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LABOUR ACTION
SUMMER | 2018
THE ABUSE OF
POWER BEGINS
@torontolabour facebook.com/labourcouncil labourcouncil.ca
EDITORIAL
2 SUMMER | 2018
THE NEXT FOUR YEARS IN ONTARIO
themselves to an agenda that weakens
workers’ rights and economic equality.
But there were some victories - we
can celebrate the election of many
dynamic New Democrats to Queen’s
Park. The NDP ran on a bold platform
of social justice, and the ten new
NDP MPP’s in Toronto will join Peter
Tabuns as champions in confronting
the direction of the new government.
It will be essential that they help
give voice to resistance and assist in
building powerful movements for
social justice across the province.
A difficult battleground will be the
issue of climate change and just
transition to a low-carbon future. His
It was the wildest election in living memory. The Liberal Party abrupt reversal of cap-and-trade will
collapsed, the NDP elected the most MPP’s in a generation, and throw important energy conservation
Doug Ford is the new Premier. His message of tax cuts, lower gas investments into turmoil, and
eliminate funding for vital mitigation
prices, and challenging the privilege of elites hit home, including measures such as energy retrofits
with many working families. The Ford campaign cynically of schools and social housing, as
refused to provide any concrete indication of how a Conservative well as industrial transition. A Ford
government would pay for its many promises. government will mimic the same
approach to the environment as the
There will be four years of turmoil public services and frontline workers. Harper regime, setting us back years
across Ontario, but many people don’t But some of the first acts of the in our efforts to take on this crucial
see that yet – they believe they voted government may be popular, so our challenge.
to end hallway medicine, lower gas messaging must be accurate. It will be For cities and school boards, the
prices and turf overpaid executives, all essential to safeguard democracy in relationship with the provincial
while front line jobs will be protected. our public institutions, because a key government is fraught with difficulty.
What they don’t realize is how much tactic of the Conservatives and U.S. A central demand of parents and
public services and public sector Republicans is to strip accountability education workers is to fix the
workers will be under attack to pay from government decision-making broken funding formula and invest in
for promised tax giveaways of the process. classroom resources. Municipalities
Ford campaign. Or the reality that are still recovering from the disastrous
private sector employers will be given History shows that each time the
downloading of costs and services by
a free hand to exploit workers, wages Conservatives take power they drive
the Harris government decades ago.
will stagnate and precarious work will down the standards that working
Transit workers are concerned about a
expand. people have secured. Their rhetoric
takeover and privatization of subway
We saw how Mike Harris and Rob criticizes the “elites”, but their service. There is no plan to address
Ford moved with lightning speed actions inevitably align with the crumbling social housing stock, and
to privatize assets and gut workers’ interests of big business. And no no mention of support for social
rights. There is no question that this matter how much some moderate services. The wild card for Ontario
Conservative regime will operate corporate leaders decry the behaviour is the impact of Trump’s moves on
the same way, and that labour and of politicians like Ford or Trump, tariffs. With a potential trade war
community activists must be prepared business wants lower corporate looming, industrial workers need a
for an immediate fight to defend taxes and most will accommodate plan to defend their jobs.
L ABOURACTION 3
The labour movement has learned pharmacare, expanded childcare, and Ford about the real impact of the
from experience that we must resist more, and show that Ford will hurt decisions his government makes.
every attack on working people, on the living standards of most Ontarians Through all this, we have to take time
the poor or marginalized, on civil if he tries to reverse those gains. to deepen the political understanding
society and on democracy. It is never of activists in every union, including
easy to maintain solidarity in the face We must join with all others to reject
the politics of greed and division, a new generation of leaders. It won’t
of powerful forces that will attempt to
divide and conquer. Our leadership building broad coalitions and working be an easy four years, but through
will be tested many times. Now is the in both parliamentary and extra- our efforts we continue to strive for
time to defend the hard-won progress parliamentary forms of struggle. a better future, fighting for a society
we made in recent years – including And we must continuously talk to that provides fairness, good jobs and
the minimum wage, Bill 148, partial the working families that voted for dignity for all.
The Labour Council will:
•U
ndertake a comprehensive outreach to all affiliates and activists to prepare for
the tough struggles ahead
•E
xpand our ability to communicate with union members, diverse communities
and the general public about the values of social, economic, racial, gender and
climate justice that anchor our labour movement
•B
uild broad coalitions to challenge regressive policies of the Ford government
•D
efend workers’ rights and the gains in Bill 148 including the $15 Minimum
Wage, and urge unions to undertake mass organizing drives among precarious
workers
•W
ork to overcome the divisions within the house of labour so that we can build
a strong, united union movement as the foundation for the important work we
must carry out over the next four years
•C
ontinue to call for electoral reform in favour of proportional representation so
that the true wishes of the voters are reflected in the legislature.
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www.labourcouncil.ca
4 SUMMER | 2018
L ABOURACTION 5
When Ontario Services Are Cut, Sliced And
Frozen Who Loses?
Despite being Canada’s most He also froze all hiring across Ontario’s of privatization. The LCBO is under
populous province, Ontario just Public Sector. This means no new attack as Ford actively looks to allow
got smaller. Not in population Labour Inspectors who will go out convenience and grocery stores to sell
but in services. Newly elected PC to enforce Bill148, crippling the first alcohol. The LCBO brings in $2Billion
Premier, Doug Ford is looking progress Ontario has seen in Labour into Ontario’s public money chest each
and Employment law in two decades. year – that’s a lot of roads, hospitals,
to deliver his election promise of
There is no value to a law on paper books in schools and medicine to keep
$6.5billion in “efficiencies” by
if there is no enforcement. There can our families healthy. Also, let’s not
executing some serious cuts to be no enforcement if there are no forget the good jobs with benefits that
the public sector and this includes inspectors who go out to hundreds are created because LCBO is owned by
our schools. of workplaces to investigate and ask the public.
Doug Ford is abolishing the cap questions. What does this mean for Finding $6.5billion of efficiencies
and trade program we share with the workers of Ontario, especially by selling what Ontario owns is the
Quebec and California, the pricing those battling precarity and employer same as burning the furniture to heat
system that put a dollar value on abuse? your home. Do you really want an
carbon pollution as a way of reducing Ford’s first priority was getting rid of extra $5 in your wallet, if you child’s
emissions. The money is used to fund the 6 million dollar man, the CEO of education is crumbling, your parents
much needed infrastructure work that Hydro One, Mayo Schmidt. They got can’t pay for medication, you can’t
both addressed climate action while him to retire with a one-time payment afford to update your furnace and your
upgrading quality of life for thousands of $400,000 payout in lieu of post- neighbours are losing their jobs? It’s an
of Ontarians. Scrapping the program retirement benefits. But no mention inconvenient question, but it’s our job
will cut billions needed to repair the of the $10million Mr. Schmidt will to ask!
crumbling schools, fix social housing receive in stock options after retiring!
and build transit. We are already seeing growing threats
A Review by Gordon Campbell?
You gotta be kidding!
Doug Ford swears he’s going to $1.5 billion surplus – a figure later After the new roof came in at $563
figure out what’s going on with confirmed by BC’s auditor general. But million, Campbell’s government tried
Ontario’s finances. So, who better after the election, Campbell appointed to claim their original estimate of $100
to lead the investigation than a a handpicked panel of BC Liberal million was not a real estimate.
donors to investigate the province’s And when Campbell tried to build a
man who has experience fudging
finances and later falsely claimed BC new conference centre in Vancouver,
numbers for his own political was facing a $5 billion deficit, using the final price ballooned from $495
gain? Ford appointed former BC it to discredit the former government million to $883 million – nearly $400
Premier Gordon Campbell to and justify nearly a billion dollars in million more than it was supposed to
lead an independent inquiry into corporate tax cuts. cost. A hydro project building 350 km
Ontario’s finances. Ironically, the of transmission lines to northern BC
person Ford is asking to review Sketchy, unaccountable deals was pegged at $400 million but ended
Ontario’s finances has plenty of Campbell isn’t exactly known for up closer to $750 million. On the
experience misleading a different being fiscally responsible, given some other hand, given his views on carbon
province on the state of its of the biggest cost overruns in BC taxes, it is a little strange Ford says he
finances. history happened under his watch. trusts the financial wisdom of a man
When Campbell’s government tried who introduced North America’s very
When Campbell’s BC Liberals came to renovate the roof of BC Place first carbon tax. Just saying..
into power in 2001, the previous BC stadium the cost was nearly half a
NDP government left him a massive billion dollars more than estimated. Edited from article in PressProgress.ca
6 SUMMER | 2018
Meet our Orange 11 - City of Toronto’s NDP Members of Provincial Parliament
Jill Andrew – Toronto St Paul’s An award-winning equity advocate, co-founder of Body Confidence Canada, co-
owner of Glad Day Bookshop - the world's oldest LGBT bookstore. Jill works tirelessly to end appearance-based
discrimination, harassment and bullying.
Doly Begum – Scarborough SouthWest Dynamic community leader, she chaired the Scarborough Health Coalition
and Warden Woods Community Centre. As coordinator of Keep Hydro Public campaign she helped stop
privatization of Toronto Hydro and Wasaga Distribution.
Jessica Bell – University Rosedale Executive Director of TTCriders, lecturer at Ryerson University, director of the
California Food & Justice Coalition and an advocate for environmental justice. Recipient of Toronto Community
Foundation’s Vital People Award.
Cris Glover – Spadina Fort York School Board Trustee, local soccer and hockey coach, member of the Dufferin
Grove Residents Association and the parent council at Dawson St Public School. He has also taught at Ryerson
Public School and Central Tech.
Faisal Hassan – York South Weston Since coming to Canada from Somalia, he has focused on housing and
homelessness issues. Volunteered with the Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, Habitat for Humanity
and the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre.
Bhutila Karpoche – Parkdale HighPark First Tibetan-Canadian to be elected to public office, she worked with MPP
Cheri DiNovo, was a board member of the Canadian Tibetan Association of Ontario, and an advocate for public
health, affordable housing and fair wages.
Rima Berns-McGown – Beaches East York Rima was born in Apartheid South Africa, which fueled her life–long
work in fighting for the creation of socially just and diverse societies. A respected author, researcher, and former
University of Toronto professor.
Suze Morrison – Toronto Centre An experienced advocate recognized for her work on healthcare, community safety,
inclusion, and Indigenous issues. Her passion for change is rooted in her personal experience of overcoming
poverty, precarious housing, and gender–based violence.
Tom Rakocevic – Humber River Black Creek Lifelong local resident and dedicated community advocate. Tom was
Executive Assistant to City Councilor Anthony Perruzza
Marit Stiles – Davenport School Board Trustee and board member of Toronto Foundation for Student Success, she
is President of Canada’s NDP and National Director of Public Policy and Research for ACTRA.
Peter Tabuns – Toronto Danforth Voted best MPP twice by NOW Magazine, ONDP critic for energy and
environmental issues. Past Toronto City Councilor, Executive Director of Greenpeace Canada, worked with Ontario
Nurses and chaired Toronto Board of Health.
L ABOURACTION 7
HOUSING & RETROFITS
ACORN started door knocking in 2004 in Toronto, Ottawa and
Hamilton. Since then we have facilitated 20- to 40-minute house
visits with over 150,000 of the lowest-income tenants across
these three cities.
During each visit we ask, “What is to heat their apartment with their oven,
the biggest issue you would like to or have faulty windows that need to be
see changed?” Undoubtedly, the most left open while running air conditioning
common issue we hear about is the units.
substandard state of both public and In the previous government’s Climate Research has shown that every $1
private housing. Change Action Plan, tenants were million spent on social housing retrofits
Common issues experienced by low- promised $385 million to $500 million generates energy savings of $1.3 million
income tenants are leaking pipes for social housing retrofits, plus $300 to to $3.9 million, as well as additional
causing mice, rats, cockroaches, $400 million in incentives for retrofits benefits to residents, such as improved
bedbugs and mould; as well as poorly in other private apartment buildings, wellbeing. Without this money, the
insulated windows leading to freezing funded through cap-and-trade revenues. province’s most vulnerable tenants
temperatures in the winter and extreme The diversion of this money away will be forced to continue living in
discomfort due to heat in the summer. from retrofits represents a huge loss substandard units that are up to 25 per
For many vulnerable people, for hundreds of thousands of tenants cent less energy efficient than houses.
substandard units lead to negative across the province. We are concerned
health outcomes, such as asthma, stress, about the ripple effect that substandard Marva Burnett
diseases carried by bugs and more. housing will have on tenants, and President
In addition, it is incredibly difficult anticipate an increase in socioeconomic ACORN Canada, Toronto
for people to even consider carbon and health inequality as a result of this
emissions when they have no option but funding cut.
TALK IS CHEAP NOW WHERE IS THE MONEY?
When the Ford Conservatives abolish Ontario’s Cap and Trade program, billions of dollars
disappear that was intended for retrofits of buildings to reduce carbon pollution, so the question is
where will the money come from for this vital work?
Hospital Energy Efficiency Program Home Energy Audits and Retrofits Mass Timber Buildings Project
($64 million) ($100 million) Investing in tall-wood building
Making hospitals more energy Enhancing existing home energy skills development.
efficient and redirecting savings into audit and retrofit programs to help
patient care. homeowners reduce energy costs. SMART Green ($25 million)
Helping small and medium-sized
Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund Social Housing Apartment Retrofit businesses implement upgrades to
(school retrofits) Program ($82 million) their manufacturing processes.
($200 million) Renovating large social housing
Building upgrades in schools to create apartment buildings Low-Carbon Building Skills
cleaner and less expensive facilities. (150+ units). ($9.6 million)
Investing in training current and
Campus Retrofit Program ($214 Social Housing Apartment future workers to become skilled in
million) Improvement Program low-carbon retrofits and construction.
Building upgrades on postsecondary ($575 million)
campuses to create cleaner and less Improvements to high-rise social
expensive facilities. housing apartment buildings over
four years.8 SUMMER | 2018
CITY COUNCIL REPORT CARD 2014-2018
The Labour movement in Toronto works hard to improve the quality of life for the people of this city. That quality of life
is built on a foundation of strong public services servicing every neighbourhood, and programs that sustain healthy
communities. Those depend on the women and men who work both on the front lines and in supporting roles. Those
workers deserve fair wages and working conditions. The city also has valuable public assets which need to be
defended. The Labour Council produces a grading matrix based on voting records and leadership demonstrated by the
current City Council members, which are assessed on their stand on these crucial issues..
Mayor Tory has often disappointed. He is hesitant to raise money to run
the City, other than for his SmartTrack plan. He intended to privatize
John Tory Toronto Hydro and solid waste collection, but could not get the votes.
Mayor On a few issues he supports a progressive approach, on most he C
Old enables a conservative austerity agenda. His leadership of the city
Ward leaves much room for improvement.
Vincent Crisanti A Ford loyalist, who has consistently supported a right wing agenda
1 Etobicoke North including on race relations. Support's Doug Ford’s Bill 5 slashing F
Council seats.
(running in new Ward 1)
Quickly transforming into the style of his uncles. Actually voted against
Mike Ford
2
Etobicoke North
improvements to the community benefits package for the Woodbine F
Casino.
Stephen Holyday The other Etobicoke Councillor who voted against improving
3
Etobicoke Centre community benefits and has one of the most right-wing voting records. F
John Campbell Voted for every privatization motion on the floor. However, he did take
4
Etobicoke Centre action against Neo-Nazi meeting in his ward. F
Justin J. Di Ciano Plagued by scandals of corruption and possible electoral fraud, but is
5
Etobicoke Lakeshore fronting the group favouring Ford’s Bill 5. F
Mark Grimes A voice for developers, votes for austerity, and forced the lockout of
6
Etobicoke Lakeshore IATSE at the CNE. But did oppose garbage privatization. F
Giorgio Mammoliti There is no limit to his outrageous behaviour to gain attention. Usually
7
York West votes hard right, except for garbage privatization. F
Anthony Perruzza Sides with workers, strong defender of local democracy. Mentor to
8 4 York West young activists - one who was elected as NDP MPP in June. B
Maria Augimeri Fiercely loyal to workers issues, she has always voted for public services
9 4 York Centre and to defend employment land. B
He supports contracting out, and voted in favour of potentially
James Pasternak
10
York Centre
privatizing Toronto Hydro and Parking Authority. But did vote for D+
regulations for short term rentals
Frances Nunziata The Council Speaker (once again) who has voted with Tory on almost
11
York South-Weston everything, and in favour of cuts and contracting out. F
4 Labour Council Endorsed this Candidate in 2014WINTER | 2017 L ABOURACTION 9
Frank Di Giorgio Long past his "best before" date. He voted to consider selling off Hydro
12
York South-Weston and Parking, keeping with his regressive views on city finances. F
Always a unifying voice, she has worked to improve community services
Sarah Doucette
13 4 Parkdale High Park
and against privatization and contracting out. Strong local focus on her B+
constitutents.
An insightful critic of the Mayor and right wing on Council. His
Gord Perks
14 4 Parkdale High Park
advocacy on revenue tools and progressive public policy are much A
needed.
Josh Colle Chair of the TTC, who is sometimes a swing vote on Council, but
15
Eglinton Lawrence generally supports the Mayor's agenda. C
Christin Carmichael Greb Probably seen as the one of the most unpopular local councillors, she
16
Eglinton Lawrence has been a hard line advocate for conservative ideology. F
Cesar Palacio Has consistently upheld the austerity agenda, works against
17
Davenport environmental and progressive public policy. F
Ana Bailao Strong advocate on housing, workers' issues and community benefits.
18 4 Davenport Always a bridge builder within Council. B+
Mike Layton Leader on environmental and road safety issues, as well as both Casino
19 4 Trinity Spadina fights. Solid pro-labour vote. A
New face on Council has learned to work multiple sides to achieve
Joe Cressy
20 4 Trinity Spadina
agreement while maintaining principles. His work on safe injection sites A
will save many lives.
Joe Mihevc Mihevc is a vetern leader on poverty, social justice and health issues.
21 4 St. Paul’s Progressive transit expert A
Josh Matlow Matlow is a wild card. Ardent opponent of the Scarborough Subway,
22
St. Paul’s has led on street safety and other local issues. C
Has had a mixed voting record, and went wrong way on TIEGs tax
John Filion
23
Willowdale
giveaway. Fights gentrification and condo over-development in his D
ward.
David Shiner Veteran Conservative has kept himself in the Mayor's corner. Leading
24
Willowdale voice for Ford's hijack of election. F
Jaye Robinson Profoundly anti-union, she was in charge of failed garbage privatization
25
Don Valley West effort in 2017. F
Jon Burnside Votes on the Conversative side of Council, and hasn't shown much
26
Don Valley West leadership on key issues. F
Kristyn Wong-Tam Council leader on racial and gender equity, helped initiate Women
27 4 Toronto Centre-Rosedale Win TO. Consistent supporter of labour issues A
Hand picked by the Mayor and conservatives on Council. Her
Lucy Troisi
28
Toronto Centre-Rosedale
appointment in Pam McConnel's seat was a disgrace, and now she is F
breaking promise not to run.
Mary Fragedakis East York progressive shines for her work on increasing food security
29 4 Toronto Danforth programs, and retail workers rights. A10 S U M M E R | 2 0 1 8
CITY COUNCIL REPORT CARD 2014-2018
Paula Fletcher Led fight to save public holidays for retail workers, and defending
30 4 Toronto Danforth employment lands. Strong supporter of culture and film industries. A
A long time defender of public services, and childcare in particular.
Janet Davis
31 4 Beaches East York
Her strong social justice lens will be missed on Council when she A
retires.
Mary-Margaret Mcmahon An environmentalist, and an advocate for a two-term limits. After her
32
Beaches East York second term, not running again. C
A veteran leader on progressive public policy and a strong voice for
Shelley Carroll
33 4 Don Valley East
police accountability. Did not succeed in provincial election so back in A
Council race.
Denzil Minnan-Wong Tory's Deputy Mayor has been a ruthless enforcer of right wing
34
Don Valley East conservatism. Ran for Ford's Conservatives and lost. F
Michelle Holland-
Generally follows for the Mayor's agenda, seldom votes for progressive
35 Berardinetti
issues. F
Scarborough Southwest
Gary Crawford Tory's Budget Chief who tries to penny pinch public services and find
36
Scarborough Southwest cuts in the system. Conservative on most issues. F
Michael Thompson He typically has a conservative voting record favouring big money, but
37
Scarborough Centre showed leadership on the Woodbine community benefits debate. D
Glenn De Baeremaeker A champion for Scarborough, and a subway to Town Centre. Good on
38 4 Scarborough Centre worker issues, but sides with Ford's plan to cut Council to 25 seats C
Jim Karygiannis Can be infuriating on some issues, but helpful on garbage privatization
39
Scarborough Agincourt and keeping public holidays for retail workers. C-
Norm Kelly Mostly known for his twitter performances, he has shown no leadership
40
Scarborough Agincourt on Council this term. F
Chin Lee Has a mixed voting record. A fiscal conservative, but would listen to
41
Scarborough Rouge River arguments on public services. Left to run in provincial election. D
Neethan Shan
42 4 Has demonstrated real leadership in bringing diversity issues to
Council, solid vote on labour and public services since elected. A
Scarborough Rouge River
Paul Ainslie Sides with Mayor's agenda on most issues, generally supports
43
Scarborough East privatization. F
Jim Hart A recent appointee due to the death of Ron Moeser, he has generally
44
Scarborough East been neutral on council. DL ABOURACTION 11
A PEOPLE’S GUIDE TO NAFTA
The governments of North America are deep into a process of
renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Since it was signed, NAFTA has • Put workers and their rights at the
been instrumental, along with heart of a new agreement.
other policies, in increasing wealth • Promote and protect public services.
inequality, job insecurity, wage • Include strong provisions to protect
stagnation and the creation of the environment and natural
a precarious work force. It has resources.
weakened public services and led to • Maintain the right to regulate in the
lower regulatory standards. Canada public interest.
has been sued numerous times by • Remove the energy chapter and
American corporations under Chapter cancel the proportional energy
sharing provision.
11 over public policy that interferes
with their potential profits. • Remove all references to water.
• Maintain and expand the exemption
The Council of Canadians vigorously
for culture.
opposed NAFTA and its predecessor,
• Protect Canada’s supply
the Canada-U.S. Free Trade
management system.
Agreement. It recommends that
• Protect and enhance Indigenous
Canadians only support a new trade
rights.
agreement for North America if it will:
• Remove Chapter 11. Find out more at Canadians.org
Keep Up The Fight For Pharmacare
The Canadian Labour Congress is continuing to organize to win
universal pharmacare. Canada is the only industrialized country
with a public healthcare system that does NOT have pharmacre.
• 24 percent of respondents in • The Ford Conservatives are reducing
Ontario said they or someone else the recent partial Pharmacare
in their household hadn’t taken program that would have covered
medication as prescribed because prescription drug costs for anyone
they couldn’t afford to. under the age of 25.
• Today, public spending in Ontario Everyone should have equal access
covers less than half the cost of to the prescription drugs they need
prescription medicine.
regardless of where they live. It’s time
• An estimated one in three of the for a universal prescription drug plan.
province’s 6,923,200 workers –
Help win pharmacare by talking to
2,307,733 – don’t have health
benefits. your family and friends, and filling
out the online survey for the newly
• Ontario’s Drug Benefit covers
seniors, but they still pay an appointed Advisory Council on
annual deductible of $100, and Pharmacare – go to www.letstalkhealth.ca
co-payments of $6.11 on every
prescription. To find out more, go to aplanforeveryone.ca12 S U M M E R | 2 0 1 8
And The Rich Get Richer
Canada’s wealthiest family dynasties are 4,400 times richer than Not only do these families control vast
the average Canadian family and much more likely to keep that amounts of wealth, but their members
are also disproportionately likely to
money in the family than they were two decades ago.
be among the highest-paid CEOs in
Canada’s Wealthy 87 saw their net Canada.
worth grow by an average of 37% “Canada is the only country in the
between in four years to $3 billion a G7 without an inheritance, estate
family, while middle class Canadian or gift tax on tremendous family
families saw their net worth grow by wealth,” says the study’s author David
only 16% over the same period; Macdonald. “Instituting an estate tax
The Wealthy 87 now own 4,448 and eliminating tax preferences for
times as much wealth as the Canadian capital gains and dividend income
average, and have as much wealth as could go a long way to curbing the
12 million Canadians combined ($259 tendency of Canada’s tax system
A new study by the Canadian Centre billion) to heighten socially, politically and
for Policy Alternatives (CCPA). Born economically harmful levels of wealth
Inheritance is a bigger factor for
To Win: Wealth concentration in concentration in Canada.”
today’s Wealthy 87, with 53% of
Canada since 1999, compares the
wealthy families having passed their
net worth of Canada’s 87 wealthiest Policyalternatives.ca
wealth down at least one generation
resident families (the Wealthy 87) to
compared to 45% in 1999;
average families.
Retail Workers Deserve Statutory Holidays!!
Unifor Local 414 members led the campaign in Peel Region to opening retail stores 364 days of the
prevent changes to their Holiday Shopping by-law. year.
With municipal elections fast
Just as Toronto did, Peel Region held unanimously in favour of saving stat
approaching now is the time to put
public consultations and allowed holidays.
the pressure on those who are running
delegations at all their regional Had York regional councillors listened for York city council, to overturn the
council meetings leading up to the to the retail workers affected by the Holiday shopping by-law and give
staff report and final vote. Every change the outcome could have been back the 9 statutory holidays retail
two weeks workers spoke in front different. Instead they chose a fast line workers deserve.
of regional councillors to have their approach
stories told, And they were powerful. which only
Single parents, who would have issues heard the
getting child care, families where business
both parents work retail and rarely side; they
get to have a meal together because of never had
their work schedules, a grandmother a chance
who works in retail who is afraid for to see the
the future of her grandchildren and full picture
knows how devastating the loss of and the face
Sunday already had, and the effect of people
on the family unit. Just as in Toronto, affected by
Peel Regional councillors votedL ABOURACTION 13
ANOTHER TORONTO TRAGEDY
On Sunday July 22nd After the shootings on Danzig Street and their parents, investing in strong
Torontonians were shocked to in 2012. Labour Council was deeply community services, and addressing
involved in an effort to bring together systemic barriers faced by racialized and
learn of the horrific shooting
people from all walks of life to fashion marginalized communities. While these
spree on Danforth Avenue that a strategy to tackle gun violence and may not have averted the mental health
killed two innocent victims and its root causes. That effort built on the crisis or motive of the shooter on the
wounded thirteen others. learnings from experts as well as people Danforth, they are important elements
on the front lines. It included calling in dealing with the bigger crisis of gun
Our thoughts go out to the victims
for stronger gun control, as access to violence.
of this tragic event and their families
guns is a basic factor in the scale of
and loved ones. We thank the first We know there is no one action that
harm which can be inflicted on others.
responders and the bystanders who will solve the problem of gun violence.
Recently it has come to light that since
came to help the victims. This is not the federal government scrapped the It has claimed too many innocent
the first such incident that deserves gun registry and associated controls, the victims in every part of the city. But we
universal condemnation, nor sadly will number of firearms imported legally into can start immediately by demanding
it be the last. Canada has skyrocketed. This is simply that the Federal government restore
As each tragedy strikes, we will all be unacceptable. all restrictions on gun purchase and
faced with a responsibility to search for registration, and bringing a complete
Six years ago we sent every
solutions while showing resilience as a ban to handguns and assault weapons
elected official in greater Toronto a
society. It is vital that our response starts into effect. And we must continue to
comprehensive list of recommendations
with embracing our common humanity pressure politicians at every level of
to address the complex nature of
and building social solidarity rather than the roots of youth violence. Those government to follow through with the
division. Peace, love and compassion are recommendations put forward a hopeful policies and programs that will change
the themes of the vigils and local events vision for Toronto with a focus on the dynamics that lead to young men
held since that day to begin the healing three main areas: the desperate need picking up a gun and pulling the trigger.
in the community. for good jobs for both young people
Riding The Underground Freedom Train
On July 31st, hundreds turned out for
Toronto’s 6th annual Emancipation
Day Underground Freedom Train ride.
Organized by A Different Booklist on
Bathurst Street, the event marked the
abolition of slavery throughout the
British Empire on August 1st, 1834.
Between 1628 and the early 1800s,
approximately 3000 people of African
origin came to Canada and most were
held as slaves. In 1793, the Parliament
of Upper Canada (now Ontario)
passed the first act to limit slavery in
the British Empire. Ontario became a
destination for those fleeing slavery in
the United States via the “underground
railroad.” Finally the British Parliament's Emancipation Act abolished slavery in all parts of the Empire in 1834. The
Freedom Train Ride is a celebration to acknowledge the long struggle for racial justice in our province.
adifferentbooklist.com14 S U M M E R | 2 0 1 8
Indigenous & Workers of Colour
Conference 2018
Travelling from as far as Sault
Ste Marie, London and Montreal,
union workers came together
for the Labour Council’s annual
Indigenous and Workers of
Colour Conference on June 16,
2018. The conference theme
was “Decolonizing Corridors
of Power, Privilege & Politics”
and for the second time IBEW
Local 353 was the location host
opening their training centre
to accommodate over 200
conference attendees.
The Conference was chaired by Equity Green, who narrated a powerful story were presented by representatives of
Committee co-chairs Joy Davis and of the racist incidents he experienced OPSEU’s Indigenous Circle, Asian
Mark Brown and opened by John in his home town, starting with Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA),
Cartwright, Labour Council President. childhood and culminating in a recent Canadian Black Trade Unionists
Cartwright spoke about the need profiling by police as he waited for a (CBTU). Workshops were titled We are
for unions to commit to increasing bus in his own neighbourhood. He the Union, Municipal Elections from a
diversity amongst their leadership and succinctly connected issues of race Racialized and Indigenous Perspective,
staff, and to ensure that doors are open and class in calling for a movement to Building Allyship, Addressing
to workers of colour to access good build social and economic justice. Systemic Racism in the Labour
jobs. Movement and Indigenous Realities.
The afternoon keynote was by Federal
A powerful panel entitled “#MeToo: A The conference theme of
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh who spoke
racialized & indigenous perspective” “Decolonizing Corridors of Power,
of his own journey to becoming a
Privilege & Politics” was chosen to
was anchored by Maggie Cywink, leader of a national political party.
recognize the need to build effective
provincial advisor on the Missing The conference attendees lined up
solidarity in the labour movement, to
and Murdered Indigenous Women patiently to ask questions on a wide
create activists and leaders who will
and Girls Inquiry, ACTRA lawyer variety of issues covering the Truth &
challenge the rising tide of hate and
Victoria Shen and Andria Babbington Reconciliation Commission, the NDP’s
conservative politics that undermines
of UNITEHERE Local 75. The panel commitment to climate action and
worker rights. The response in
was facilitated by Equity Committee strategies to address systemic racism.
registration and full participation on
member Danica Izzard from OSSTF Following the keynote, the the day is clear indication that union
Toronto. participants had their choice of members from diverse sectors are
The morning keynote was delivered workshops covering a wide range committed to building a strong and
by Hamilton City Councillor Matthew of topics. Some of the workshops vibrant labour movement.L ABOURACTION 15
TRADELINX: Opening Doors To Good Jobs
Before she started her construction training, Laura was working LEC started the program (then called
as a cleaner and responsible for looking after her younger sibling. I’m Eglinton) to provide an entry into
the trades for diverse youth facing
She had a driver’s license but no car. At the training course she is barriers to employment. Many have
taking now, she finds the pace of the lessons is easy to follow and gone on to work in residential or ICI
is planning her future. At 21, Laura has a clear goal – she wants construction, and some on the Eglinton
to become a drywall finisher and member of the Painters Union. Crosstown Light Rail Transit line. Work
on the line has come under the auspices
to come by than when he was in high of the Community Benefit Framework
school. He has also decided he wants to negotiated with Metrolinx by the
do drywall finishing. Construction Craft Toronto Community Benefits Network.
Worker is his second choice. TradeLinx is funded by the City of
Both of these TradeLinx participants Toronto Employment and Social
will finish their 12 week pre-apprentice Services. The United Ways’ Career
training at the beginning of August, Navigator provides addition staffing
and move into further training as a to provide wrap around supports for
participants during the program as well
union apprentice. They will join over
as after. Curriculum includes essential
Eighteen year old Abdinasir was waking a hundred other graduates of the
job skills, math with hands-on training
up every day to play video games. He program since the Labour Education that includes certifications through the
has Grade 10 education but got drawn Centre (a project of the Toronto & York Workers Health and Safety Centre, and
into the youth justice system. After Region Labour Council) founded the some on-site experience. Each class
starting the pre-apprenticeship program program in 2015. The placement rate of visits trades training centres to help
he is enjoying the hands-on work. He TradeLinx participants in the unionized them understand the depth of union
also finds the math skills much easier trades is over 90% provided training.
Hello!? Can Anybody Help Me?
The Toronto Public Library (TPL) is conducting a pilot project Several
to “test” the idea of staffless libraries. The idea is to extend open libraries in
the United
hours of many, if not all, 100 library branches in Toronto. The States and
test begins early September at two of TPL’s smallest branches, Europe
Todmorden and Swansea. If “successful,” (as determined by TPL have been
management), the project will be expanded system wide. experimenting
with staffless
During the new open hours, there will world’s best. Haley is alarmed by the libraries. But guarding against problems
be no library workers onsite to assist potentially unintended consequences such as drug use, patron safety and
patrons and safeguard library assets. In of unsupervised access to public assets, others has proven to be costly.
response, the union, the Toronto Public worth hundreds of millions of dollars,
“When two people start arguing about
Library Workers’ Union (TPLWU, CUPE not to mention the personal safety of
who has the right to use one of the
4948), is planning a public education users, particularly students and seniors.
library’s computers, who’s going to
campaign highlighting the problems “So many things could go wrong in a intervene? If someone is hurt, how long
with shedding library workers, despite staffless library,” says Haley. “We have will it take for someone to notice and get
the rapidly growing demand for the problems even when there is staff on help?”
services they provide. duty - problems with theft, harassment,
Stay tuned for news on the union
TPLWU President, Brendan Haley, and disputes among patrons. On top
campaign and how you can help prevent
has worked for TPL over 40 years of this, there is an increasing demand
this attack on one of Toronto’s most
and knows every nook and cranny by patrons for the information and
popular, and important public services.
of the Toronto library system, which advice that library workers are uniquely
is widely regarded as one on the qualified to give.”THE ABUSE OF POWER BEGINS
Conservatives ran the province. This the Fords ran City Hall. They scrapped
move is driven not by a pursuit of transit plans and cut services,
savings. It is about restoring backroom outsourced jobs and targeted libraries
deals by wealthy powerbrokers - for closure. We now see how that same
reducing accountability so they can chaos will be imposed from Doug
profit from the resources of our cities. Ford at Queen’s Park. Ford ran and
Behind it will be a drive to privatize lost his bid to be Mayor. For many this
services and sell off public assets. surprise attack smacks of a revenge
agenda on Toronto progressives as well
And so the abuse of as key opponents like Patrick Brown.
power begins. Without malice as the motive, any
Nobody should believe that the politician acting with integrity would
Premier Ford’s bombshell Conservatives will stop at Bill 5 – and take time to consult the people and
no one knows who will be the next change the boundaries for the next
announcement that he will
target. Within hours they announced election.
hijack the Toronto election
cuts to social assistance rates and an Last time the Conservatives took over
and unilaterally slash Council abrupt end to the pilot project on this province they dumped billions
representation is a deeply minimum income. We are seeing of costs on the property taxpayers.
disturbing indication of how how a Trump-style leadership would It took years to recover – in fact we
Ontario will be run over the operate – with complete disregard for are still paying for those destructive
next four years. justice. Whether it is around schools, decisions that were masked by simple
healthcare, pensions or labour rights slogans and mean-spirited ideology.
With no notice and no consultation, - it is guaranteed that in the next four Crumbling schools, cancelled transit
Doug Ford has decided to cut the years all of us will find ourselves in lines, increased poverty and boarded
Council to 25 seats from the current a fight, defending things we have up housing are the legacy of that
number of 47. If he applied the assumed were secure and fair. experience. We cannot afford four
same formula of one Councillor per
The people of Toronto saw nothing more years of chaos in Toronto or
provincial riding elsewhere, city
but chaos and global ridicule when Ontario.
councils would be obliterated. But
these deep cut are only aimed at
Toronto. In York Region, Peel, Niagara
and Muskoka, he is cancelling the
direct elections of the Council Chairs
– the most powerful politician in each
Region.
A politician interfering in elections
that are already underway is
unprecedented in Canadian history.
It shows the same contempt
for democracy that marked the
Mike Harris regime the last time
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