Do you want to participate in a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help make changes Ontarians need to help create a fairer, more equitable economy?  Do you want to learn about the OFL/Toronto & York Region Labour Council Make it Fair/ $15 & Fairness campaigns in response to the Ontario government’s review of employment laws- specifically the Labour Relations Act, 1995 & the Employment Standards Act, 2000?  If yes, the following opportunity may be for you.

Unfortunately our Employment Laws are woefully out-of-date and out-of-step with current job market realities.  Many Ontarians, including our students and their families, face the realities of precarious, part-time, contract, temporary and low-wage jobs (too often multiple jobs) to make ends meet.

OSSTF Toronto is providing a two-part opportunity for its members to help make Ontario’s labour Laws better for working people.

In phase one, OSSTF Toronto, in conjunction with the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, is hosting a training event Friday 14 October, 2016 at our Union Hall (1482 Bathurst Street, York, Ontario, M5P 3H1, 4^th floor) where we will discuss and more fully learn about the Ontario government’s review of employment laws and the Make it Fair/ $15 & Fairness campaigns.  Additionally, there will be a lobbying workshop to familiarise attendees with the lobbying of MPPs with regard to the desired changes to Ontario legislation required to move Ontario employment laws in the right direction.  Interested members will be provided Federation Release to attend this event.  Registration will begin at 9:30 am with the session commencing at 10:00 am.  A light lunch will be provided preceding networking opportunities with one’s colleagues followed by an afternoon wrap up.

Seeing that the goals of the above campaigns require legislative changes, the OFL & Labour Council are asking us to lobby politicians.  In phase two, making use of the above lobbying workshop, attendees will be called upon to meet with and to lobby MPPs with regard to the goals of the above campaigns.  A lobbying schedule will be created (based on availability).  Federation release time will be provided to allow lobbying to occur during the work day and/or in lieu of after-hours/weekend lobbying.  There will be more information with regard to this lobbying phase at the Friday 14 October, 2016 event.

Members who wish to participate in the Friday 14 October, 2016 session must also commit to some lobbying following this event.

Interested members must email Mike Platt, with “Make it Fair” in the subject line at mplatt@osstftoronto.ca not later than 2:00 pm Tuesday 11 October, 2016 of their desire to attend the event Friday 14 October, 2016.  Please also indicate one’s school/worksite.  The first 25 interested members will be enrolled.