P.12 P.7 P.14 AWARDING ACTIVISM GOING FOR BROKE! BOSSES BEWARE! PRESIDENT’S REPORT FEDER TION OF LABOUR WINTER 2014 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 CAN YOUR MEMBERS AFFORD A $5,766 PAY CUT? If not, join the fight against Hudak. P.4 P.9

SAVING CANADA POST JOEL DUFF PHOTO:

P.7 JOEL DUFF PHOTO: THE FIGHT CONTINUES FOR A $14 MINIMUM WAGE WINTER PRESIDENT’S REPORT VOL. 4 2014 ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR NO. 1

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STOPPING THE HUDAK AGENDA PETER BOYLE PHOTO: 2013 OFL HEALTH & NEW UPCOMING 10 CONVENTION 16 SAFETY/WCB 18 AFFILIATES 19 EVENTS FEATURE: THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA FOCUS ON CONVENTION ON THE COVER: Hudak’s Not So Hidden Agenda.....4 OFL Convention Adopts a “People’s Agenda”...... 10 Campaign Roll-Out Begins with Global Panel Tackles Austerity...... 10 Regional Meetings...... 5 Equity Tops Agenda for the OFL...... 11 Common Front Joins the Call for a OFL Officers Get Mandate for Action...... 11 People’s Agenda...... 6 Awards Gala Recognizes Labour Activists...... 12 Going for Broke! Campaign Ramps up for a $14 Minimum Wage...... 7 Labour calls for a made-for-workers pension plan....8 HEALTH & SAFETY/WCB Niagara Byelection Shapes Up to Be a Showdown....8 Injured Workers Mark 100 Years of Meredith...... 16 Roofing Company Conviction Sends a Stern Warning to Bosses...... 17 Toronto Star Echoes OFL Demand for Public Attention to Workplace Fatalities...... 17 LABOUR SOLIDARITY Canadians Rally to Save Canada Post...... 9 Making Every Job a Good Job! OFL Budget Submission Calls for an Meaningful Job Strategy.....9 EQUALITY & HUMAN RIGHTS Ontario Court Affirms Union Representation Gearing Up for WorldPride Toronto 2014...... 15 in Richtree Dispute...... 14 OFL’s March 8th Project Celebrates International USW 9176 Tells Crown Holdings: Women’s Day 2014...... 15 “Take-Backs No More”...... 14 Ajax Police Shooting Claims Another Life...... 18

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HUDAK’S NOT SO HIDDEN AGENDA LABOUR GEARS UP TO DEFEND WORKER’S RIGHTS AND DEFEAT THE HUDAK CONSERVATIVES

It isn’t alarmist or over dramatic to say that At the recent OFL Convention, delegates include waving placards or chanting slogans everything that unions stand for – securing fair passed a sweeping resolution to put the about the Rand Formula. At the same time, wages and decent benefits, elevating working campaign to stop Tim Hudak ahead of all other they gave a strong mandate for the OFL and its standards, ensuring safe workplaces, providing union work and to launch a fierce crusade for affiliates to be more active than ever before as retirement security, defending social justice and the hearts and minds of the voting public. the champions of social justice. Therefore, the generally raising the bar for everyone – is at campaign will have two distinct components: stake if Tim Hudak’s Progressive Conservatives The Conservatives have 1. To engage union members in person-to- form the next government of Ontario. person conversations about the dangers of That’s because Tim Hudak’s hidden agenda for launched an aggressive attack the Hudak agenda and to empower them to a low-wage economy is, well, not so hidden. He on workers’ rights ... Defending take this conversation back to their dinner has been up front about applauding jurisdictions workers’ collective rights tables and community gatherings. that have squeezed out unions and where, must be the top priority of our 2. To engaged our Common Front partners in according to U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, movement and every union creating regional groups in every community workers earn an average of $5,766 less than organization in the province. to identify local issues, mobilize for social their counterparts in neighbouring states. Hudak - OFL Convention Resolution justice and defeat Hudak’s Conservatives at has set his sights on stripping Ontario workers the polls. of their collective bargaining rights and making The period between now and the calling To do this, every union officer, every local staff union dues payment individual and optional. Can of the next provincial election is the critical rep and every labour activist must be engaged your members afford it? window of opportunity for organized labour and in the campaign to reach out to every one of The consequences for working people in its community allies to launch a campaign to our one million members, their families and every sector will be devastating if Ontario’s defeat Hudak and his divisive agenda. neighbours across Ontario. labour movement is dismantled to pave the way However, convention delegates called for a The timeline is tight! With a provincial election for a low-wage economy. different type of campaign; one that does not rumoured this spring, we cannot wait to act!

4 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 SOCIAL MEDIA CORNER E-NEWSLETTER Sign up for the OFL’s new e-blast updates by visiting http://ofl.nationbuilder.com/ signmeup TWITTER Sign up for a free Twitter account at www.Twitter.com Follow & Retweet the OFL at: OFLabour SidRyan_OFL

PRESIDENT’S REPORT ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers. It is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation. Volume 4, Issue 1 of the OFL President’s Report was produced for the February 11, 2014 meeting of the Executive Board of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

CAMPAIGN ROLL-OUT BEGINS How to reach us: Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) WITH REGIONAL MEETINGS Fédération du travail de l’Ontario (FTO) Full participation at “urgent, all union, all Regional meetings are already set in some 15 Gervais Drive, Suite 202 local” regional meetings is a crucial first step locations, but plans are under way to bring them Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y8 in the campaign to stop Tim Hudak. This type to every corner of the province. These meetings 416-441-2731 1-800-668-9138 of action cannot be left to the usual labour must draw labour leaders from every union and • TDD: 416-443-6305 • FAX: 416-441-1893 activists. Every grievance officer, health and every local. Here are the first round of meetings [email protected] safety rep and bargaining committee member that have been scheduled: also has an important role to play in reaching • Feb. 27 Durham (Unifor Local 222 Hall) out to the full union membership. • Mar. 6 Toronto (OFL Building) Locals are being called upon to cancel or • Mar. 18 Sudbury (USW Local 6500 Hall) postpone some routine union work in order to • Mar. 20 London (Unifor Local 27 Hall) make these regional meetings a big success. • Apr. 1 Thunder Bay (Location TBA) The stakes are so high that we cannot afford to In every other region, connect with your local be “too busy with other things” to fight to defend labour council for details or visit: This document was proudly produced with unionized free collective bargaining in Ontario. www.ofl.ca/index.php/campaigns/workersrights labour: JD/ph:cope343

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 5 FEATURE: THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA

COMMON FRONT JOINS

THE CALL FOR A PEOPLE’S AGENDA JOEL DUFF PHOTO: A cornerstone of the OFL’s recent Action Plan is For the Common Front, the People’s Agenda capturing their imagination and connecting the Ontario Common Front, which has been a vital is a political laboratory and a process where on a deeper emotional level; and partner in labour’s mobilization against austerity. spaces are created for sharing information, 5. Engaging individuals and communities First launched in 2012, on the eve of a rally of experiences and ideas. In the Common Front through active listening in order to generate 15,000 against then Premier Dalton McGuinty’s report circulated at the August 2013 general discussion and progressive proposals for final budget, the Common Front connects 90 assembly, “Social Movements and the Defeat of creating a new future for us all. labour and community groups in collective action. Neoliberalism,” five criteria were put forward to Organizing remains at the heart of the Common The London Common Front will be hosting a guide the development of a People’s Agenda: Front. Regional Common Front initiatives regional assembly on February 22. On February 1. Engage people from a variety of continue to pop up across the province and, 27, the OFL and Ontario Common Front will backgrounds and experiences to create a as the collective work of this new movement be hosting a conversation with the Premier’s broader and more inclusive tent; becomes increasingly decentralized, each Council on Youth Opportunities and other 2. Use messages that resonate with a wide community coalition is encouraged to identify government representatives about addressing audience, such “the 99% vs. the 1%”; local priorities and actions, while working to youth unemployment and underemployment 3. Connect issues and short-term goals with support province-wide mobilizations. Through in Ontario. These are just two of many events, the need for broader social change, while these new networks, labour and community being sponsored by the Common Front and its uniting across issues to confront underlying activists will be able to coordinate the campaign allies that are aimed at exploring alternatives threats, such as neoliberalism, austerity and against Hudak and mobilize for social change. to an austerity economic framework under the anti-democratic governments; For more information and to share local heading of a “People’s Agenda.” 4. Use creativity to engage new audiences by organizing efforts, visit: www.WeAreOntario.ca.

6 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 OFL’s Convention rally takes demand for a $14 minimum wage to the heart of Toronto’s financial district. JOEL DUFF PHOTO: GOING FOR BROKE! MINIMUM WAGE CAMPAIGN WINS HISTORIC VICTORY, BUT RAMPS UP DEMAND FOR $14 AN HOUR After a yearlong campaign to raise the Although Premier Wynne relented to pressure minimum wage, labour and community groups Racialized people by promising a 75-cent minimum wage hike secured an historic victory this January with with annual cost of living increases, an $11 Premier ’s announcement that and women more minimum wage will freeze low-income workers she will increase the minimum wage to $11 highly represented at wages that are 16 percent below the poverty an hour and introduce legislation that would among minimum line. We also know there is no guarantee that ensure future annual increases with the cost of any proposed legislation will be passed by the living. If this legislation is tabled and adopted wage earners legislative assembly before a provincial election before a provincial election is called, minimum is called. wage workers will get a wage increase each That’s why it is still critical to stay mobilized. year, instead of falling further behind. This month, the OFL and the Ontario Common There is no doubt that these modest measures Front have partnered with the Campaign to were announced in response to the province- Raise the Minimum Wage to mobilize over the wide Campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage, Family Day Weekend to reassert the demand and that’s exactly why it’s so critical to keep for a $14 minimum wage, but also to demand organizing and mobilizing in every community decent work. This means enforcing employment for the $14 minimum wage and for decent work standards, cracking down on temporary for everyone. agencies, fairness for migrant workers and In the winter of 2013, the Ontario Federation making it easier for all workers to join unions. of Labour and over 100 community groups In the weeks and months ahead, we need launched a “People’s Budget” consultation to make sure this vision for decent work and process that called on the Ontario Government community and business representatives, wages is a pivotal election issue – including the to include a minimum wage increase in the including an appointed representative of the February 13 byelections. province’s budget. Premier Kathleen Wynne Ontario Federation of Labour, Antoni Shelton, This February 15, rallies will be held in cities responded by announcing a minimum wage and Windsor anti-poverty activist Adam Vasey. and towns across Ontario to tap into the strong review as part of last year’s budget paper. For over a year, a broad coalition, led by the public support for an immediate increase in the In June 2013, she struck a Minimum Wage Workers’ Action Centre, have kept the pressure minimum wage. For more information, visit: Advisory Panel that was comprised of labour, on through monthly actions in different regions. www.RaiseTheMinimumWage.ca

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 7 FEATURE: THE PEOPLE’S AGENDA A MADE-IN-ONTARIO PENSION PLAN MUST BE MADE-FOR-WORKERS, NOT FOR BANKERS Shortly after federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty shut down an unprecedented provincial consensus on reforming the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) last fall, the Ontario government announced plans for a made-in-Ontario plan to supplement retirement security for the province’s aging population. Now the Wynne Here are two concerns that beg addressing: The OFL wrote to Premier Wynne and Finance Government is inviting the rest of the country First, it is widely recognized that the ideal option Minister Charles Sousa to argue for a CPP to join in the creation of a parallel pension plan for Canadians is an expanded CPP, with its model as the only road worth traveling. that would be jointly operated by the provinces national portability and a stellar track record of “With PRPPs, Ontarians will spend endless and territories. high returns and low fees. Once a second system resources regulating too high fees in a too There is no question that retirement security is set up, there could be no turning back–even expensive system that will cover too few is reaching the level of a national crisis. The if the 2015 federal election delivers a more people with too little savings,” wrote OFL average pensioner can expect a monthly CPP favourable national parliament. With such strong President Sid Ryan. “It is time for pension reform for Canadians, not pension reform for payout of $1,012.50. That adds up to a meager consensus among Canadians and the provinces, banks and insurance companies.” $12,150 per year, and with roughly two-thirds of is now the time to give up on a better CPP? Whatever Ontario decides, one thing is Canadians toiling without a workplace pension, Second, under no circumstances should certain: labour should be at the table. With the problem is only going to get worse. Ontario consider a pension model based on a labour’s expertise in managing stable public The Ontario government’s sustained Pooled Registered Retirement Pension Plan pensions and our record of advocacy for an commitment to pension protection is to be (“PRPP”) or another hybrid plan that have been expanded CPP, we deserve a voice on Sousa’s commended, but giving up on CPP reform in widely discredited. These glorified savings advisory committee. favour of a parallel program raises concerns accounts put Canadians at the mercy of the On February 6, the OFL organized a high that need addressing. As the old saying goes, volatile stock market ... and a greedy financial power meeting with the Ministry of Finance and the devil is in the details. sector that gouges savings with sky-high fees. key affiliates to bring forward these concerns. NIAGARA BYELECTION SHAPES UP TO BE A SHOWDOWN Voters in Thornhill and Niagara Falls are heading to the polls on Feb. 13 in two byelections to fill vacancies created by the retirement of Progressive Conservative Peter Shurman and Liberal Kim Craitor. For many reasons, the Niagara Falls byelection is the one to watch. President of Unifor Local 199 and lifelong labour activist is carrying the torch for the NDP and has been able to rally union support from across the province. In two recent byelections, Kitchener-Waterloo and London West, Hudak’s Tories were punished by voters who rejected his divisive politics and his attack on unionized workers. Another defeat could sound the death knell for Hudak’s low-wage agenda and put his aspirations for governing on ice. With the election only days after the print deadline for this report, it is too close to call.

8 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 LABOUR SOLIDARITY CANADIANS RALLY TO SAVE CANADA POST Thousands of postal workers and Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, Québec and supporters rallied in Ottawa on January Southern Ontario. 26, to oppose a plan announced “Canada is the only country in the G7 by Canada Post and the Harper that is cutting the urban delivery of daily government to end door-to-door mail mail,” OFL President Sid Ryan told the delivery and hike postage rates. crowd. “Like so many of Canada’s public “The Conservatives are wrong to services, the post office knits our country think that people are going to accept these cuts,” Gayle Bossenberry of the together and when Conservatives attack Canadian Union of Postal Workers Canada Post, they are attacking the (CUPW) said to a cheering crowd at the fabric of our society.” Prime Minister’s office. “Stephen Harper, axe While the rally in Ottawa was the largest, this plan and consult with the public!” Canada is the only it was not the only sign of popular opposition Canada Post took most Canadians by surprise country in the G7 that to the Canada Post plan, which is backed by with its December 11 announcement that it the Conservative government. Rallies, town would replace all door-to-door delivery with is cutting the urban halls, forums, petitions and other activities are community mailboxes and further outraged delivery of daily mail happening in concert across the country. Many the public when its President Deepak Chopra people and businesses are hanging signs in suggested that seniors wanted the exercise. - Sid Ryan their windows and on their mailboxes that say Since December, municipalities, small business Speakers at the Ottawa demonstration “Save Canada Post.” owners, seniors’ groups and disability advocates included seniors, disability activists and The Canadian Union of Postal Workers have been taking up the issue across the country. politicians as well as representatives from local, So far, Vancouver, Victoria and Medicine Hat are regional and national labour organizations. (CUPW) is urging people to contact their officially opposing the cuts. Other municipalities They were joined by more than 2,000 postal Members of Parliament. A sample letter can be are expected to follow. workers and members of the public from found at www.SaveCanadaPost.ca. MAKING EVERY JOB A GOOD JOB OFL PROPOSES A GOOD JOBS STRATEGY TO THE ALL-PARTY BUDGET COMMITTEE In stark contrast to the hollow sloganeering As an antidote, the OFL proposal called for: of Tim Hudak’s Million Jobs Act, the OFL • investment in infrastructure and job creation; unveiled a plan to make “every job a good • A $14 minimum wage tied to inflation; job.” In its recent pre-budget submission • The expansion of the to an all-party finance committee, OFL Employment Protection to extend President Sid Ryan called on Queen’s Park for Foreign Nationals Act protections to all migrant workers; and to set a “People’s Agenda for Ontario.” The centrepiece of the 24-page submission was a • The adoption of successor rights and other call for a multi-pronged approach to creating labour law enhancements proposed by the good, meaningful employment in Ontario that NDP in Private Members’ Bill 129, Labour provides job security and fair wages. Relations Amendment Act (Employee Rights). For two decades, an explosion in low-wage and precarious work has pushed Ontario in Canada’s top 100 the wrong direction. The number of people CEOs earn working for minimum wage has doubled in “We all know that good jobs are at the heart the last 10 years to reach over half a million, 171 times the of healthy communities and economies, and 33 percent of workers in Ontario now average but the Conservatives are putting forward a have precarious jobs without benefits or job cynical economic strategy that would drive security. wage down wages,” Ryan told the committee. Hudak’s attack on workers’ rights and union “Ontario should lead a race to the top, not the security would threaten to advance a low-wage Source: bottom. When workers have job security and Canadian Centre agenda even further by dividing workers and for Policy Alternatives decent wages, they will spend more in their forcing them to compete in a race to the bottom. communities and help to boost the economy.”

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 9 FOCUS ON CONVENTION

OFL CONVENTION ADOPTS A “PEOPLE’S AGENDA” Over one thousand delegates from across benefits for every worker – whether unionized environmental restructuring at the federal level. Ontario gathered for the 12th OFL Biennial or not. He called on affiliates and members to Federal NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair and Ontario Convention to hash out a militant action plan to make community partnerships and activism the NDP Leader Andrea Horwath were joined by a challenge the Conservative attack on workers’ cornerstone of all of their work. roster of NDP parliamentarians who called on rights. Under the wall-to-wall projection screens labour to work with them to present Canadians boasting the slogan, "Rising Together," delegates When it comes to Tim Hudak’s with concrete alternatives and an optimistic vision adopted an ambitious plan to suspend non- for a more just and fair society. essential union activities to make the campaign attack on labour, he’s gonna The OFL’s action plan proposed just that: a bold against Progressive Conservative Leader Tim have a helluva fight on his new vision for Ontario under the banner of the Hudak a top priority. hands, but labour won’t play “People’s Agenda.” Delegates resolved to develop OFL President Sid Ryan hit the convention stage the politics of division. Our a state-of-readiness campaign to convince after a booming, adrenaline-pumped video lifted battle is for the hearts and members that their family’s livelihoods would be threatened by a Hudak government and to turn delegates out of their seats with an impressive minds of Ontarians - Sid Ryan montage of two years of labour activism against the Common Front into an unstoppable vehicle for austerity and the attack on collective rights. This urgent call for action and solidarity was collective action. However, Brother Ryan’s message was a sobering echoed by speakers throughout the convention. When it comes to Tim Hudak’s attack on one: that if Tim Hudak wins the next provincial CLC President Ken Georgetti and Council labour,” said OFL President Sid Ryan, “he’s gonna election, the labour movement will not have of Canadians Chairperson Maude Barlow have a helluva fight on his hands, but labour won’t resources to defend its members from the roll- demonstrated the connections between Hudak’s play the politics of division. Our battle is for the out of an unprecedented decline in wages and plans for Ontario and Harper’s economic and hearts and minds of Ontarians.” GLOBAL PANEL TACKLES AUSTERITY An international panel moderated by the CCPA Ontario’s Trish Hennessy focused on the global devastation caused by austerity and examined the role played by labour movements around the world in the fight against the neoliberal agenda. South African trade union activist Joe Mpisi drew a strong historical parallel: “Just The OFL Officers join international panelists Tania Diaz, Joe Mpisi, Trish as we did to defeat apartheid, we must fight Hennessy, Kalpona Akter and Ruben Garrido in a show of solidarity. PETER BOYLE PHOTO: together, not as individuals. Amandla!”

10 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 EQUITY TOPS AGENDA FOR OFL A new cord was struck at the 2013 OFL Convention with the integration of equity and human rights issues directly into the main content of the convention business. At previous conventions, equity issues were typically addressed at evening forums in front of assemblies primarily made up of delegates from the equity groups affected. However, this time around, daily forums brought educational presentations and substantive debate on equity issues directly to the floor of the convention hall. In fact, the convention kicked off with Workers of Colour and Young Workers’ Assemblies that gave two PHOTO: JOEL DUFF traditionally under-represented groups of delegates an opportunity for issues-based discussion and training sessions that prepared them to participate more fully in the convention deliberations.

Main photo: A weighty session with racialized politicians from three levels, Toronto Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (featured here), with NDP MP Rathika Sitsabaiesan and NDP MPP Jagmeet Singh (in the top inset). Lower Inset: Author and storyteller, Itah Sadu gave life to the Human Rights Report in an animated spoken-word PHOTO: PETER BOYLE performance. PHOTO: JOEL DUFF OFL OFFICERS GET MANDATE FOR ACTION The second day of convention saw delegates return all three OFL officers for another term with a strong mandate to mobilize labour’s fight against Harper and Hudak’s anti-worker agenda. After two years of reinvigorating the labour movement to fight for equity, President Sid Ryan,

THREE PHOTOS: PETER BOYLE Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Hutchison and SID RYAN NANCY HUTCHISON IRWIN NANDA Executive Vice-President Irwin Nanda each President Secretary-Treasurer Executive Vice-President earned endorsement from the membership.

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 11 FOCUS ON CONVENTION PHOTO: PETER BOYLE PHOTO:

Cliff Pilkey Labour Activist Award: Patti Dalton (OSSTF) joined by OFL President Sid Ryan and Cliff Pilkey’s Children, Jackie Zaika and Alan Pilkey. Awards Gala Recognizes

At the 2013 Convention,Labour the OFL held the inaugural Cliff Pilkey Activists Awards Dinner to recognize labour activists and introduce two new awards: the Cliff Pilkey Labour Activist Award and the Linda Jolley Health and Safety Award. The special ticketed event was held in the elegantly transformed Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Centre Downtown and Cultural Award: Theresa Tova and Tabby Johnson (ACTRA) drew more than 600 attendees for an evening of recognition, dinner and dancing.

I believe that we WILL defeat the right wing onslaught, we WILL create a more just world and we WILL rise together. - Patti Dalton, first recipient of the OFL’s Cliff Pilkey Labour Activist Award

The evening was inspired by the remarkable legacy of Cliff Pilkey, a past president of the OFL who passed away in November 2012. Pilkey’s contribution to the labour movement was enormous. He was a shrewd negotiator and a tough debater but he was also passionate Olivia Chow Child Care Champion Award: Martha Friendly and thoughtful. Cliff Pilkey was a labour leader who was way ahead of

12 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 PHOTO: PETER BOYLE PHOTO:

Young Workers’ Award: Pablo Godoy (UFCW) Awards Gala Recognizes

Labour Activistshis time. He knew injustice when he saw it and he always stood true to his principles. He devoted his life to improving the lives of all working people and those who are the most in need. Selected as the first recipient of the Cliff Pilkey Labour Activist Award was London Labour Council President, Patti Dalton. A dedicated labour activist who forged strong ties with the Occupy movement and scores Bob Borch Human Rights Award: Vinay Sharma (Unifor) of community allies, Dalton represents everything the OFL is striving for in its Common Front initiative. “I leave this convention feeling inspired, energized and with a clear sense of the enormous challenges we face, but also with the total conviction that our collective power will prevail,” Dalton told the audience. “I believe that we will defeat the right wing onslaught, we will create a more just world and we will rise together.” The OFL also created the Linda Jolley Health and Safety Award only weeks before the Convention to honour a former staffer and lifelong health and safety activist who passed away on September 24, 2013. The event celebrated a vibrant movement that was represented as much by those on the floor as those at the podium. Young Worker Award recipient, Pablo Godoy, captured the spirit of the event when he declared: “My friends, young workers aren’t the leaders of tomorrow. We are making social, economic and environmental change TODAY!” Linda Jolley Health and Safety Award: Linda Jolley (Posthumously)

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 13 LABOUR SOLIDARITY ONTARIO COURT AFFIRMS UNION REPRESENTATION IN RICHTREE DISPUTE Thanks to a recent Ontario Labour Relations been operating without a union ever since. address that presently has no real existence Board (OLRB) ruling, the renovated Richtree In his decision, OLRB Chair Bernard other than on a piece of paper.” Eaton Centre location will remain a union shop. Fishbein concluded, “I am not persuaded that Richtree had argued that employees’ Forty unionized restaurant workers took a big in the circumstances of this case, the Union’s bargaining rights did not continue at the new step towards justice last month location. The union had argued after the Board issued a decision that the agreement remained valid confirming that their union, UNITE within the Eaton Centre and that HERE Local 75, continues to letting the unionized employees go have bargaining rights at their constituted an unfair labour practice workplace. Local 75 is continuing under Section 96 of the Labour to fight for the reinstatement of Relations Act. the original workers. This incredible victory for UNITE In January 2013, all of the HERE Local 75 comes hot on the workers at the original Richtree heals of an automatic certification Restaurant in Toronto’s Eaton win at various Novotel locations. Centre were dismissed with two In November, the OFL took its days’ notice and told the facility convention rally directly to the mall would be closing permanently. entrance of the Richtree restaurant Yet on September 9 of that same year, Richtree bargaining rights should be extinguished by a and held an impromptu occupation. The union opened a renovated restaurant in the Eaton move of some 50 metres across the corridor successfully sustained pressure on the restaurant Centre, mere metres away from its original of the mall to a space only recently labelled through a series of actions designed to target location, hired an entirely new staff and has with different street, convenience or entrance customers and embarrass management. USW 9176 TELLS CROWN HOLDINGS: “TAKE-BACKS NO MORE” Crown Holdings has continued healthy communities, and viable to attack workers and their unions. corporations are built on decent Crown, which almost doubled wages, benefits and working its profits in 2012, is a U.S.- conditions. Stopping Crown’s attack based multinational company that in Toronto is merely the first step in produces cans for beverage and improving the lives of workers – food containers in 149 countries. union and non-union – throughout Members of United Steelworkers Crown’s operations. (USW) Local 9176 have drawn a line The USW is holding all the in the sand and are now leading the directors of Crown Holdings “Take-Backs No More” campaign responsible for this attack. A to stop years of Crown trying to web-based campaign aims to put build its profits on the backs of direct pressure on Arnold Donald, workers. Over 120 members of CEO of Carnival Corporation USW Local 9176 in Toronto were and a key director of Crown. A forced on strike on September 6, 2013, after award for their “dedication, commitment, punchy YouTube video asks viewers how the Crown demanded the elimination of a cost of teamwork and personal accountability.” company’s actions “would make you feel.” living allowance (COLA), the establishment of The OFL has lent support to the Crown The public pressure and high-profile a permanent two-tier wage system, wage cuts Holding workers by joining the global union campaign have begun to pay off. At press as high as 42 percent and the continuation of network initiated by the USW to stop Crown’s time for this report, the union is back in talks an already nine-year freeze on pensions. These attacks. The campaign has been garnering with management and there is hope that a demands came soon after Crown recognized widespread support. Union members all over settlement can finally be reached. these union members with an achievement the world understand that a strong economy, For more information, visit: www.usw.ca

14 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS WORLDPRIDE TORONTO 2014

As the city of Toronto gears up to play host to human rights conference. There will also be an world. The conference provides a unique WorldPride 2014, the Canadian labour movement AIDS candlelight vigil along with three parades opportunity for a global dialogue about LGBTQ looks forward to an unprecedented platform including a Trans March, a Dyke March and human rights, ranging from performances to to demonstrate its solidarity with the LGBTQ Pride Parade. presentations, politics to policies and activists community and its commitment to fighting for Taking place June 25 to 27, 2014 in the to academics. equity and human rights for everyone. heart of downtown Toronto, a WorldPride Labour activists will be proudly engaged in A 10-day festival, set to run from June 20 Human Rights Conference 2014 (WPHRC14) every aspect of WorldPride celebrations. to 29, WorldPride has the potential to be the will be an important feature of the WorldPride For information on WorldPride Toronto, visit: largest event Toronto has ever hosted. So far celebrations. It will be a gathering of activists, www.worldpridetoronto.com and for details on the program calls for an opening ceremony artists, educators, journalists, policymakers, the WorldPride Human Rights Conference, visit: with a parade of nations and an international students and many allies from around the http://thereadingsalon.ca/wphrc14 FOURTH ANNUAL MARCH 8TH PROJECT OFL POSTERS & PINS CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2014 For over 100 years, March 8 has been of women elevate every one of our sisters,” recognized around the world as International said Secretary-Treasurer Nancy Hutchison. Women’s Day (IWD) and has been marked as “We aren’t going backwards! This poster is a day to celebrate women, reaffirm women’s bold and unequivocal. There is no doubt rights and strive for full equality. As part of that women workers will be proudly rising its celebration of IWD, the OFL Women’s for years to come.” Committee has produced a beautiful poster Unions or community groups that and commemorative pin that can be ordered ordered more than 500 pins before the by unions and community groups. February 3 deadline will have their logo The OFL’s 2014 March 8th Project carries added to this year’s poster. Those who an empowering theme that simultaneously missed the deadline can still order symbolizes the strength of women’s collective posters and pins, by submitting past and their hopes and aspirations for the the form on the OFL website: future. www.ofl.ca/index.php/iwd2014/. Both the poster and pin were designed The pins are sold at cost, plus by acclaimed artist Giovannina Colalillo and a $0.25 contribution that will be celebrate sisters in our movement and the donated to a provincial women’s sisterhood and solidarity we share in moving organization. forward towards a just and equitable society - Stay tuned for more “RISING.” information on International “In every workplace and in every community, Women’s Day events being women are bonding together to put equity on organized in cities and towns the agenda and to ensure that the advances across Ontario.

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 15 HEALTH & SAFETY / WCB

Thunder Bay injured worker activist Steve Mantis describes Ontario’s shameful abandonment of injured workers to a life of isolation and poverty. THREE PHOTOS: LAURIE HARDWICK INJURED WORKERS MARK 100 YEARS OF MEREDITH To mark the 100th anniversary of Ontario’s first surveillance of injured workers, shrinking legal Royal Commission on workers’ compensation, aid funding and a more adversarial Workplace the Ontario Federation of Labour co-sponsored Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) were an impressive conference with a variety of among the many presented to the nearly 200 labour and injured worker activists. “No ‘Half registrants of the Conference. Measures’” was an international conference held in October in tribute to the memorable statement that Chief Justice Sir William Half measures which Meredith penned into his historic report: Marion Endicott from Injured Workers’ Consultants “…Half measures which mitigate but do mitigate but do not Community Legal Clinic guides compensation tour. not remove injustice are, in my judgment, remove injustice are, in my to be avoided. It would be the gravest mistake if questions were to be determined judgment, to be avoided. not by a consideration of what is just to the - Sir W.R. Meredith workingman, but of what is the least he can be put off with…” The Conference opened with an historical tour In honour of this centennial, a “People’s that put participants in Meredith’s footsteps Commission” was conducted by injured workers for a guided tour of workers’ compensation and activists to document the injustices that history. OFL President Sid Ryan delivered an continue to mire injured workers after 100 introductory address and Secretary-Treasurer years of dismal government inaction. Headed Nancy Hutchison acted as a panelist to present up by Dr. Robert Storey, Director of Labour labour’s response to the crisis facing injured Studies at McMaster University, the commission workers in Ontario. The packed agenda featured unveiled the results of more than 100 interviews domestic and international panels that provided Injured worker activist, Karl Crevar, calls for people with injured workers. Stories about increased a roadmap for justice and inspiration for action. to come before profit in compensation reform.

16 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 ROOFING COMPANY CONVICTION SENDS A STERN WARNING TO BOSSES Days before the opening of the OFL’s fall that shocked workers across the country. The received Ontario’s first criminal conviction for convention, the labour movement celebrated collapse of a swing stage at a west Toronto high- workplace negligence in 2012 and the company’s another milestone with the Ontario Court rise resulted in four workers plunging 13 stories fine was tripled in 2013 to $750,000. conviction of roofing company The Ontario Provincial Court owner, Paul Markewycz, for a decision followed the August 16, 2011 workplace tragedy that 2011 death of an employee of claimed the life of a worker. Roofing Medics, while conducting a “I hope this jail sentence sends new roofing project in Toronto. The a chill down the spine of every worker fell six metres to his death boss who puts profit ahead of while wearing protective clothing but workplace safety,” OFL President no harness. During the subsequent Sid Ryan said in a public police investigation, company owner statement. “The only way to stop Paul Markewycz lied to police about this carnage in the workplace is to the circumstances of the incident. march negligent employers from “We are very happy with this their boardrooms to a jail cell.” court decision, but it doesn’t go This conviction follows the OFL’s to their deaths, while a fifth was left with serious far enough,” said Ryan. “A worker’s life should “Kill a Worker, Go to Jail” campaign that was injuries. After years of unrelenting media attention be worth far more than 15 days in jail and a launched after the 2009 Christmas Eve tragedy generated by the OFL, Metron Construction $50,000 fine.”

KILL A WORKER,GO TO JAIL TORONTO STAR ECHOES OFL DEMAND FOR PUBLIC ATTENTION TO WORKPLACE FATALITIES In a feature story by Toronto caused by employer negligence. Star columnist Jim Coyle, OFL OFL President Sid Ryan called on President Sid Ryan issued an the Government of Ontario to bring urgent call for public recognition much needed attention to this issue of every worker who falls victim to by holding public ceremonies to a workplace fatality. Launching his column from commemorate April 28 as the Day the perspective of Christopher of Mourning for Ontario workers Crawford, a Kitchener welder who killed on the job. died tragically in mid-January “We have to break the silence when the roof of a Target store about workers who are killed on collapsed, Coyle lamented the the job,” said OFL President Sid shocking lack of public attention to long-term occupational diseases acquired on Ryan. “When a police officer falls in the line of for the fallen worker. the job, the annual total is usually around 400 According to Ontario’s Workplace Safety lives lost. Along with nearly 250,000 workplace duty, there is an outpouring of public sympathy. and Insurance Board (WSIB) statistics, roughly injuries every year, the OFL has been sounding We need to bring this level of public attention 80 workers are killed each year in workplace the alarm about this epidemic of workplace to the many Ontario workers whose lives are accidents. Counting those workers succumbing tragedies, many of which are preventable or sacrificed in the line of duty.”

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 17 EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS

Since September 2013, the OFL has grown by 4,491 dues paying members. ►CUPE 4948...... 2140 ►Unifor 1359...... 1,359 ►Unifor 1524...... 992

AJAX POLICE SHOOTING OFL HUMAN CLAIMS ANOTHER LIFE RIGHTS Only months after the tragic shooting of The OFL helped to connect the MacIsaac Toronto teen Sammy Yatim ricocheted across family with the families of other victims of police STATEMENTS headlines, Ajax resident Michael MacIsaac was shootings, as well as community allies and legal fatally shot on December 2, 2013. The tragedy support. The vigil drew hundreds and helped to During this reporting period, unfolded on a quiet, residential street in the bring attention to the tragedy and strengthen the OFL issued the following sleepy bedroom community when MacIsaac, the call for justice. statements: suffering from delirium following an epileptic “I wish I could have been there on December seizure triggered by a fever, ran out of his house second to say ‘Can’t you see my son is in November 20: naked and unarmed. distress? Please don’t hurt him anymore.’ But Transgender Day of The OFL was approached by the victim’s just like on the playground when he was eight, Remembrance family to provide media support and assistance Michael was bullied one last time,” said Yvonne December 6: in breaking their month-long silence following MacIsaac, Michael’s mother, to the sombre National Day of Remembrance MacIsaac’s death and to organize a candlelight gathering on the street where Michael was shot. and Action on Violence vigil to call for justice. OFL President Sid The OFL has been outspoken on the need for Against Women Ryan joined the MacIsaac family in calling for the province to take action to prevent further sweeping changes to police protocols. unnecessary deaths. December 10: “How many times will we have to see the “It is time for Ontario’s Attorney General to International Human Rights same tragedy unfold before there is a complete impose mandatory guidelines for police training Day overhaul of the police response to crisis and use of de-escalation tactics so that this December 18: incidents?” asked OFL President Sid Ryan. “The tragedy is never repeated,” said Ryan. “Until International Migrants Day police mandate is to protect and serve, and that happens, any community could be the that protection must be extended to everyone, next Ajax and any family could experience the February 1: including those in emotional crisis.” MacIsaac’s grief. It is a matter of when, not if.” Black History Month

18 WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 MARK YOUR CALENDARS UPCOMING EVENTS FEB. 13: ONTARIO BYELECTIONS The documentary examines the ground MAY 31: SOUTH ASIAN breaking mentorship program for black teens in Voters in Thornhill and Niagara Falls will head to COMMUNITY ACTIVISM AWARDS Brampton. the polls for Feb. 13 byelections to fill vacancies The Ontario Common Front is inviting after last year’s resignation of Progressive The screening will be held in the OFL Auditorium, community and labour allies to recognize Conservative Peter Shurman and Liberal Kim (15 Gervais Dr, Toronto) on Feb. 23 between community activists at the Sagan Banquet Hall Craitor. Star labour candidate Wayne Gates is 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (7180 Edwards Blvd, Mississauga, Ontario). vying to be the NDP MPP in Niagara Falls. To register, visit: www.eventbrite.ca/e/colour- For information or tickets, contact Paulette FEB. 14: WOMEN’S ANNUAL me-tickets-10175223367 Hazel at 416-443-7667 or [email protected] MEMORIAL MARCHES APR. 25: OFL’S LABOUR JUN. 6-8: OFL ABORIGINAL This February 14, the OFL is calling on affiliates HONOUR ROLL NOMINEES and activists to join in Women’s Annual Memorial GATHERING Each year, the OFL adds five retired or deceased Marches and demand a national inquiry into The OFL will be hosting a Aboriginal Gathering in trade unionists to the OFL Labour Honour Roll. the missing and murdered Aboriginal women the OFL Auditorium (15 Gervais Dr, Toronto) from These are activists who made a significant and girls. Community marches are listed at: June 6-8. For information, contact Janice Gairey contribution to the life and growth of the trade womensmemorialmarch.wordpress.com/national at 416-347-9732 or [email protected] union movement. The deadline for nominations FEB. 15: RALLY FOR A $14 for this year is April 25. JUN. 20-29: WORLDPRIDE 2014 MINIMUM WAGE For more information, please contact: Sylvia From June 20 to 29, Toronto will have the On February 15, rallies will take place in cities Stewart at 416-443-7677 or [email protected] honour of hosting WorldPride 2014 (WP14TO). and towns across Ontario to demand a $14 These ten days of Queer celebration will turn minimum wage. In Toronto, the action will take MAY 5-9: CLC CONVENTION streets into parades, parks into parties and th place at Yonge-Dundas Square at 1:00 p.m. The 27 Constitutional Convention of the strangers into friends. For information visit: Canadian Labour Congress will be held from Get involved: www.RaiseTheMinimumWage.ca www.WorldPrideToronto.com Monday, May 5 to Friday, May 9 at the Palais FEB. 23: BLACK HISTORY des Congrès de Montréal, 201 avenue Viger AUG. 21-24: PEOPLE’S SOCIAL MONTH FILM SCREENING Ouest, Montréal (Québec). FORUM IN OTTAWA On February 23, celebrate African History Resolutions deadline: February 4, 2014 A grassroots Peoples’ Social Forum will Month at a viewing of the amazing documentary Credentials deadline: April 4, 2014 be held in Ottawa-Gatineau from August “Colour Me.” The film challenges viewers to re- www.CanadianLabour.ca/Convention/ 21-24, 2014. For information, visit: examine how they think about race. Convention-2014 http://PeoplesSocialForum.wordpress.com LABOUR & HUMAN RIGHTS DATES Feb Black History Month Feb 20 WorldDay for Social Justice Feb 26 “Pink Shirt Day” (or Anti-Bullying Day) Sessions include: Worker’s May 4-9, 2014 Mar 8 International Women’s Day Compensation and Mar 10 Bottle Water Free Day Accommodation, Return to Work Program, Medical Mar 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination Orientation and a Barriers & Mar 27 Anniversary of the OFL (1957) Benefits workshop Apr 23 Anniversary of the CLC (1956) Apr 28 Day of Mourning for Workers Killed or Injured on the Job May Asian Heritage Month May 1 May Day May 17 International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia Jun 1-7 Sexual Harassment Awareness Week Jun 1 Injured Workers’ Day Seating is limited, Jun 12 World Day Against Child Labour register NOW! Jun 21 National Aboriginal Day www.ODRT.ca Jun 20-29 World Pride 2014

OFL PRESIDENT’S REPORT 19 ThisThis FamilyFamily DayDay Weekend...Weekend... ONTARIO FAMILIES DESERVE A RAISE! Original artwork Original artwork Chak Tings by

Campaign to RAISE the Rally for a Minimum wage $14 Minimum Wage RaiseTheMinimumWage.ca