From the Labour Front
HAPPY 145TH BIRTHDAY TO THE LABOUR COUNCIL
One hundred and forty five years ago a small group of workmen came together to give life to an idea – the creation of a collective voice for working people in Toronto. On April 12th, 1871 the Toronto Trades and Labour Assembly was founded by representatives of the emerging economy – barrel-makers, shoemakers, printers, bakers, cigar-makers and metalworkers. They were soon joined by other occupations. It was a time of rising for workers across the world, from the nine hour day movement to the Paris Commune. under relentless attack around the world. In Ontario, both the provincial hydro utility Hydro One and municipal utilities such as Toronto Hydro have been under threat of privatization for years.
Public assets are under relentless attack around the world. In Ontario, both the provincial hydro utility Hydro One and municipal utilities such as Toronto Hydro have been under threat of privatization for years.
FIX LABOUR LAW AND EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
It’s time to turn things around for Ontario workers. While we wage defensive battles in response to relentless attacks, we must devote far more resources to organizing and to raising the living standards of workers. The battle for legislated workers’ rights has been at the centre of our movement’s efforts throughout its history.
STRENGTHENING OUR UNIONS THROUGH EQUITY
In September 2014, Labour Council released its latest contribution to the equity work in our movement. Entitled “A Leader’s Guide to Strengthen Unions: Moving Beyond Diversity… Towards Inclusion and Equity” the document is designed to be a tool for activists and leaders who want to build more powerful unions in greater Toronto, and across Canada.
DIVERSE WORKERS NETWORK :
The labour landscape is constantly changing. Globalization and immigration continue to impact the diversity of the workers’ population. It is also impacting on the way we engage our union workers. The Toronto and York Region Labour Council initiated the organization of diverse workers group to harness the richness of our workers’ cultural diversity and strengthen our labour movement. The following are links to some diversity workers groups. www.chineselabour.ca | www.filipinoworkers.org | www.tamilworkers.org