting elected in December 2010, obligations that enabled it to purchase Brookfield to “Have a Heart,” the protest- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford made it clear the company in the first place. ers called out the Harper government for that he is hell-bent on contracting out In his address to the rally and in mul- aiding foreign companies in exploiting public services, selling off public assets, tiple media interviews, OFL President Sid Canada’s workers and natural resources. derailing public transit, targeting trade Ryan demanded the Harper government Another rally, cohosted with the Ot- unions and rolling back Toronto’s en- stop aiding foreign investors in their bid tawa and District Labour Council, was vironmental plans. This style of “aggres- to exploit Canada’s workers and resour- held on Parliament Hill on May 1, 2011, sive conservatism” was designed to usher ces, and drive down standards of living – the day before the Federal election. inw a ne wave of Harris-style cuts across especially those of retirees. “Hamilton is Almost one year into the lockout, U.S. Ontario. With Conservative sweeps of every town in Canada. When Harper for- Steel finally succumbed to pressure and municipal elections in Windsor, Sudbury ges secret deals with foreign investors, returnedo t the bargaining table with a and several other Ontario cities, it quickly like U.S. Steel and Vale Inco, he creates comprehensive offer and the union was became clear that no city would be iso- the conditions to enable them to access able to negotiate a settlement. Despite lated and that what happened in Toronto ae desperat workforce. It stops here,” said the resolution of this labour dispute, could be adopted in any city or town. Ryan who pledged the OFL’s full support Harper’s indifference to the interests of Immediately after taking office, May- for a sustained campaign to defend the Canadian workers and retirees remains or Ford turned the city’s surplus of $275 public interest. and the labour movement must continue milliono int a deficit by cutting the city’s Building on the momentum created to defend workers who fall victim to this revenue stream and manufacturing a fi- at the Hamilton rally, the OFL joined the pro-corporate agenda. nancial crisis that could be used to jus- tify axing public services and jobs. Ford moved quickly to lobby the McGuinty government to declare the Toronto Tran- sit Commission (TTC) an essential service ino order t strip its 10,000 employees of their right to strike. His next target was the privatization of the city’s waste removal, despite evidence that contracting out is more costly and less efficient. Recognizing the urgency of the mo- ment, the OFL played a central role in pulling together a broad-based coalition of labour unions and community groups early in the new year to organize a rally that included people from all walks of life. Dubbed the “Rally for Respect” the protestw dre over 10,000 people to the streets of Toronto and to call on Toronto

8 PART 1: CHALLENGING AUSTERITY

City Councillors to protect communities, as false: that no jobs would be lost, no a “Commission on Broader Public Service public services and good jobs. services would be cut and massive sav- Reform”, headed up by Don Drummond, The rally captured an inspiring com- ings could be found simply through oper- former Senior Vice-President and Chief munity feel, similar to the movements ational efficiencies. Economist of TD Bank. Despite Finance that emerged in Wisconsin, and brought Public opinion of the Mayor con- Minister Dwight Duncan’s assurance that together an incredibly diverse cross-sec- tinuedo t backslide as the summer pro- the Commission would not recommend tionf o residents to form new coalitions gressed and, by September’s vibrant privatization of health care, Drummond’s to defend their neighbourhood services. follow-up rally against the Core Services appointment caused concern about the Withs Ford’ team announcing their inten- Review on September 26, the clamor agenda that was being set into motion. tionso t wipe out thousands of childcare of public opposition had built to a cre- In a Globe and Mail interview pub- spaces, sell off seniors’ homes, cut back scendo. So much so, that wannabe Con- lished shortly after the budget was re- onw sno removal, take fluoride out of the servative Premier Tim Hudak cut himself leased, Drummond was quoted as stating water and axe Christmas funds for the loose from Ford’s campaign coat tails for that despite the restrictions announced poor, it is no surprise that unprecedented fearf o being pulled down by the Mayor’s by the Finance Minister, he was will- opposition is gaining momentum. missteps. The labour-community alliance ingo t look at “almost anything”, includ- However, the Mayor’s $3 million “Core that was formed out of the Mayor’s blitz- ing health care and education. Concern Services Review,” which was touted as the krieg attack on essential public services about Drummond’s private-sector bias keyo t routing out inefficiencies and waste and cherished community resources gives did not appear to be unfounded. In rein the public system turned into a colos- cause for renewed optimism at the poten- markso t the press, Drummond has char- sal boondoggle. Instead of finding waste tial for challenging the austerity agenda. acterized health care as a “Pac Man” in the system, KPMG, the consulting com- eating the provincial budget and mused pany hired by the city, proposed a broad RALLY TO SAFEGUARD about the public’s openness to private- rangef o services to be cut, contracted out PUBLIC HEALTH CARE sector delivery of health care. or subject to user fees. The findings and During the provincial election cam- recommendations of the Review exposed In the 2011 Ontario Budget, the McGuinty paign, the Ontario Health Coalition threef o Ford’s central campaign promises government announced plans to launch sought to shore up voter support for

9 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

public health care and send a clear mes- recessionf o 2008. The OFL participated, tario and there was little evidence that sageo t the next government that health along with the CLC in a variety of media police had been adequately trained to care is not for sale. On September 13, events, one of which took place at the use them. 2011, the OFL and many affiliates joined sitef o the “security perimeter” that cor- On the day of the demonstration, June the Coalition’s rally to safeguard public doned off the downtown core of Toronto. 26, 2010, despite pre-emptive raids on health care. The rally attracted thou- Significant media attention was the homes of individual activists, despite sands of labour and community activists garnered, especially in response to the battalions of police in riot gear roam- in a united call to prevent hospital clos- OFL demand that any police services ing the streets, and despite a torrential ures, fund comprehensive chronic care deployed abstain from the use of agents downpour, some 35,000 people demon- in facilities and the community, address provocateurs, as had been the case during strated against the austerity agenda be- front-line staffing shortages and improve the August 2007 peaceful protest against ing peddled at the G20. A key feature of capacity in public, non-profit facilities. the Security and Prosperity Summit in the demonstration was the contingent Montebello, Québec. At the time, these of women protesting Prime Minister G20 SUMMIT: CANADA PUSHES agents provocateurs were identified by Stephen Harper’s maternal health initia- FOR GLOBAL AUSTERITY Dave Coles, President of the Communi- tive that failed to include access to safe cations, Energy and Paperworkers Union. abortion for women. It was an incredible People First Rally Mobilizes 35,000 The OFL also condemned the use of display of solidarity. In the lead-up to the G20 Summit in To- sound cannons and supported the move Later in the day, despite over 20,000 ronto, the OFL kicked into high gear to by the Canadian Civil Liberties Associa- police and security personnel, police mobilize labour participation. The G20 tion (CCLA) to seek an injunction against choseo t stand aside and allow a tiny was meeting and would be discussing thef use o such equipment. According to handfulf o individuals to smash windows a coordinated approach to the still lin- the CCLA, the sound cannons had not throughout the downtown core. The next gering effect from the global economic been tested or approved for use in On- day, the police used this vandalism as a

10 PART 1: CHALLENGING AUSTERITY

pretexto t unleash the most violent and gations in Toronto and Ontario. However, five meters of the security perimeter. far-reaching mass arrest in Canadian his- without a full public inquiry it is likely In fact, no such law existed. tory. Over the next 48 hours, thousands of that those who were in top decision- 2. Improper application of the “law” people were beaten, kettled and forced making positions—including the federal Even had the law existed, the “law” to stand in the pouring rain, arrested government—will not be held to ac- was used as a pretext to search and held for more than 24 hours without count. While individual officers may be and seize belongings from peaceful proper food, medicine or toilet facilities, reprimanded, the problems involved in protesters throughout the city, well in overcrowded, makeshift cages – the im- the G20 policing were so systematic as beyond the five meter reach falsely provised mass detention centres erected to necessitate a full, public inquiry. attributed to the law. specifically for the G20 demonstration. In In March 2011, the OFL made a sub- 3. Conspiracy of silence regarding the the end, over 1,100 people were arrested. missiono t the Ontario government’s invalidity of the “law” Review of Systemic Issues Resulting from The fact that the Premier and Defending Civil Liberties the Policing of the 2010 G-20 Summit in senior Cabinet Members colluded Since June 2010, the Ontario Federation Toronto. In the submission the OFL high- with police to mislead the public of Labour continued to defend the right lighted four serious areas of concern with regarding the existence and scope of of peaceful protestors to demonstrate respecto t policing during the G20 and the law, could only be construed as and condemned the behaviour of the the conduct of elected representatives: either gross incompetence or a gross police. The OFL has joined with many 1. The Public Works Act violation of the public trust. civil society organizations in calling for In the lead-up to the demonstration, 4. The flawed practice of adopting laws a bone fide public inquiry into all aspects police officials and elected members and regulations in secret of policing during the G20. The breadth of parliament mislead the public Because the Public Works Act was of the public outcry has resulted in some into believing that a law existed modified in secret, behind closed limited and partial reviews and investi- prevented them from being within doors, there was no accountability mechanism to ensure that the measures were legal, transparent, and understood by both elected leaders and paid security personnel. Democratic values should preclude any decision-makers from adopting laws in secret. On June 25, 2011 – the one-year anniver- saryf o the G20 mass arrests – the OFL joined in partnership with the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, the Canadian Federation of Students, the Council of Canadians and the Canadian Labour Con- gress to demonstrate in support of civil liberties and to call for a full public in- quiryo int the G20. On the day, thousands participated in what became known as the G20 Redux: the Fundamental Free- doms Festival. 11 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 2 Defending Workers’ Rights

DEFENDING THE RIGHT TO STRIKE

CAW’s Air Canada Sales Staff Not Intimidated by Government Threats here was no “honeymoon period” with the Stephen Harper government after the May federal election. One month into his new majority government, workers across the country got a taste of Harper’s approach to labour relations. At midnight on June 14, 2011, CAW Local 2002, representing 3,800 Air Canada customer sales staff went on strike when talks broke down at the bargaining table. The employer was demanding dramatic cuts that would reduce pensions by 40 percent for existing members and force new hires into a defined contribution pension, insteadf o a defined benefits plan. Air Canada was also requesting a number of other Teconomic concessions, including a reduction in benefits for current members and retirees, as well as an increase to their part-time workforce, which already occupies approximately 35 percent of jobs. 12 PART 2: DEFENDING WORKERS’ RIGHTS

During the work stoppage, Air Can- CUPW in Battle with Canada Post of government pension and social assist- ada used scabs to replace the striking & the Harper Government ance cheques. workers but the company was not work- In a second “first” of the 2011 sum- Refusingo t remove concessions and ing alone. Within 16 hours of the begin- mer, Harper’s Conservative government come back to the table with a fair offer, ningf o the strike, Federal Labour Min- movedo t legislate locked-out postal Canada Post instead chose to lock-out its ister Lisa Raitt indicated that she would workers back to work, despite the fact employees and shut down delivery only table back-to-work legislation for Air thaty the never wanted to be off the job two weeks after the commencement of Canada workers. in the first place. rotating strikes. It was the employer’s ac- An incredible outpouring of labour CUPW’s 48,000 employees were tion, not those of the union, that stopped solidarity from other unions helped the forcedo int a strike position on June 2 by mail delivery to households and small CAW avoid the back-to-work legislation proposed concessions that would en- businesses. and reach a tentative agreement with trench a two-tiered workforce, reduce During the strike and subsequent Air Canada after more than 12 weeks of wages for new hires and cut health bene- lockout, an unprecedented outpouring grueling negotiations. Local 2002 mem- fits for pensioners. The union began legal of union support giving national atten- bers secured wage increases of nine 48-hour rotating strike actions in cit- tiono t the plight facing the postal work- percent over four years and successfully ies across Canada at midnight on June 2, ers. OFL President Sid Ryan attended the resisted company demands for major starting in Winnipeg, followed by Hamilton Hamilton picket line on the eve of the pension concessions. However, the con- and several others cities across the country. first Ontario strike rotation and visited tentious issue of pension benefits for Thes union’ plan for random, rotat- several picket lines in the weeks that fol- new hires was sent to arbitration. In this ing strikes was a brilliant strategy that lowed.t A an August 22 mass rally in sup- case, the arbitrator sided with CAW, and ensured minimal service disruption for portf o CUPW, the OFL called on unions called for a hybrid pension model — a the public with maximum impact on the across the country to join CUPW in draw- blendf o defined benefit, with a guaran- employer. Throughout the strike, postal ing a line in the sand over pensions and teed payout, and defined contribution. workers pledged to ensure the delivery two-tiered jobs.

13 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

For the second time that month, the of the right to freedom of association CUPE Flight Attendants Challenge Conservative government aggressively outlined in the ILO’s Convention 87. Minister’s Pro-Corporate Bias stepped in to introduce a back-to-work On October 20, CUPW won a victory when After months of difficult bargaining on bill in the House of Commons. In ordering the Federal Court of Canada ordered behalff o 6,800 Air Canada Flight At- the government’s own agency to reopen af stay o proceedings in the final offer tendants, the Canadian Union of Public its doors, Harper set a new anti-worker interest arbitration for postal workers. Employees served notice to strike on precedent by also legislating a wage In his, ruling the Judge stated: September 17, 2011. By October, CUPE package that fell significantly below the The issues raised by the Union are was ready to strike in support of their employer’s last offer, reducing wages by serious in that they are not frivolous or demands, which again involved decent an average of about $875.50. vexatious. … Having carefully reviewed wages, working conditions and main- In Parliament, the 103 newly elect- the detailed affidavits and documents taining pensions for the next generation ed NDP MPs blocked the passage of filed by the Union and Canada of workers. the legislation for several days through Post and considered the parties’ Not surprisingly, bargaining had been hoursf o round-the-clock debate. CUPW representations, I am satisfied that the difficult, especially since the federal gov- filed for a court-ordered stay of the ap- Union has overwhelmingly established ernment had intervened so blatantly on pointment of the government’s arbitrator the existence of irreparable harm. thef side o the employer in two previous on the grounds that his lack of bilingual- There is clear evidence of harm and disputes that same summer. Consequent- ism and labour experience would render the instances of harm alleged by ly, CUPE members twice sent their bar- him unable to oversee the arbitration be- the Union are not hypothetical or gaining team back for terms better than tween CUPW and Canada Post. conjectural, as argued by Canada Post. what the employer seemed prepared to CUPW is also working with the Can- The federally appointed, unilingual arbi- offer. In response, federal Labour Minister adian Labour Congress to complain to trator subsequently resigned. The over Lisa Raitt promised to introduce back-to- the International Labour Organization 220 remainig points of dispute will, no work legislation, and, on the eve of the (ILO), a specialized agency of the United doubt, take many months to resolve. strike, circumvented it by asking the Can- Nations, that Bill C6 is a clear violation

14 PART 2: DEFENDING WORKERS’ RIGHTS

ada Industrial Relations Board to rule on The Premier announced that he There was also no credible oversight by whether airline workers were “essential.” would appoint a committee representing either. Both governments had to scram- Raitt went so far as to propose rewrit- both business and workers to provide ad- bleo t even come up with the name of ing the Canada Labour Code ot define “the vice on the minimum wage, in advance the U.S. directors who had, contrary to economy” as an essential service. of the 2012 budget. In October 2011, regulations, failed to file formal bank- On October 20, 2011 CUPE and OFL President Sid Ryan was approached ruptcy papers. That failure meant that Air Canada agreed to binding arbitra- by the Ministry of Labour to provide a abandoned workers could not collect tion and both sides withdrew charges nominee for the committee; Research even the minimal $3400 owed to them of unfair labour practices. Raitt publicly and Education Director Pam Frache has under the federal Wage Earner Protec- backed off from her proposal to rewrite submitted her application to the Public tion Program (WEPP). the Labour Code. However, many observ- Appointments Secretariat. It is expected The OFL called for criminal charges ers believe that the Harper government that the Advisory Committee appoint- to be laid against the company and a may yet move to amend the Code to pre- ments will be announced in December freeze on company and personal assets, vent strikes in the transportation and 2011 or January 2012. to ensure that workers received every- telecommunications sectors. thing owed them. In addition, it pressed On November 7, the arbitrator im- IQT Wage Theft for Criminal Code of Canada provisions, posed the same contract on CUPE Flight In the early morning hours of Friday, July 16, similaro t those in C-45 (the Westray Attendants that they had rejected earlier IQT Solutions shut down its operations Bill) that would enable prosecution, with a 65 percent majority. in Oshawa and Laval, Québec leaving imprisonment and/or substantial fines more than 800 workers jobless and with- for corporate executives, directors and FIGHTING FOR EVERY out their wages, vacation or severance. managers who act wrongfully or negli- WORKER Theo fiasc once again illustrated federal gently if a worker is killed or seriously and provincial governments’ lack of any injured; unions are also demanding that Campaign for a Living Wage cogent industrial or economic strategy. WEPP be significantly reformed to raise On February 13, 2011 Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty announced plans to cancel increases in the minimum wage for the first time in seven years. Ontario’s low-income workers had hoped to see their wages reach $10.50 per hour in early 2011. The OFL responded by blasting the Premier for turning his back on Ontario’s working poor while maintaining his policy of generous corporate tax cuts for profitable corporations. (In the 2009 Ontario Budget, the McGuinty government announced that he would hand $4.5 billion over to the private sector through cuts to the Corporate Income Tax and exemp- tions to the Corporate Minimum Tax.)

15 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

the current maximum payout of $3,400, Workers’ Action Centre: and classification of employees and that and expanded to allow for claims when a Campaign to Stop Wage Theft immediate steps be taken to protect company closes, not just for formal bank- The OFL endorsed the campaign to Stop workers who come forward to enforce ruptcies and receiverships. Wage Theft, launched by the Workers’ Ac- their rights. The OFL was one of the sponsors of tion Centre. The WAC brings together non- The Workers’ Action Centre is calling a special information session for Oshawa union workers to defend their workplace on the Ministry of Labour to target those IQT call centre workers, hosted by the rights. The Wage Theft campaign high- employers in sectors and industries in CAW, Durham and Oshawa Labour Coun- lights widespread violations of employ- which there are concentrations of un- cil and CAW Local 222. The meeting pro- ment standards on the part of employ- organized young workers, recent immi- vided crucial information with respect to ers. Such violations include failure to pay grants, women, racialized workers and to Employment Insurance benefits, access to monies owed to workers, many of whom target employers who have had previous the, WEPP Ministry of Labour procedures are paid minimal wages. complaints lodged against them. for unpaid wage claims, and government The campaign calls on the Ministry OFL President Sid Ryan wrote a letter adjustment and retraining supports. of Labour to embark on comprehensive to Labour Minister Charles Sousa, sup- and pro-active campaign to enforce basic porting the Workers Action Centre recom- employment standards in the areas of mendations and urging the government to wages, overtime pay, vacation, sick leave, take immediate steps to implement them.

16 PART 2: DEFENDING WORKERS’ RIGHTS

Law Commission of Ontario within the Employment Standards Act and ninth month) with the company that was Through its Vulnerable Workers and the implications of recent Employment demanding rollbacks in pensions, nickel Precarious Work Project, the Law Com- Standards Act changes that download bonus, seniority rights and more. The missionf o Ontario undertook a consul- responsibility for enforcement onto vul- Brazil-based mining giant bought Inco in tation on “the nature of precarious work, nerable workers themselves. 2006. Scabs were brought in for the first the identity of vulnerable workers, the time in the USW’s history at Inco. Pre- existing protections and enforcement VALE INCO: FACING DOWN dictably, the use of scab labour inflamed mechanisms for people engaged in these FOREIGN-OWNED COMPANIES the situation, prolonged the strike and formsf o paid work and the impact of pre- took an enormous toll on the workers, carious work on the daily lives of vulner- The OFL, CLC and labour councils joined their families, and their communities. able workers and their families.” The OFL forceso t mobilize province-wide sup- Valeo Inc is one of the most profitable hosted a consultation through its Labour port for Vale Inco workers in Sudbury corporations in the world, and collected Adjustment Committee that introduced on March 19, 2010. The efforts paid off $4.1 Billion U.S. in profit from Ontario for Mohan Sharma, the lawyer who headed with buses rolling in from every corner of theo tw years between 2006 and 2008. the project, to laid-off workers, including the province in support of 3,500 miners The company’s actions underscored the older and newcomer workers. A variety of and smelter workers from Sudbury, Port need for the reinstatement of anti-scab issues were discussed, including the im- Colborne, and Voisey’s Bay. The mem- legislation and tightening of Canada’s pactf o temporary employment agencies, bersf o USW Locals 6500 and 6200 were Foreign Investment Act. the lack of enforcement mechanisms locked in a bitter dispute (then in its

17 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

OPSEU COLLEGE STRIKE: keyf issue o debate between the parties A mass union solidarity rally was held DEFENDING GOOD JOBS and candidates. on September 8, 2011 at the Casa Loma OPSEU was successful in defining the Campusf o George Brown College. The Just before classes resumed this Septem- strike around the impact the employer’s rally was attended by several OFL Execu- ber, picket lines went up at Ontario’s 24 concessions would have on the next gen- tive Board members and all three officers. community colleges under the banner, erationf o workers, many of whom would Similar support actions were held on “Good Jobs Today … Good Jobs for Tomor- be college alumni who were graduating campuses across the province during the row.” On September 1, 2011, Ontario’s with record debt levels. The media cover- three-week strike and OFL officers trav- 8,000 college support workers stood up to agef o the strike was often sympathetic elled across the province to visit picket concessions that would have resulted in a and, in many cases, the students affected lines and bring solidarity and support. At college system dominated by part-time, were supportive of the striking staff. its September 12 Executive Council Meet- precarious and temporary workers. Al- “We support the workers and their ing, the OFL resolved to hold simultan- though negotiations had been underway righto t strike, and we thank them for eous support rallies across the province since early June, the employer refused to our” future, said Cindy Brownlee, Director on September 20. The Federation pro- withdraw demands that would entrench of Education and Equity of the Student vided resources to every labour council to a two-tiered workforce, threaten the job Association of George Brown College, assist with the promotion of solidarity ac- security of current employees and cut the Local 92 of the Canadian Federation of tions planned in their communities. How- wages and benefits of future employees. Students. “We hope students come to ever, a tentative agreement was reached Thee strik served as an important understand that the college system in with the employer late Sunday, Septem- flash point for the labour movement Ontario is chronically underfunded and ber 18, less than 36 hours before soli- during a provincial election in which the this manifests itself in various ways, in- darity rallies were scheduled to roll out futuref o good jobs in the province was a cluding labour unrest and strikes.” across the province.

18 PART 2: DEFENDING WORKERS’ RIGHTS

PSAC FIGHTS BACK AGAINST Employment and Immigration Union Regional Executive Vice-President Shar- HARPER’S CUTS TO FEDERAL (CEIU), a PSAC component, held a similar on DeSousa. “But there is a fighting spirit PUBLIC SERVICES rally to highlight the loss of positions at in, the air a renewed determination to thee Servic Canada Centre and the even- join together with the public to insist on The Harper government’s ideological tual elimination of Employment Insur- improved, not diminished, services and war on public services, coupled with its ance processing staff that review, adjudi- the immediate cancellation of the lush attemptso t eliminate up to 80,000 fed- cate, calculate and finalize EI claims in corporate tax breaks.” eral workers, is creating a groundswell the Durham area. Earlier this month, the Professional of opposition across the country. In Sep- The rallies are part of PSAC’s nation- Institutef o the Public Service of Canada tember, 2011 unions representing hun- al campaign that includes postcards, pe- (PIPSC) voted to join the CLC, a landmark dredsf o thousands of Canada’s public titions, meetings with politicians, events decision for the 60,000-member union sector employees demanded the federal and actions across the country to tackle that has remained unaffiliated since government reverse plans to cut public Treasury Board President Tony Clement’s its creation in 1920. Citing strength in services and jobs – up to $4 billion worth plans to impose across-the-board pro- numbers, President Gary Corbett said the by 2014. gram spending cuts of up to 10 percent. decision “complements our existing ap- In October, members of the Public Meanwhile, the public is already at risk proachf o reaching out to like-minded Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) who witho cuts t maritime search and rescue individuals and organizations committed work at Service Canada and Employment staff, airport firefighters, Environment to defending the public good, and who Insurance call centres in Hamilton ral- Canada workers and more. are as concerned as we are about the lied to protest the scheduled closure of “We’re already seeing the conse- erosion of public services and the eco- their offices and others across Canada. quencesf o the federal government’s war nomic and social impact of job losses on Two days later in Oshawa, the Canada on public services in Ontario” says PSAC’s communities across the country.” 19 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 3 FIGHTING FOR EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

LOOMING THREATS TO KI FIRST NATION’S LAND BUT PROVINCE REMAINS SILENT

overnment inaction on critical Aboriginal land and resource matters and its refusal to protect sacred burial sites threatens to spark new conflict in northwestern Ontario. Located on Big Trout Lake, approximately 600 km north of Thunder Bay, the Kitchenu- hmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation is always under pressure from mining and ex- traction companies. In 2008, its leaders were jailed for 68 days for disobeying a court order that allowed Platinex Inc., to access its traditional territory. KI succeeded in stopping Platinex but Ontario continues to allow exploration for gold and diamonds Gto proceed in spite of the clear opposition of the community. 20 PART 3: FIGHTING FOR EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

This time, it’s God’s Lake Resources, an be at the root of that tragic conflict under UNITE HERE HOUSEKEEPERS aggressive mining company whose com- former Conservative Premier Mike Harris. CHALLENGE SEXUAL bative rhetoric is further inflaming the Unions are urged to offer full support HARASSMENT already tense situation, that is refusing to too KI and t sign the Statement of Sup- adhereo t KI’s mining exploration proto- port for the Consultation Protocol and During Sexual Harassment Aware- cols and practices and is placing at risk the Watershed Declaration. It is available at: ness Week, OFL President Sid Ryan was integrityf o burials, sacred sites, cemeter- www.kilands.org. For further information, approached by UNITE HERE Local 75 to ies and other community interests. KI Chief [email protected] help raise awareness about the dangers Donny Morris has called on the province to personal safety faced by hotel house- toe liv up to its responsibilities, remind- WOMEN STEP IT UP! TO keepers. A predominantly female working the government the ongoing conflict RALLY AND ROCK THE VOTE force, hotel housekeepers are often new is taking place with its knowledge, advice AT QUEEN’S PARK immigrants and workers of colour who and tacit support. are particularly vulnerable in their work- In September, 2011 the OFL’s Ab- The provincial women’s Step it Up! Cam- places. original Circle met with KI representa- paign rallied at Queen’s Park September 29, The safety of hotel housekeepers tives and gave support to its initiatives. to send a message to all provincial elec- received international attention after The OFL is demanding the government tion candidates that “women’s votes Dominique Strauss-Khan – the former respects KI’ right to say no to unwanted count.” Held one week before voting day, chief of the International Monetary Fund activities on their homeland, including the initiative works to ensure that issues (IMF) – was charged in New York City with burial sites. It is also calling on the prov- relatedo t violence against women are allegedly attempting to sexually assault inceo t agree to a joint panel to resolve high-profile. These include measures to a housekeeper. Although Khan was later this dispute. This growing conflict closely address sexual violence, housing, income clearedf o charges, a cloud of suspicion mirrors events that led to the jailing of security, women’s services, equity and ac- lingers on account of similar allegations Chief Morris and five other KI leaders in cess policies, justice, workplace safety, made against the politician by women in 2008. Chronic disregard for First Nations’ education and training, and support for the United States and France. land rights and sacred burial grounds survivor inclusion. The OFL is a long- The significant media attention gen- were found by the Ipperwash Inquiry to time partner in the campaign. erated on this case shed new light on the

21 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

daily reality of many women workers, for better security measures and workplace isw no a formidable national initiative. whom the risk of sexual harassment and training and to properly enforce legisla- Koostachin hailed from Attawapiskat in assault is a regular workplace hazard. tion, including Bill C-45 provisions in the northern Ontario. Conditions on her re- OFL President Sid Ryan appeared at Criminal Code of Canada, and the imple- serve closely resemble those of many oth- the media conference with unionized mentation of card-based union certifica- ers. She had never seen a real school and and non-unionized housekeepers to call tion to remove the barriers to collective spentf all o her primary years in a make- for better industry regulations and leg- organizing. shift portable set up on a badly contami- islative reform that would benefit all Read the OFL statement: www.OFL.ca nated brownfield. Another of the cam- women workers. paign’s leading lights is NDP MP Charlie “It is no surprise to me that the brave NATIONWIDE SHANNEN’S Angus who last year introduced Motion women coming forward to speak up DREAM COALITION FIGHTS 571 in the House of Commons calling about their experiences of harassment FOR FIRST NATIONS SCHOOLS for the Harper government end long- are members of a labour union. Without standing discriminatory practices that the protection of a union, many women OFL Executive Vice-President Terry continueo t impede Aboriginal youth in whoe hav been victimized are afraid of Downey has been a central figure in a their desire for a quality education. Pub- employers who think the ‘customer is powerful campaign demanding the fed- lic awareness campaigns, a National Day always right.’ This isn’t just an issue of eral government end the shameful dis- of Action, initiatives by school children workplace safety, it is also an issue of eq- crimination faced by First Nations’ chil- across Canada, parliamentary pressure uity,” said OFL President Sid Ryan. dren. Shannen’s Dream, named in honour andt suppor from Canada’s First Nations, With UNITE HERE, the OFL called on of Aboriginal student activist Shannen unions, school boards, human rights and the Government of Ontario to introduce Koostachin, who died at the age of 15, community organizations may have the

22 PART 3: FIGHTING FOR EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

necessary weight to force Harper to end in Manitoba and Québec that reduce fees Secretary-Treasurer Marie Kelly. “It is dis- the scandalous and offensive treatment to affordable levels, many Ontario par- graceful that new parents are struggling of First Nations’ people. The OFL’s Aborig- ents are paying between $40 and $60 toe mak ends meet because of exorbitant inal Circle has this year chosen to pres- a day for each child. At this rate, child child care costs. Ontario’s child care cri- ent the Bob Borch Human Rights Award care fees can run between $10,000 and ses is a national embarrassment and it to the Shannen’s Dream Coalition for its $15,000 a year and are often the second hurts families across the board.” outstanding work. The presentation will highest expense for young families. The lack of provincial funding is takee plac at Convrention on Wednesday, The tour launched in Belleville in having a direct and negative impact on November 23. January visited 10 cities. All three OFL of- individual child care facilities. On Fri- ficers travelled to communities through- day, June 10, 2011 parents and staff of CAMPAIGNING FOR PUBLIC out the province and generated local Progress Child Care Center in Scarbor- CHILD CARE media coverage. Despite the broad pub- ough learned that the centre would be lic support for affordable and accessible closing at the end of the day, leaving In January 2011, the Ontario Coalition for public child care, the McGuinty govern- more than 90 families stranded. OFL Better Child Care (OCBCC) and the OFL ment tabled a 2011 budget that ignored President Sid Ryan collaborated with the launched a provincial tour, “Will Child the importance of child care to commu- centre’s workers and parents to launch Care Survive?,” to call upon the province nities and the economy. an impromptu coalition called “People toe mak affordable child care a public “Becausef o McGuinty’s neglect, On- for Progress Child Care” that generated priority. In Ontario, only 20 percent of tarians can expect to see child care fees ayf frenz o media attention on the plight children have access to a licensed child increase from 15 to 30 percent and the of the 30-year-old facility. care space. Without subsidies, like those closuref o many programs,” said OFL

23 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

In under a week, the campaign was Quick response campaigns like this tion (LATUC) and the Asian Canadian La- able to mount enough pressure to con- one are vital when responding to poten- bour Alliance (ACLA) and drew more than vince the City of Toronto to release the tial cuts and closures. However, affiliates 150 delegates from across Ontario. centre’s funding early in order to make needo t continue to work with commu- The central theme of the Assembly crucial payments and to assign city re- nity partners to secure government fund- was “Educate, Organize, Mobilize: For Ra- sourceso t assist with the administration ing for affordable public child care op- cial Justice, Anywhere and Everywhere.” of the parent-run, not-for-profit child tions for all children and their parents. OFL Executive Vice-President Terry care centre. Downey introduced the keynote speak- “Like Progress, we know there are OFL HOSTS FIRST-EVER er,TU CB International Executive Board many other centres that are also fac- WORKERS OF COLOUR Member and New York State AFL-CIO ing funding challenges in our city and ASSEMBLY Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin. across the province,” said Andrea Calver, The Assembly gave participants the from the Ontario Coalition For Better March 25 and 26, 2011, the OFL hosted its opportunity to discuss barriers to equal- Child Care (OCBCC). “We have called on first ever Workers of Colour Assembly and ity, including access to good jobs, afford- the province to earmark at least $100 Educational in Toronto. The impressive able housing, pensions and education. million this year and to commit another event was held in collaboration with the “Workersf o colour are coming together $200 million next year to stabilize child Coalitionf o Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), to develop short and long-term strat- care and avoid unnecessary closures.” the Latin American Trade Unionists Coali- egies for challenging legislators, em-

24 PART 3: FIGHTING FOR EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

ployers, communities and individuals to • Build common ground among our “This historic gathering provided a much become allies in the struggle for racial three coalitions, while recognizing needed forum to bring together voices justice,” said Downey. the differences among ourselves in that are often on the margins of the labour The key recommendations of the As- terms of culture, history, and other movement,” said Elizabeth Ha, OFL VIce- sembly were: social identities; President Representing Workers of Colour. • Host the Workers of Colour Assembly • Integrate an anti-oppression analysis Among the provincial and national annually; that includes race, class and gender unions and community organizations repre- • Provide ongoing financial support analysis, as well as other forms of sented at the Assembly were: CAW, Carpen- to CBTU, LATUC and ACLA to assist oppression; ters,, CEP community groups, COPE, CUPE, them in combating racism within • Deepen our understanding of the CUPW, IAMAW, IBEW, Justicia for Migrant unions and society; and systemic and historical nature of Workers, Labour Education Centre, OPSEU, • Financially support the racism; OSSTF,C, PSA SEIU, UFCW, UNITE HERE Lo- implementation of the Action Plan • Challenge racist behaviour while cal 75, United Steelworkers and Waterloo resulting from the Assembly. working for institutional and cultural Regional Labour Council. Delegates from The Assembly objectives were: change; and the Brampton-Mississauga and District La- • Strengthen solidarity between • Build a strong analysis and bour Council, the Toronto and York Region union-based and community-based educational component into our Labour Council and the Canadian Labour anti-racist activists; strategy and planning. Congress were also in attendance.

25 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

CHALLENGING HOMOPHOBIC gave a passionate speech in support of On June 10 and 11, 2011, thirty young AND TRANSPHOBIC BULLYING the campaign and led the fundraising workers gathered at the OFL Building for drive with a pledge of support from his the OFL’s Workers Under 30 Aggregate The alarming prevalence of suicide union in eradicating homophobic and Meeting. Unlike a normal committee among queer and trans teens has in- transphobic bullying in public schools. meeting that draws one representative spired EGALE Canada to launch a nation- OFL President Sid Ryan also an- per affiliate, the Aggregate Meeting al- al campaign to challenge homophobic nounced support for the campaign and lowed multiple reps from each union and transphobic bullying. The MyGSA.ca emceed the fundraising portion of the to participate. The purpose of this “open campaign, provides information and re- breakfast, which generated many thou- door”y polic was to draw in a larger sourceso t teens, parents and educators, sands of dollars to support the campaign numberf o young activists to exchange for challenging homophobia, transpho- against homophobia and transphobia. strategies and tactics for building a bia and school bullying. View Sid Ryan’s remarks to EGALE: strong youth engagement in local labour On, May 17 2011, the International Day www.YouTube.com/OntarioFedLabour unions. Both OFL President Sid Ryan and for the Elimination of Homophobia and Executive Vice-President Terry Downey Transphobia, the OFL supported a fundrais- YOUNG WORKERS WORK attended the Saturday sessions. ing breakfast for EGALE Canada that was ON GETTING THE NEXT Some unions without an active sponsored by CUPE Ontario and sought to GENERATION ORGANIZED young workers’ committee were able to raise money for the myGSA.ca campaign. draw from the experience of unions with The event was well attended and featured The Workers Under 30 Committee has more developed structures in order to Canadian actor Jordan Todosey, who por- been working for the past two years to anticipate the challenges of generat- trays a transgendered character named expand representation of young workers ing and maintaining youth involvement. “Adam” on the hit TV show, Degrassi. in the labour movement in order to give With unique obstacles like high turn- James Ryan from the Ontario English voice to the next generation of workers. over in membership, different compet- Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA)

26 PART 3: FIGHTING FOR EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

ing interests and a population that may communities and pressure the govern- Returning Office. Elections Ontario has not have settled on a permanent career ment to introduce greater accessibility responded positively to the issues raised choice, initiating the involvement of enhancements. by labour and has been working on mak- young workers can pose its own difficul- The Federation wrote to Premier Mc- ing proposed polling stations accessible. ties. Sessions included a lot of opportu- Guintyo t support the concerns raised by Making sure the house of labour nity for interactive dialogue, as well as the AODA Alliance regarding the issue was also in order, the Committee worked targeted sessions on political engage- of the visual accessibility of the PRESTO with the ODRT to develop an OFL Cus- ment, convention planning and defend- Smart Cards, introduced by Metrolinx tomer Service Policy in response to the ing the next generation. Transit in the GTA area. The OFL also sup- requirements outlined in the standards ported the AODA Alliance in raising con- development process in the Accessibility CHALLENGING ONTARIO cernso t Elections Ontario about specific for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). TO DO BETTER FOR PEOPLE proposed polling stations for the 2011 The Committee also worked with the WITH DISABILITIES Ontario provincial election. The OFL also OFLo t make the 2011 Convention the circulated information to labour activ- most accessible one yet. Staying vigilant to keep public services ists across the province to encourage accessible to persons with disabilities is themo t make sure that polling stations important and ongoing work. The OFL in their communities were accessible haso had t continue to meet challenges, and to bring such information to the at- often raised by its Persons With Dis- tentionf o their local Elections Ontario abilities Committee, as they arise in our

27 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 4 HEALTH & SAFETY AND WCB

KILL A WORKER, GO TO JAIL: OFL CAMPAIGNS TO END WORKPLACE CARNAGE

he horrifying 2009 Christmas Eve deaths of four workers who fell to their deaths when their scaffolding collapsed, and the terrible injuries suffered by a fifth, was the catalyst for one of the biggest OFL campaigns undertaken in the past two years. Using every avenue available, including legal, legislative, the collective power of the labour movement and the mass media, Kill a Worker, Go to Jail calls for the use of the C-45 Criminal Code of Canada provision. Not just corporations, but also their directors and officers face big fines and imprisonment for failing to protect the health Tof their employees or the public if they are convicted. 28 PART 4: HEALTH & SAFETY AND WCB

Known as the “Westray Bill,” C-45 was launched numerous C-45 media initia- lefto t us. The OFL’s standard package of passed in 2004 following 12 years of lob- tives. Last month, we called for a meet- materials goes out the door as soon as byingy b the United Steelworkers. It was ing with Minister of Community Safety we learn about a worker’s death and we prompted by the deaths of 26 men in and Correctional Services Madeleine follow this up with phone calls. A major the Westray coal mine explosion in 1992 Meilleur to discuss the steps the minis- roadblock is the lack of public informa- in Pictou County, Nova Scotia. In the six try has taken to inform and educate the tion.e W only know about a death if it is years prior to the Kill a Worker campaign, police with respect to using C-45 and the in the media or flagged by unions or la- C-45 was unused in Ontario, yet more statusf o protocols between police and bour councils. To date, we have contacted than 400 workers had been killed on the Ministryf o Labour investigators. We are 25e polic forces, often multiple times, to job and nearly two million injured. awaiting the date. alert and educate them on the criminal For the first time, C-45 prosecutions In the meantime, most of the work of code provision and urge its use. are underway in Ontario. The CEO of Me- educating police departments has been tron Construction, the company responsible for the four workers’ deaths, and others associated with the scaffolding collapse were charged and have made numerous court appearances. We are following the case closely and will continue to provide updated reports on its status.

Pressure on Governments and Police Departments The criminalization of negligence is a powerful deterrent and the OFL continues to push for its routine consideration every time a worker is killed on the job. Since the campaign’s start-up, the federation has issued public letters to Ontario’s Premier and Attorney General, held meetings with government and DEATHS AND INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE (From the WSIB Monthly Reports) “Ontario urgently needs a societal change in how As of the end of September, 2011, the latest month for which WSIB statistics are available: we look at death, illness Total fatalities reported to the WSIB – 321 and injury caused by work, 58 of these are traumatic deaths (killed on the job). So far 38 have been and better enforcement of allowed.

the Criminal Code.” 228 of these are occupational disease. So far 147 have been allowed.

– OFL media statement The remainder are those who suffered 100% disability for years before dying.

29 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

Expert Advisory Panel on released December 2010, contained 46 the labour movement would not sup- Occupational Health and Safety recommendations dealing with structur- port the legislation. The Federation also The prominence of the Kill a Worker, Go al, operational and policy improvements helpedo t establish a meeting between to Jail campaign led to the government’s to Ontario’s health and safety system. OPSEU and the Ministry of Labour which January 2010 announcement of its Ex- successfully reversed ministry attempts pert Panel on Workplace Health and Bill 160: Revamping Workplace to tie the hands of Health and Safety Safety. Chaired by former Secretary of the Health & Safety inspectors and to make them “not com- Cabinet and Clerk of the Executive Coun- When Bill 160, the enabling legislation, petent”o t be witnesses at hearings on cil, Tony Dean, it was to report back in the was finally released, numerous recom- reprisal protection. In April, the Federa- Fall. OFL Occupational Health and Safety mendations were not in keeping with the tion presented to the Standing Commit- Director Vern Edward was appointed spirit and intent of the Expert Panel. The tee on Social Policy on Bill 160, the full asf one o the three labour experts. The OFL called affiliates to a full and frank submission of which can be viewed on panel consumed thousands of hours of meeting with Labour Minister Charles the website. The OFL noted that, “This our efforts to achieve the strongest rec- Sousao t enumerate six major areas of Bill is the first attempt in 20 years to ommendations possible. Its final report, concern and noted that without changes, make significant improvements to the Occupational Health and Safety Act. tA its heart, it is about the extent to which we value human life. We cannot emphasize enough, therefore, how important it is to get it right.” In addition to highlighting the obstacles for health and safety inspectors, we drew attention to the following: the po- liticization of health and safety by invest- ing the Minister of the day with powers that were meant for the Chief Prevention Officer; the need for specific provisions to designate and fund both the Occupation- al Health Clinics for Ontario Workers and the Workers’ Health and Safety Centre; administrative barriers to Joint Health and Safety Committee recommendations to the employer and insufficient worker protection from reprisals by employers. Bill 160 was passed unanimously in May 2011, and received Royal Assent on June 1. Many important changes will not comeo int effect until the Spring of 2012. Some recommendations cannot be acted upon until these changes come into effect.e W will remain vigilant to ensure the government fulfills its obligations to live upo t the Expert Panel recommendations. 30 PART 4: HEALTH & SAFETY AND WCB

DEMANDING RIGHTS FOR the event organized by Toronto Injured Hunger Strike is Last Resort for INJURED WORKERS Workers Advocacy Group (TIWAG) and Full and Fair WSIB Tribunal ONIWGo t demand justice and an end Hearing OFL and ONIWG Host Blockbuster to the WSIB’s attempts to downgrade its Major barriers to accessing basic rights Conference financial obligations and disentitle too for injured workers has led to a hunger With major legislative and policy initia- manyf o us when we are injured on the strike, occupations and rising anger at the tives underway – including preparations job. The OFL’s media conference slammed WSIB’s restrictive and worsening practic- for the final recommendations of the the government for giving employers es that are forcing them into poverty. Expert Panel, the government’s one-year ae fre ride at the expense of workers. In, July 70-year old Ippokratis (Jimmy) funding review of the Workers’ Compen- Nearly 38 percent of workers are left out Velgakis resorted to the desperate ac- sation System, urgently needed action of WSIB benefits and are forced to rely tionf o a hunger strike to demand a full on WSIB legislation and policies and on taxpayer-funded social programs for and fair hearing from the WSIB Tribunal. preparations for the next leg of the Kill support when they are injured on the job. Key witnesses had been prevented from a Worker, Go to Jail campaign – the OFL The occupations also demanded the testifying and his claim was rejected. partnered with the Ontario Network of government: Velgakis, who remained camped out on Injured Workers’ Groups (ONIWG) to host • Put an end to the poverty facing University Ave, across from the WSIB a conference to bring more than 500 injured workers; for eight days finally took his first bite activists up-to-speed, and fast. Held at • Extend mandatory WSIB coverage for of food after the OFL intervened to se- Toronto’s Sheraton Centre November 10, all workers, in all sectors; cure a pledge from WSIB Chair Steve Ma- 11 and 12, it featured top-flight speakers • Restore injured workers’ benefits to honey that an oral hearing date would and newsmakers, including: Tony Dean, the full cost of living; be scheduled and that key witnesses Chairf o Ontario’s Expert Advisory Panel; • Eliminate experience rating; and previously excluded would be part of the Harry Arthurs, Chair of the WSIB’s Fund- • Eliminate “deeming” and practices new hearing. “They need to give justice ing Review; Terry Ison, Professor Emeritus, that limit injured workers’ post-injury noto only t me but to all injured workers. Osgoode Hall Law School; Hugh Mack- benefits. Don’t just throw us out on the street or enzie, Economist and Researcher, Cana- dian Centre for Policy Alternatives; Linda McQuaig, journalist and author, and others. The wealth of information and policy discussion provided the groundwork for submissions to the Arthurs’ review and opportunities to extend collective efforts with respect to the ongoing work of the Expert Panel. It was a great success.

Hundreds of Injured Workers Call on Queen’s Park for Justice The OFL lent its full support to injured workers and their organizations on June 1,o 2011, t help drive the issue of poverty higher onto the public and media radar. Hundreds of people turned out to 31 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

sendo us t welfare. Too many of us lose to condemn many of the worst practices es from other unions and injured workers not only our bodies, but our homes, our that had originally been put in place by and presented before the panel on April children and everything we have,” Velga- the Harris government, notably the cost 26o t raise its concerns about deeming, kis told the media. reductions for employers that began in universal coverage, cost-of-living index- 1995.e Sinc then, employers have re- ingf o benefits and experience rating. No More Cap in Hand! Injured ceived a windfall benefit in the form of Other labour organizations also made Workers Occupy 6 MPP Offices a 24.7 percent rollback in their costs for presentations, including CAW and Locals In, August the OFL and injured workers workers’ compensation. During the same 112, 636 and 707, CUPE Ontario and Lo- occupied six MPP offices to demand an period, injured workers’ benefits have cal 1750, ETFO, ONA, OSSTF District 9, endo t poverty, red tape and in particular, been reduced by almost 20 percent be- UFCW Local 1000A, USW District 6 and the terrible WSIB practice of “deeming,” cause their compensation is not adjusted Local 6500, Sudbury and District Labour that cuts injured workers’ benefits based for inflation. Council and Thunder Bay and District on the assumption they are employed, Labour Council. Arthurs also heard from even when they are not. It’s a contempt- Arthurs Commission Reviews ONIWG, legal clinics that specialize in ible policy that creates an imaginary set WSIB Funding workers’ compensation and the Office of of circumstances and then imagines that Announced in September 2010, the WSIB the Worker Advisor. the injured worker has really been given funding review chaired by Harry Arthurs, Most raised concern with the scope the fictitious job. In Ottawa, Mississauga, former Dean of Osgoode Hall Law School of the funding review, which excluded Scarborough, Beamsville, London Thun- and President Emeritus of York Universi- the 38 percent of workers currently not der, Bay workers refused to leave until ty, conducted public consultations across covered by the system. If all employers they were sure they had finally gotten Ontarioo t hear from unions, legal clinics, paido int WSIB, it is estimated that an ad- the attention of the MPPs and delivered injured worker groups, individual injured ditional $500 million in revenue would their message. MPP Tim Hudak came in workers and employers. be realized. for special attention as crowds gathered The OFL helped to organize respons- Earlier this month, Arthurs met with

32 PART 4: HEALTH & SAFETY AND WCB

all stakeholders and said he is consider- was also updated to include the latest were developed on the AODA Customer ing recommendations to deal with full WSIB policies and participant feedback. Services Standard and promotional pack- indexingf o injured workers’ benefits go- Staff scheduled Paving the Way 2 work- ages on ODRT Express Training and Work ing forward, as well as a more flexible shops for presentation in 18 communi- Re-integration services. Staff launched approacho t WSIB funding. He noted that ties across Ontario. They developed two an instructor collaboration network and thes WSIB’ experience rating program promotional flyers that were sent out to addedw a ne section to ODRT’s website at neededo t be reconfigured to put health 8,000 contacts to promote fall training www.odrt.ca/work_reintegration. Staff also and safety and return to work at the fore- seminars. Project staff are now intensify- set-up a web-based conferencing and front. In order to achieve this goal, rigor- ing direct contacting of local union lead- course management system. ous study would be required and initia- ership and workplace representatives to As well, staff produced posters and tives must be subject to a sunset clause promote ODRT services. They have also graphic displays to promote services at to evaluate the work and ensure that the set up OFL-ODRT web pages with syndi- conventions and conferences and mailed objectives are met. cated feeds on several public networks out flyers to twenty-five hundred con- including Twitter, Facebook and Tumblr tacts.y The continued follow-up with lo- OFL’S OCCUPATIONAL to share information about services. cal union and workplace leadership. Staff DISABILITY RESPONSE TEAM During the past few months, OFL- made a number of presentations to major ODRT staff was extremely busy develop- employers in the health care, automotive, For the first half of the year, the ODRT ing and updating training and informa- retail and public sector. During October project achieved over 50 percent of its tion resources, promoting services and and November staff presented 9 week- annual training goals. The ODRT’s es- delivering training across the province. long advanced workshops to one hundred sential courses (Levels I & II) were re- New workshops were developed on Es- and thirty participants and sixteen one- vampedo t incorporate new policies, sentialsf o Accommodation Law, Attitudi- day work re-integration workshops to two legislative changes and feedback from nal Barriers and Accessibility Action and hundred and forty five participants. All in participants. The Paving the Way 2–Fa- Awareness. As well, information packages all, a busy time for OFL-ODRT staff. cilitating Work Re-Integration Program

“The Liberal government has pulled out all the stops to examine what it purports to be underfunding of the Workers’ Compensation system but refuses to look at the underfunding of injured workers. Why is no one concerned about the

actual people?” – OFL

33 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 5 Government Relations

ONTARIO ELECTION: NDP SEES BEST PROVINCIAL ELECTION RESULTS IN OVER A DECADE

orkers had a lot at stake in the 2011 Ontario Election. With a majority Conservative government in Ottawa and rightwing mayors in several key Ontario municipalities, Harper was caught boasting that he was aiming for a “hat-trick” through Tim Hudak. A former Cabinet Minister under Mike Harris, Hudak openly campaigned against trade unions and in favour of corporate tax giveaways. However, despite widespread voter frustration with the McGuinty government, Hudak’s platform proved to be a scarier proposition. Voters punished the Liberals by stripping their majority but refused to Wplace their confidence in Hudak. 34 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

On October 6, 2011, McGuinty Natyshak in Essex; and criminal defense for special northern Ontario electricity squeaked back into office with a minor- lawyer Jagmeet Singh in Bramalea-Gore- rates and $63.5 million funding for child ity government that hinged on one seat. Malton. Jagmeet is the first NDP member careo t ensure that jobs and spaces were However, Ontario New Democrats under ever elected from the Brampton area, not cut. Leader Andrea Horwath celebrated NDP’s and the first Sikh ever in the Ontario best results since 1995, with 17 MPPs Legislature. With four of the new MPPs Ontario Budget elected from across the province. in their 30s, and one in her late twenties, 2010 The OFL provided significant support the newcomers add a youthful enthusi- The 2010 Ontario Budget was tabled in to the NDP during the election, most no- asm to the NDP caucus. Marchf o that year, and delivered both tably in the form of campaign training. Returnedo t office along with Leader positive and negative outcomes. On the In early July 2011 the OFL and the CLC Andrea Horwath was Peter Tabuns in To- positive side, a number of recommenda- co-hosted a Political Action Training dur- ronto-Danforth, Gilles Bisson in Timmins- tions made by the OFL were reflected ing the CLC’s Summer School in Port El- James, Bay Cheri DiNovo in Parkdale-High in the Budget, including $63.5 in cru- gin. This week-long electoral boot camp Park,e Franc Gélinas in Nickle Belt, Mi- cial funding for child care to save over turned 75 labour activists into skilled chael Prue in Beaches-East York, Rosario 7,000 at-risk spaces; the Northern On- campaign managers. The Federation also Marchese in Trinity-Spadina, and Paul tario Electricity Rate Program, valued at produced issues-based campaign materi- Miller in Hamilton East-Stoney Creek. approximately $150 million annually; als and a comprehensive women’s vote kit as well as a $500 million grant to the that was designed to provide women with MINISTRY OF FINANCE Pension Benefits Guarantee Fund to help the inspiration, skills and resources need- ensure the Fund has sufficient assets to ed to get involved in electoral politics. Since 2010, the OFL has been meeting cover future claims. There was also ad- The NDP retained all 10 incumbent regularly with the Ministry of Finance, ditional funding for increased enforce- seats, with those of retiring MPPs How- including Minister Dwight Duncan and mentf o Employment Standards and for ard Hampton and Peter Kormos going senior. staff The first meeting took place the Second Career Program. to newly elected women candidates: on January 21. Fifteen leaders of Ontar- Disappointingly, the Budget also set constituency assistant Sara Campbell, io’s largest unions representing workers out its plans to continue cutting taxes and former mayor and registered nurse in health, education, manufacturing, for- for profitable corporations, giving away Cindy Forster. Two new seats also went estry, construction and the service sector nearly $4 billion of public money. As a to women with municipal council as- spoke with one voice on the need for a resultf o this handout to corporations, sistant Monique Taylor taking Hamilton jobs’ budget. the Budget set out a two-year wage Mountain and community activist Teresa Minister Duncan agreed to a sec- freeze on public sector employees and Armstrong taking London-Fanshawe. The ond pre-budget meeting and quarterly significantly short-changed health care wins increased the number of women in meetings thereafter. At the subsequent funding. Shamefully, the Budget also the NDP caucus from three to seven. meeting on March 11 the OFL addressed eliminated the $250 dietary allowance The other five new seats were won priority areas for the upcoming budget available to certain social assistance re- by former Steelworker Mike Mantha in including: job creation and a good jobs’ cipients who, with a doctor’s recommen- Algoma-Manitoulin; farmer and former budget rather than a deficit-cutting bud- dation, had been able to use the funds to Presidentf o the Temiskaming Federation get; health care; pensions; Employment buy healthy food. of Agriculture John Vanthof in Temiska- Insurance; and the then-proposed Su- ming-Cochrane; social worker and com- per Crown Corporation and the possible 2011 munity organizer Jonah Schein in Dav- privatization of government assets. Cru- At the end of 2010, the OFL began pre- enport; LIUNA Director of Training Taras cial among our demands was the need paring its pre-budget submission. It con- 35 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

tained 23 recommendations that would Drummond. (CBC news reported that competing jurisdictions in the United improve working conditions for Ontario TD Canada Trust had earned a 29 per- States. In order to make up the shortfall families as well as improvements in the cent profit margin in the third quarter of corporate tax revenue, the McGuinty public services upon which they rely. of 2010, clearing $1.18 billion. This is up government is seeking to cut millions by Unfortunately, the Budget tabled $0.91 billion from 2009). Drummond is contracting out services and increasing on March 29, 2011, reflected the global an advocate for a larger “private sector public-private partnerships. shift toward austerity, with the McGuinty presence” in the delivery of services and government announcing up to 5,000 has been tasked to find more ways to cut, Ontario Economic Summit public sector job cuts, inadequate sup- privatize and out-source public sector In November 2010, OFL President Sid port for child care, a $9 million cut to services. Ryan was invited as a speaker and guest Children’s Aid, no meaningful poverty- The cornerstone of the Ontario bud- to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce relief measures and continued chronic get’s so-called job creation strategy was Annual Economic Summit. The Chamber underfunding for health care, education a $4.5 billion give-away to profitable billed the event as one that “brings to- and other vital services. While the bud- corporations without any obligation for gether some of the most successful and get did provide modest funding to create themo t actually create jobs. (A 2004 re- influential leaders from business, gov- 60,000w ne spaces for college and uni- port prepared for the Federal Finance ernment, labour, NGOs and academia in versity students, it provided no funding Ministry noted that reducing the Cor- a collaborative effort to help build in- to improve affordability or the quality of porate Income Tax rate was the least creased economic prosperity in Ontario.” higher education. effective tax incentive in improving job Ryane spok on a panel titled: “21st The 2011 Ontario Budget announced creation.) When fully phased in, Ontario’s Century Workforce Strategies,” emphasiz- a “Commission on the Reform of On- corporate income tax will be dropped ing the need to meet workers’ needs for tario’s Public Services” to be headed by fromo 14 t 10 percent which will be life-long learning, good wages, pensions, former TD Bank Chief Economist Don lower than the average OECD rate, or workplaces with high labour standards,

36 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

and access to quality public services. He government’s jobs strategy. The issue of Labour Disputes Act. The Act effectively talked about the negative and growing local procurement was also highlighted. removed the right to strike from approxi- impactf o precarious and temporary work In addition, the MOL was asked to sign mately 10,000 workers. The legislation and told employers that any future route International Labour Organization Conven- was adopted following a request from to profits and productivity must ensure tion 138 to contribute to the establish- Toronto Mayor Rob Ford and makes To- that workers benefit from their efforts. mentf o a minimum work age of 15 years ronto the only city in the world where The 2011 Ontario Economic Summit across Canada. transit workers have no right to strike. It is taking place in Toronto from November Since then, the OFL has been in should also be noted that Ontario is the 21o t 23. Although the timing conflicts regular communication with senior staff only jurisdiction in North America that with the 2011 OFL Convention, the OFL within the Ministry of Labour. Shortly refuses operating funding to its largest will be listed as a co-sponsor at the event after Charles Sousa became Minister of municipal public transit system. Such at- and OFL representatives will be attending Labour, the OFL convened another meet- tacks on collective bargaining and the select sessions on an “as possible” basis. ing involving affiliate leaders to review righto t strike have been echoed feder- progress to date on labour relations is- ally in recent management disputes be- MINISTRY OF LABOUR sues as well as health and safety matters. tween Canada Post and Air Canada management and their respective unions, the Since 2008, Ontario has had three differ- Presentation to the Standing Canadian Union of Postal Workers, Ca- ent Labour Ministers: Peter Fonseca from Committee on General nadiano Aut Workers and the Canadian September 2008 to December 2009; Government Union of Public Employees. Charles Sousa from December 2010 to In March 2011, OFL President Sid Ryan October 2011; and Brampton Springdale made a presentation to the Standing Anti-Scab Legislation MPP Linda Jeffrey since October 20, 2011. Committee on General Government op- In March 2011, NDP MPP France Gélinas In March 2010, OFL representatives, posing the Toronto Transit Commission tabled a private member’s bill to ban along with representatives of a variety of affiliates, met with then-Ontario Labour Minister Peter Fonseca. At the meeting, labour representatives outlined concerns in relation to migrant and temporary foreign workers; the reestablishment of successor rights in the contract sector; and press for improvements to and effective enforcement of the Employment Standards Act, as well as for changes in the Labour Relations Act. At the meeting, Fonseca expressed interest in establish- ing a regular forum for exchanging information and concerns between the Ontar- io Federation of Labour and the Ministry. It was noted that a key ingredient in the creation of good jobs was the role played by trade unions and that card- based certification should be part of the 37 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

the use of scabs during a labour dispute. Minimum Wage Advisory both business and workers to provide ad- Had the bill been adopted, it would have Committee vice on the minimum wage, in advance of been a step toward restoring the rights On February 13, Ontario Premier Dalton the 2012 budget. In October 2011, OFL thate hav been stripped from workers McGuinty announced plans to cancel in- President Sid Ryan was approached by by the Conservative Mike Harris gov- creases in the minimum wage for the first the Ministry of Labour to provide a nomi- ernment in the mid-1990s. At the time, time in seven years. Ontario’s low-income nee for the committee; Research and Ed- hundredsf o workers rallied outside the workers had hoped to see their wages ucation Director Pam Frache submitted legislature, including workers from Engi- reach $10.50 per hour in early 2011. her application to the Public Appoint- neered Coated Products (ECP) in Brant- The OFL responded by blasting the ments Secretariat. It is expected that ford where the use of scabs allowed the Premier for turning his back on Ontar- the Advisory Committee appointments employero t keep the company operat- io’s working poor while maintaining his will be announced in December 2011 or ing for more than two years. Workers policyf o generous corporate tax cuts for January 2012. then entered the gallery to listen to the profitable corporations. (In the 2009 On- debate, but the bill was defeated when tario Budget, the McGuinty government Union Dialogue on Labour a variety of Liberal MPPs voted against announced that it would hand $4.5 billion Relations the bill after promising to support it. As over to the private sector through cuts to Given ongoing concerns about the im- a, result angry workers stood up in the the Corporate Income Tax and exemp- pact of the current statutory and regu- gallery and refused to leave, effectively tions to the Corporate Minimum Tax.) latory labour relations regime on union occupying Queen’s Park. The Premier announced that he density and successful organizing, the would appoint a committee representing OFL has convened a working group to

38 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

explore a wide range of needed reforms three times the expected number of reer Program. In March 2010, the Ontario that would not only make it easier for people applied for longer-term train- Budget reflected $600 million in new workerso t join unions and defend their ing, creating a backlog of applications money for the Second Career Program to working conditions, but also to better re- and a shortage of money. Instead of hir- assist 30,000 additional workers without flect the reality of today’s labour market. ing extra staff and increasing funding, in jobs.t A the time, the OFL welcomed the The Union Dialogue table brings November 2009, the Ministry of Train- additional funding, however, the MTCU together labour organizers, researchers, ing, Colleges and Universities (MTCU) indicated it was not prepared to make legal staff and communications staff to implemented changes in the Program’s changeso t the 2009 eligibility criteria discuss changes to the labour relations eligibility criteria, significantly reducing usedo t screen applicants. Consequently, environment. access. And even when workers were ap- the OFL’s Labour Adjustment Committee The table met in April, May, June and proved for training under the Second Ca- intensified its lobbying efforts. October.t A the October 2011 meeting, reer Program, too often the income sup- As a result of these efforts, in June Ontario Labour Relations Chair Bernard port provided was inadequate to sustain 2010 the MTCU announced modest Fishbein was invited to make a presenta- a worker—never mind their family—and changes to the eligibility criteria for the tion.. (Mr Fishbein was appointed to the many workers were forced to withdraw Second Career Program. Specifically, the Board in December 2010 and replaced from the Program. Ministry adopted some of the changes out-going Chair Kevin Whitaker.) During Through OFL’s Labour Adjustment recommended by the OFL’s Labour Ad- the presentation, Mr. Fishbein updated Committee, the OFL and its affiliates have justment Committee. These changes in- participants on recent developments, been actively lobbying for an expansion cluded improvements in the Program’s including new practices to expedite the of and improvements to the Second Ca- income support policies and changes scheduling process. The Union Dialogue table will continue to meet to develop priorities in preparation for meetings with Minister of Labour Linda Jeffrey.

MINISTRY OF TRAINING, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Second Career Program Originally launched during the summer of 2008, the Second Career Program was intended to provide income support for longer-term retraining for the growing numberf o Ontario workers who were losing their jobs in the manufacturing and forestry sectors. However, with the onset of the even deeper global economic crisis in November 2008, interest in the Program increased dramatically. Within the first year of the program, 39 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

to the assessment matrix in the areas ing that the jobs recovered since the 2008 cerns from worker-led action centres. of:e activ job search; duration of un- economic crisis do not offer the same A follow-up meeting was devoted to employment; work history; and occu- qualityf o pay, hours and benefits as many exchanging views on best practices for pational skills. These changes provided workers had previously experienced. labour adjustment and general informa- somewhat greater access to Second Ca- tion sharing between the MTCU and the reer retraining dollars for those in non- Adjustment Advisory Program OFL’s Labour Adjustment Committee. standard employment and were applied During the summer and autumn of 2011, At that meeting, existing protocols set- retroactively to November 2009 when the OFL’s Labour Adjustment Committee ting out the principles of worker-led and the eligibility criteria were changed. The met with senior staff within the MTCU to worker-centred adjustment services were changes also included a limited appeal ensure that the Ministry maintained its re-affirmed. The OFL will be working with process for workers whose financial cir- commitment to labour adjustment pro- senior Ministry staff to ensure that all cumstances changed subsequent to their grams in general and to the role played parties involved in adjustment services submitting their Program applications. by Labour in particular, in assisting work- are familiar with these protocols. In the 2011 Ontario budget, Second ers in transition between employment. Career funding remained constant and it During those meetings, Committee mem- Workplace-Based Literacy and appeared the Ministry was in a holding bers were assured that the Ministry’s Basic Skills pattern with respect to the Program. How- commitment to laid-off workers had not In early 2010, the OFL’s joint proposal for ever, recent job employment data have diminished and that Ministry staff were workplace learning initiatives – submit- been disappointing and evidence is grow- committed to addressing emerging con- tedy b the Ontario Literacy Coalition with

40 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

support from the Canadian Manufactur- ers and Exporters Association and others social partners – was approved. The project was titled: Collaborative Devel- opment Approaches: Piloting Illustrative Workplace Models (CODA project) and finished in March 2011. Funding for the project came from the Canada-Ontario Labour Market Agreement that allocated $90 million overo tw years for literacy training, but not necessarily geared toward employed workers in the workplace. After concert- ed lobbying by the OFL, the Ontario Lit- eracy Coalition and other social partners, a portion of Labour Market Agreement In the end, the number of participants employers either directly or through in- resources were allocated for workplace- served was over 40 percent higher than kind funding. based literacy projects in the 2010 On- expected, engaging over 340 workers tario Budget. This successful initiative including: health care workers; caregiv- College of Trades marked the first time since the late ers; warehouse workers; manufacturing In October 2011, the Ontario College of 1990’s – when the OFL’s Basic Educa- workers; hotel workers; municipal gov- Trades Appointments Council announced tion and Skills Training (BEST) program ernment workers; mine workers; school the first group of 33 appointees to the was eliminated by the Conservative Mike board workers; and housing workers. In College of Trades governance structure. Harris government – that new money fact, more projects were requested than Nineteen appointees are from unionized has been allocated for workplace-based could be delivered with the available environments and 18 are non-unionized. learning and basic skills initiatives. funding. Established by legislation in the 2009 The purpose of the CODA project was The success of the CODA project Ontario College of Trades and Apprentice- to offer workplace-based literacy and ba- shows the importance of restoring infra- ship Act, the College will be the first self- sic skills training to employed adults in structure funding for workplace-based regulated body in Canada dedicated to sectors in need. The project hoped to run literacy and basic skills training. The trades persons. The College was estab- pilot projects in 6 to 11 workplace across project also demonstrated the impor- lishedo t be a tri-partite body, with equal Ontario, in both union and non-union en- tance of a collaborative model for de- representation from employers and em- vironments. The training was intended livering the training, an approach that ployees in the decision-making process. for workers who require essential skills meets the needs of the participants as It is arms-length from government and to keep their employment, move on to much as the employer. It also demon- its mandate is to self-regulate all trades other employment, and gain educational strates the importance of trade union within Ontario. When fully implemented credentials. The focus was also on work- involvement at every level. Finally, the in 2012, the College and its correspond- ers in non-standard and precarious em- project demonstrated an effective ap- ing regulations will replace the two sepa- ployment in a variety of sectors affected proach to leveraging resources for train- rate pieces of legislation that governed by the economic downturn. Funding was ing. For instance, for every dollar of pub- the trades: the Trades Qualification and provided in two phases, the first targeting lic funding received by the CODA project, Apprenticeship Act (TQAA) and the Appren- 60 workers and the second targeting 185. an additional $2.40 was leveraged from ticeship and Certification Act (ACA). 41 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

The College will enjoy the exper- Governors and was established in May training, especially in the areas of com- tise of a number of current and former 2010. This body was charged with mak- pulsory trades and apprenticeship train- members of the OFL’s Apprenticeship ing the appropriate appointments under ing ratios. However, there are also con- Committee including Irene Harris (for- the 2009 College of Trades Act oeand t writ cerns that the provisions for disciplinary mer OFL Secretary-Treasurer) and Pat the criteria and process for compulsory procedures – beyond those already exer- Blackwood (Canadian Auto Workers) as certification and apprenticeship ratios cisedy b the employer that were enacted membersf o the College’s Board of Gov- to be followed by the appointed Review in the College of Trades legislation – may ernors; and Tom Reid (United Steelwork- Panels (Adjudicators) that were also iden- create challenges for workers and their ers), Joe Dowdall (International Union of tified in the Act. The Appointments Coun- unions. There are additional concerns Operating Engineers), and Kevin Bryen- cil/College of Trades Transition Board in- about the scope of the College of Trades ton (Iron Workers) as members of Divi- cludeso tw active members of the OFL’s and the potential for workers, especial- sional Boards. Several members of OFL Apprenticeship Committee: Patrick Dillon, ly those in the “Service” Division, to be affiliates were also appointed to boards the Business Manager and Secretary-Trea- compelled to hold membership in mul- within the College structure, strengthen- surer of the Provincial Building and Con- tiple professional colleges. At the time of ing the overall composition of the Col- struction Trades Council of Ontario, and writing this report, the membership fees lege. As this report is being prepared, Colin Heslop, the Skilled Trades Director and classes of membership had not been the appointments to the “Motive Power” for the Canadian Auto Workers. determined. Divisional Board have not yet been an- It is hoped that the new governance Finally, it should be noted that in the nounced. structure will provide both transparency original legislation, the College of Trades The College’s Appointments Coun- and expertise in decision-making on is- was charged with implementing the la- cil also acts as the Transitional Board of sues related to trades and apprenticeship bour mobility provisions outlined in the inter-provincial Agreement in Internal Trade), (AIT a non-binding agreement among provinces to harmonize training standards across Canada. Analysis suggests that the AIT could further un- dermine and fragment authentic trades training. In fact, on the same day the On- tario government tabled the 2009 Col- lege of Trades Act, the government also tabled Ontario Labour Mobility Act, which explicitly gives legal standing to some provisions of the AIT. Nevertheless, it is expected that having a high caliber of decision-making within the College of Trades will ensure that any challenges arising can be miti- gated. OFL Apprenticeship Committee will continue to monitor developments within the College of Trades.

42 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

ATTORNEY GENERAL a retreat from the recommendations of Canadian Association of Retired Persons, the Ipperwash Inquiry. and Rick Perciante of the Canadian Can- On March 2, 2010, Nancy Hutchison of cer Society. the, USW Tim Brown, OFL Vice-President MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND Once announced, the measures re- responsible for Aboriginal Persons and LONG-TERM CARE sulted in significant opposition from Sid Ryan, OFL President met with Minister large drug store chains – notably Shop- Chris Bentley, the Ontario Attorney Gen- Lower Generic Drug Pricing per’s Drug Mart. Shopper’s announced eral.t A the meeting, the OFL discussed Ine lat March 2010, the Ontario Federa- it would be closing stores, increasing the December 24 workplace accident in tionf o Labour was approached by the delivery fees and suspending services Toronto and reminded the Minister of his Ministerf o Health and Long-Term Care upon which many of its clients depend. obligation to enforce the federal Westray Deb Matthews about the Ontario gov- The OFL issued an “open letter” to Shop- Bill C-45, that gives the government ernment’s initiative to make changes in per’s Drug Mart calling on them to sup- powero t lay criminal charges against an the billing process between drug stores port the measures that would give more employer that causes death or serious and generic drug companies that would people access to life-saving medicine harm as a result of negligence. significantly reduce the cost of generic and launched a Facebook group that at- In addition, the meeting raised con- medicine for Ontarians. The measures tracted thousands of followers. cerns with the government’s decision to also reduced expenses associated with The London and District Labour subsume Aboriginal Affairs within the public and supplementary drug plans. Council weighed in with a call to boy- Attorney General’s office. Tim Brown not- On, April 7 2010, the OFL participat- cott Shopper’s Drug Mart. In addition, ed that the loss of a full-time Aboriginal ed in a media conference with Minister SEIU joined the OFL asking that small, Affairs Minister was a step backward and Matthews and was joined by Susan Eng, independent pharmacies dis-associate

43 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

with the Shopper’s campaign. As a result, ing instead to focus on “quality of care”. net Minister, and Dr. Munir Sheikh, former Shopper’s Drug Mart suspended its mis- In addition to addressing health Chief Statistician of Canada. information campaign and dropped its care funding, the OFL also used the op- The labour movement is concerned threato t close stores, increase fees and portunityo t express the labour move- about the quality, availability and range reduce services. The Ontario government ment’s opposition to the proposed “zero of services needed by Ontarians and the implemented the measures and evidence wage increase” for the public sector an- abilityo t deliver these services when shows that significant cost savings have nounced in the March 2010 Ontario Bud- and where they are needed. been realized. get. Although framed as applying only to The OFL presented a submission to “new” bargaining, OFL affiliates report the Commission on September 1, 2011 Meeting with Minister Matthews that employers are backing out on wage and supported the policy recommenda- On May 4, 2010, OFL met for the first increases agreed to in bargaining ses- tions put forward by OPSEU and CUPE time in 15 years with an Ontario Health sions that had started long before the on the issues of workload and system Minister.t A the meeting, Health and budget announcement was made. management. In addition, the OFL’s brief Long-Term Care Minister Deb Matthews called on the government to: opened the meeting by thanking us for MINISTRY OF COMMUNITY - Index social assistance rates; our strong contribution to a key reform AND SOCIAL SERVICES: - Streamline level of eligibility designedo t lower the price of generic OFL WEIGHS IN ON SOCIAL monitoring; drugs by up to 55 percent. ASSISTANCE REVIEW - Allow recipients to continue The OFL raised the issue of the under- receiving OW/ODSP income support fundingf o hospitals, the disappearance of On November 30, 2010 the Ontario Gov- while enrolled in post-secondary nursing jobs and minimum staffing stan- ernment appointed two commissioners education; dards in long-term care facilities. The to review social assistance in Ontario: - Extend eligibility for all provincially minister noted that she does not share Frances Lankin, former United Way of To- funded and/or delivered our focus on minimum hours of care, opt- ronto President and former Ontario Cabi- employment support and training programs to recipients; - Increase the Ontario Child Benefit; and - Introduce a housing benefit that would be available to all low-income Ontarians. As well the OFL called on the government to include social assistance recipients in a central way in the review process.

EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (EI) / UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE (UI)

Regular / Part I Benefits The federal Employment Insurance program continues to be a critical safety net for workers experiencing job loss. Unlike 44 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

many other income support programs, Third, the EI system provides only 55 mentation of a single, lower threshold of the EI program provides workers with an percentf o previous, average, insurable qualifying hours – 360 – in all regions of income entitlement without subjection earnings. In 2011, the yearly insurable Canada; a permanent increase in benefit to a means test. This provision helps en- earnings maximum was $44,200 and the durationo t 50 weeks for all workers in sure that workers, especially women, are maximum amount that could be received all regions; the automatic provision of an not dependent on their family circum- weekly was $468. However, most workers additional year of benefits if the national stances as a reason for receiving, or not receive much less than that. For instance, unemployment rate exceeds 6.5 percent; receiving, EI entitlements. in 2009, while the maximum weekly ben- as well as an increase in maximum ben- Unfortunately, changes made over efit was $447, the average weekly benefit efits and an increase to at least 60 per- the past 20 years to the eligibility crite- actually received by unemployed work- centf o normal earnings, using workers’ ria and the duration of benefits has pro- ers was a mere $343.80. best 12 weeks. duced a system in which fewer and fewer Ito is easy t see how all these factors While it is acknowledged that some workers without jobs actually receive (and other factors not included above) modest steps were taken to improve EI benefits under the program. conspire to reduce the number of unem- benefits for workers affected during the First, the duration of benefits has been ployed persons receiving EI benefits and 2008 global crisis, these measures were significantly cut so that too many work- how such factors discriminate against temporary and geared toward specific ers are exhausting their entitlements be- those facing barriers to the labour mar- groupsf o workers in specific geographic forey the have been able to find alterna- ket. According to a recent CLC report: regions. For instance, some long-tenured tive employment. In this situation, many The current EI system provides no, or workers may have qualified for up to workers are either forced onto social as- very time-limited and low, benefits 20 additional weeks of EI benefits; but sistance or forced into low-wage survival to many unemployed part-time even these paltry measures have expired. jobs which, in turn affects both their eli- and temporary workers, especially Similarly, another temporary measure gibility for EI and the amount of income women, young workers and recent allowed workers in certain designated support they receive under the program. immigrants. The shift from a weeks- economic regions to use only their best Second, the EI system relies on re- based to an hours-based system 14 f weeks o pay as the basis upon which gional unemployment rates based on a has meant that only one half of their EI claim was calculated. This mea- three-month rolling average to deter- part-time workers would qualify for sure was implemented in 2008 and has mine both eligibility and the duration of benefits if they were to be laid off. been renewed until June 23, 2012. How- EI benefits. Statistics Canada describes And only one-half of all unemployed ever, as noted above, all workers should the EI criteria as follows: workers collected benefits during the beo able t use their best 12 weeks of pay, “The number of insured hours recent recession, including when the regardless of where they live and the required to qualify for regular ben- national unemployment rate reached OFL will continue to campaign for this efits varies across regions, ranging a peak of 8.6 percent. About one- outcome. from 420 to 700 hours, depending on the third of unemployed workers who do region’s unemployment rate. The higher qualify for benefits — and even more EI Premiums the unemployment rate, the lower the in the recent recession — exhaust The 2008, the Federal Budget Implemen- number of hours required to qualify for benefits before they can find a new tation Bill created a new independent benefits. In addition, hours required are job. crown corporation: the Canada Employ- higher (910 hours) for workers who have Consequently, the OFL and its Labour ment Insurance Financing Board (CEIFB). entered the labour market for the first Adjustment Committee will continue to This Board is intended to manage an EI time and those who have limited work work with the Canadian Labour Congress reserve fund and set EI premiums for the experience in the last two years.” to fix the EI system through the imple- 45 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

year ahead. The Bill prohibits the Board the EI Act. Given the theft of more than tween Alberta and British Columbia. A from considering any balance in the EI $57 billion in EI premiums that workers similar provision has also been imple- account which means that more than paid, premium increases and calls for mented through the inter-provincial $57 billion EI surplus will essentially be cuts in programming are wholly unnec- Agreement on Internal Trade. treated as general revenue and spent essary and provide a platform for right- However, unlike these provincial elsewhere. In a periods of weak labour wing attacks on the EI system. deals, the CETA will ensure that pro- markets,w lo job creation and high lay- In, August representatives from the curement bids are opened up not just offs, EI premiums are often increased. OFL Labour Adjustment Committee and to other jurisdictions within Canada, but This is counter to the process in which theC CL participated in the federal fi- to other jurisdictions across Europe – 27 the EI account is balanced over the nance ministry’s consultation that took European Union countries. These pro- lengthf o a business cycle, with excess place in the Toronto-area. The consulta- curement regulations will preclude local premium in good times offsetting in- tion was launched in August 2011 and school boards, municipalities and other creased EI claims in bad times. is expected to conclude at the end of sub-national governments from imple- Although the 2008 current legisla- November 2011, with a report issued in menting policies designed to nurture tion capped EI premium increases at 15 2012. The OFL’s Labour Adjustment Com- local communities. Such policies could cents per $100 of earnings, in practice mittee will continue to work with the CLC include: local hiring and job creation the government has been unilaterally to improve access to EI and will continue strategies, equity practices, fair wage setting the premium rate to avoid the to resist the pressure to further under- policies or even local procurement poli- maximum rate hikes that would have mine EI funding. cies. For instance, the domestic content been set in motion as a result of the un- requirements of Ontario’s Green Energy employment crisis that began in 2008. In CANADA-EUROPEAN UNION Act ehav been challenged at the World 2010, the federal government capped the COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC Trade Organization. rate at 10 cents and in November 2011, & TRADE AGREEMENT (CETA) In addition, proposals tabled by the federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty an- European Union would significantly alter nounced that the EI premiums would be The federal government is currently Canada’s intellectual property regime for cut in half to 5 cents for employees. negotiating a new trade deal with the pharmaceutical companies. A recently re- While it makes sense to minimize European Union. Provincial negotiators leased paper commissioned by the Cana- the cyclical impacts of increasing EI pre- aretf par o this process, but the prov- dian Generic Pharmaceutical Association miums at a time when workers and em- inces are not disclosing what they are (CGPA), and co-authored by academics at ployers are struggling, the fact the gov- preparing to offer. Canadian and Euro- the universities of Toronto and Calgary ernment has been forced to intervene pean corporations are insisting on “full suggests that the costs for Ontario alone speakso t the deep flaws embedded in access to procurement by sub-national would be over $1.2 billion. For Canada, the present legislation. The federal gov- governments including provinces, mu- the costs would be nearly $3 billion. ernment has been consulting with stake- nicipalities, school boards, universities, The OFL continues to work with the holderso t discuss the EI program and hospitals and other provincial agencies CLCo t oppose the CETA and has sent make recommendations about long-term which could significantly reduce or elim- letterso t Ontario’s Premier, Minister of improvements. Unfortunately, the spot- inate the right to specify local priorities Finance, Minister of Research and Inno- light on the setting of EI premiums has when public money is invested in goods, vation and Minister of Health and Long- opened the door to right-wing attacks services or capital projects.” This mecha- Term Care. on the EI program, including calls for re- nism has already been implemented in duced employer premiums and a further Canada under the Trade Investment and range of cuts to programs funded under Labour Mobility Agreement signed be- 46 PART 5: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

FEDERAL ELECTION: ORANGE tion delivered enough votes to Stephen WAVE SURGES ACROSS Harpero t secure him the majority gov- CANADA ernment that had eluded him for so long. The OFL supported the NDP through- Under the charismatic leadership of Jack out the election and called on trade Layton, the NDP won incredible new unionists to actively canvass for local ground in the 41st election on May 2, NDP Candidates. The new team of NDP 2011. Winning a record number of seats MPs has the highest representation of across Canada, Jack became Canada’s first womenf o any party on record and is NDP Opposition leader in history. comprised of union leaders, feminists, Nearly half of their 103 seats came housing experts, lawyers and anti-pov- from Québec but important ground was erty activists. Jack’s new Shadow Cabinet also gained in Ontario. Unfortunately, the gives significant prominence to his cadre dramatic collapse of the Liberal Party of tough-minded labour candidates, who of Canada in the last week of the elec- made up 20 of 43 seats.

47 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 6 International Solidarity

WISCONSIN’S CITIZEN-LABOUR ALLIANCES SWEEP ACROSS THE U.S.

hef whole o North America was inspired in February and March 2011 when hundreds of thousands of teachers, students, farmers, small business owners, workers and citi- zens in the United States waged one of the most important fight-backs in decades. Incredible momentum grew behind Wisconsin protests against Republican Gov. Scott Walker’s attempt to break public employee unions, cut public services and make the middle and lower classes carry the burden of a deficit they did not create is a familiar Tstory. 48 PART 6: INTERNATIONAL SOLIDARITY

What was extraordinary was the The movement gave birth to a mo- ARAB SPRING OF POPULAR response. In one demonstration alone, mentous campaign to recall Governor UPRISINGS 80,000 people turned out. More than Walker. Over 9,000 activists were recruit- 10,000 people filled the Statehouse. The edo t collect the over 50,000 signatures In February 2011, OFL President Sid Ryan 2011 budget called for the most extreme neededo t hold a recall election next wrote a letter of solidarity to the Egyp- cuts to public education and public ser- year. If enough signatures are gathered, tian Federation of Independent Unions vices ever proposed in Wisconsin history. it would be the third recall election in ando t the Egyptian Independent Proper- The OFL’s letter of solidarity noted: Wisconsin in a single year, the first two ty Tax Collectors Union and other work- “Your strength, dignity and determina- beingf o Republican state senators also ers to celebrate and support the historic tion in the face of these attacks have targeted by union supporters. emergence of independent unions. At been truly inspiring. You are proving that However, the movement that start- the time, the strike wave that spread in when working people and their fami- ed in Wisconsin has spread elsewhere Egypt tipped the balance in favour of the lies stand together, we can beat back throughout the U.S. Most notably in March democratic movement, whose focus until even the most aggressive and inhumane 2011, when the Rebublican controlled then had been the occupation of Tahrir agendas, and give confidence to others.” senate of Ohio passed a horrendously an- Square. President Sid Ryan was a guest on ti-union bill gutting collective bargaining These actions resulted in the over- the TVO’s panel that raised the question for public sector employees, a formidable throwf o the former Egyptian Presi- of whether “Wisconsin can happen here.” “We are Ohio” campaign mobilized to put dent Hosni Mubarak. In the letter, Ryan He pointed to Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s theo law t a referendum. Vastly supersed- stressed the importance of the right of removalf o the right to strike for TTC working the 300,000 signatures required from workerso t freely organize into demo- ers and wide-ranging attacks on pensions, 44 different counties, activists won the cratically controlled trade unions as a benefits and wages. “The Ontario govern- support of nearly 1.3 million people on cornerstone of any meaningful democ- ment wanted public sector workers to take a petition to put the anti-labour bill to a racy. Despite the overthrow of Mubarak, a wage freeze while handing $2.4 billion to vote. On November 8, Ohio voters hand- in March 2011, the interim military gov- already healthy corporations. Federal and ily defeated the bill by a margin of 63 ernment outlawed strikes and those who provincial governments are all implement- percent and sent a clear message to gov- advocate for them. Penalties include im- ing the same agendas. Working people are ernments across America that the public prisonment for at least a year and fines of not the problem: we’re the solution.” would unite to defend workers’ rights. up to one-half million Egyptian pounds.

49 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

The Egyptian uprising was inspired massive Keystone XL pipeline project. 40,500 potential direct and indirect jobs by the revolution in Tunisia, where pro- The Council of Canadians, Greenpeace in upgrading and refining and have po- democracy activists made common cause and the Canada Indigenous Environmen- tentially devastating consequences for with a more established trade union tal Network were also sponsors of the air, quality land, water and First Nations movement. Events in Tunisia began in action designed to put a halt to plans communities. The mass protests in Wash- December 2010 when a young, impov- to carry 900,000 barrels of bitumen and ington and Canada continue to grow. erished street vendor self-immolated crude per day from Alberta’s tar sands to Once seen as a near-certainty by industry himself. The ensuing uprising resulted the U.S. Gulf Coast. and political leaders, multipronged or- in the overthrow of Tunisian President Opposition has been dramatically ganizing on both sides of the border is Zine El Abidene Ben Ali in January 2011, building in the U.S. and Canada, but having a dramatic effect on the outcome just 28 days later. The demonstrations in Prime Minister Harper continues to pro- and has already put timelines for the ap- Tunisia—many organized by independent mote and lobby for the project that will proval process in jeopardy. trade unions—were sparked by high un- cost the Canadian economy an estimated employment, soaring food costs, lack of freedom of speech and generally dete- riorating living conditions. In mid-February, OFL President Sid Ryan attended and spoke at a rally in solidarity with all those inspired by the resistance in the North African and Arab World and called on all governments to respect the right of workers to organize into free and democratic trade unions.

STOP THE XL PIPELINE

CEP President Dave Coles was one of the firstf o approximately 200 to be arrested at a September 2011 Parliament Hill demonstration opposing TransCanada’s 50 PART 6: AFFILIATING NEW LOCALS FOR A STRONGER MOVEMENT

PART 7 New Affiliations

OFL MEMBERSHIP LEAPS BY OVER 90,000

not tw shor years, the OFL membership has ballooned by 93,964. New locals have piledo in t create the biggest and most vibrant labour movement in the OFL’s history. This unprecedented unity is no doubt inspired by the challenges that the austerity

100,000 agenda and a Harper majority pose to working people. It has never been more important to work together. New affiliations from the Canadian Auto Workers locals have contributed dramati- callyo t the growth of the OFL. With the might of nearly 77,000 autoworkers, the CAW has anchored its place as the largest private sector union in the Federation. I The OFL welcomes the Brock University Faculty Association, CAW Locals 27, 35, 80, 88, 112, 199, 200, 222, 252, 302, 303, 444, 504, 523, 524, 555, 557, 567, 580, 584, 707,

75,000 830, 876, 887, 1075, 1101, 1106, 1136, 1256, 1285, 1459, 1498, 1530, 1575, 1643, 1688, 1769, 1839, 1859, 1917, 1987, 1996, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009, 2098, 2163, 2168, 4003, 4176,, 4207 4266 , 4266 A, 4268, 4304, 4308, 4401, 4451 and 4457, CEP Locals 79M, 1987, 341.10-0*, 341.20-0*, 2488*, 3011* and 9670*, COPE Local 131, CUPE Locals 129, 132, 966, 1571, 1764, 1943-01, 3913 and 4092, PSAC Local 501, Queen’s University Faculty Association, Sault Ste. Marie Professional Firefighters Local 529, UFCW Locals

50,000 102,, 278W 387W, NJC 427, NJC 429, NJC 431, NJC 545, NJC 579, NJC 582, NJC 713, NJC 715, NJC 915, NJC 1177 and NJC 1991 and USW Local 9343

25,000

PSAC: 34 Faculty Associations: 1,547 Firefighters: 96 UFCW: 5,758 USW: 228 CUPE: 7,817 COPE: 280 CAW: 76,931 0 CEP : 1,273

51 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

PART 8 Spreading the Word

MAINSTREAM MEDIA: MAKING THE NEWS

ver the past two years, the OFL has completely redefined its media profile. We hav issued over 200 media releases since December 2009 and have become the media’s go-to source for labour commentary. Giving an average of 15 media interviews per week, but as many as 75 in some weeks, OFL President Sid Ryan has become a regular commentator on Sun TV and has been featured numerous times on TVO’s “The Agenda with Steve Paikin,” CBC’s “Power & Politics” with Evan Solomon, CityTV’s “Breakfast OTelevision,” and in every major newspaper, television and radio outlet. 52 PART 8: SPREADING THE WORD

PROMOTING LABOUR ONLINE FACEBOOK: ate campaigns, the OFL’s online activism BUILDING AN has become a model for many affiliates Over the past two years, the OFL has be- ONLINE LABOUR and locals seeking to expand their reach guno t redefine its online profile through COMMUNITY to members and the broader community. more regular updates to the website and Topping out at 2,852 “friends” and 1,525 an integration of social media tools. The Facebook has moved beyond a simple so- “fans” at press time, the OFL’s Facebook current OFL website now features icons cial networking site and is fast becoming followers have increased by 321 percent. linkingo t its Facebook, Twitter and Flickr an organizing and outreach tool. Federa- New content is posted to the OFL accounts and a brand new website is un- tion representatives and members are able Facebook sites nearly every day, with pho- der development. The new website will toe promot campaigns, events and solidar- tof albums o events, news items and com- be interactive and integrated so that ity actions within an online community. mentary. Through this medium, the Fed- trade unionists, community members, The OFL’s Facebook profile and fan eration has been promoting the work of media and government representatives page attracted scores of new followers affiliates and many members have begun can more easily follow the Federation’s every day after it was re-launched in Jan- sharing our content with their own friends. work and activity. uary 2011 and it has shown no signs of “Friend” the OFL on Facebook at: slowing down. Using this social network- www.Facebook.com/OntarioLabour ing technology to promote the work of Promote the OFL Fan Page at: www. the labour movement and various affili- Facebook.com/OntarioFedLabour

53 11TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION • OFL CONVENTION REPORT • DEC. 2009 TO NOV. 2011

TWITTER: SPREADING ed, Twitter allows users to broadcast mes- to learn of new and emerging stories. THE WORD sages and information to the public at By instantly releasing short mes- Onef o the newest online tools to gain large. It has become a go-to resource for sages, users are able to beat traditional popularity since last convention is Twitter. membersf o government and the media, media sources in breaking news. Users Unlike Facebook, which is shared only by manyf o whom share their own commen- can repost (or “retweet”) each other’s a community of people who are connect- tary, but nearly all of whom turn to Twitter comments to expand their reach. Twitter OFL Twitter Followers 2010 vs 2011 1278

Tweets are up by 635%

201 2010 2011 54 PART 8: SPREADING THE WORD

gained notoriety this year when it was YOUTUBE: ONLINE LABOUR FLICKR: SHARING LABOUR usedy b activists to organize actions that TELEVISION PHOTOS toppled the governments of Tunisia and After launching a new OFL YouTube The OFL has become ever more diligent Egypt. channel in early 2011, the Federation beat documenting labour events and ac- The OFL has entrenched itself as a gan uploading short video clips of events tions through photos that are posted key online labour news source through and sharing them with online followers. within 24 hours to the OFL’s open access the soundbite format of Twitter. Frequent These videos help to promote the photo sharing site. Affiliates and coalition posts and commentary from OntarioLa- workf o the labour movement and have partners are invited to use these high res- boure hav expanded our followers by 41 been receiving significant attention from olution photos as a resource in their local percent in the past two months and 635 the membership and the community. The and community outreach materials. percent since the start of the year. OFL has also been active in sharing vid- The OFL’s photos can be found at: Follow the OFL at: eosf o affiliates in order to promote the www.Flickr.com/OntarioFedLabour www.Twitter.com/OntarioLabour work of the entire labour movement. Watch the OFL videos: www.YouTube.com/OFLCommunications

55 PART 9: PHOTO CREDITS

PART 9 Photo Credits

All photos in this publication were taken by Joel Duff except the following:

Front Cover photo by Monirul Pathan Page 28 poster design by United Food and Page 2 photo by Monirul Pathan Commercial Workers Page 4 photo by John Maclennan Page 31 photo by Vern Edwards Page 7 photo by Lynn Simmons Page 33 photo by Laurie Hardwick Page 8 photo uncredited Page 34 photo by the Ontario NDP Page 9 photo by John Maclennan Page 36 photo uncredited Page 10 photo uncredited Page 37 photo by Monirul Pathan Page 11 photo by Monirul Pathan Page 42 photo by Monirul Pathan Page 12 photo by Shannon Devine Page 47 upper right photo by Peter Bailey Page 15 photo uncredited Page 48 photos uncredited Page 17 photo by Lynn Simmons Page 49 photos uncredited Page 20 photo uncredited Page 50 photos uncredited Page 21 photos by Lynn Simmons Page 52 video by Jared Lorenz Page 22 photo on left uncredited; photo Inside Back second from top (left) by Lynn on right by John Maclennan Simmons; bottom two photos Page 23 photo on left by Lynn Simmons; uncredited (left and right) both photos on right uncredited Outside Back top photo (centre) uncredited, top Page 24 photo by Frank Saptel photo (right) by Monirul Pathan; Page 26 photo by Laurie Hardwick 2nd row (right) and bottom row (left) by Lynn Simmons

ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR