Unifor condemns Progressive Conservative's attack on workers' rights
TORONTO, Nov. 21, 2018 /CNW/ - Unifor calls for increased opposition to the PC's anti-worker agenda following adoption of Bill 47.
"Since the PCs tabled this Bill, the workers of Ontario have made it undeniably clear what our position is. Bill 47 was designed to steal the rights and benefits of working people, and hand them back to big business as profits," said Jerry Dias, Unifor National President. "PC MPPs were asked to do the right thing and vote no, but instead they turned their backs on the people of Ontario."
In the past two weeks, Unifor members have organized more than 70 actions in communities opposing Bill 47, and the government's attacks on workers. The union presented a comprehensive submission to government, detailing the damage that would be done if the Bill were adopted.
"Working people will not forget this sweeping attack on rights that keep millions safe at work, from equal pay for equal work to paid sick days and a fair minimum wage," Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director.
Bill 47 exposes how the PCs caved to demands by big business, including eliminating protection for part-time and temporary workers to be paid fairly, cancelling the promised increase to $15 an hour minimum wage, slashing all paid leave for workers who experience illness and crisis. The Bill also includes provisions for the government to takeover the independent, worker-run College of Trades, with the intention to close the College and replace it with an unspecified alternative.
"I'm worried about the millions of families that are put at risk because of Ford's decision to put profits ahead of people," continued Rizvi. "All workers deserve a good paying job, and fair labour laws that keep them safe and respected on the job. Every single MPP that voted in favour of Bill 47 today denied us that right."
Every PC MPP in attendance voted in favor of Bill 47, supporting changes to labour law that attack the rights of millions of workers across Ontario.
Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000 workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better future.
SOURCE Unifor
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