Author Archives: ORLC ADMIN

Congratulations to Brother Allan Fisher of Unifor Local 88 who was acclaimed for the position of Member-at-Large at the June Labour Council meeting, on Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

Message from OFL President, Chris Buckley

Greetings,

As the summer draws near, we want to keep the heat on the government regarding Bill 148, Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act to ensure that meaningful labour law reform is the outcome in the fall.

While winning a $15 minimum wage in 2019 is positive, it is critical that we continue to push for the changes to the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and Employment Standards Act (ESA) that were recommended by the OFL.

Here are two ways you can be part of making it fair:

1) Join our Day of Action on June, 20th

– Call your MPP and the Premier to speak to the needs of workers across our province

– Email your MPP to inform them of the importance of the legislation

– Post on your social media using these hashtags: #MakeitFair #15andFairness #UnionSolidarity #ONPoli #DecentWork

While this legislation is a step in the right direction, workers like you and me, who need changes now must make our voices heard – don’t let Premier Wynne keep you waiting. RSVP here to stay up to date with the Day of Action: makeitfair.ca/dayofaction

2) Register to present to the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs for Bill 148

There are two weeks of public hearings scheduled for this summer (July 10-14 and 17-21).

The committee hearings are an excellent opportunity to further push for amendments to the legislation. The business lobby will be strong, which is why need to register immediately to ensure our voices are heard!

Who should present?

While it is important to hear from organized labour leadership during these public consultations, MPP’s will be particularly affected by the stories of front line workers, those that can share their lived experiences, and can assist in personifying our proposals. We encourage your delegation to ensure it gives voice to workers that will benefit from expanded recommendations and meaningful legislative change, like workers of colour, women, and persons of all ranges of ability.

Contact the clerk for the Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs, Eric Rennie today to register to speak on Bill 148.

Eric Rennie – Tel: 416-325-3506 or Email: erennie@ola.org

Every organization is permitted to register for a presentation and individuals may also make presentations. I strongly encourage you to invite labour leaders and workers throughout your union to register as individuals to further strengthen the voice of labour at these hearings.

Unfortunately, we do not yet have confirmation of the locations for these meetings. However, that information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. In addition, there will be provincial training sessions to ensure presenters are confident and prepared to succeed at each hearing.

Don’t waste any time, call or email Eric Rennie and ask to be added to the speaking list!

In solidarity,
Chris Buckley
President, Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL)

Eligible candidates must:
• Be a current member, or the child of a member, of a local union affiliated to the OFL;
• Be enrolled for September 2017 to enter their first year of full-time study (leading to a diploma or certificate) at a public Ontario community college or the first year of an undergraduate program (leading to a degree) at a publicly funded Ontario university;
• Not have any prior post-secondary studies; and
• Be currently enrolled or not more than two years out of secondary school.
The criteria for selection of the scholarship winners will be based on:
1. An original essay, poster or video submission on the topic outlined in this year’s application package.
2. A brief résumé outlining non-academic interests and activities, such as community or political involvement as well as goals for the future.
3. Evidence of understanding of the role and significance of the Canadian labour movement.
The deadline for receipt of applications is July 10, 2017. An Application Form is attached and can be found on-line at www.ofl.ca/index.php/scholarships. This year’s scholarship winners will be announced in August 2017.

Apply for the 2017 OFL/AIL Labour Post-Secondary Scholarships today!

Click here for –> 2017 OFL Scholarship Application

Oxford Regional Labour Council will hold an election for one Member-at-Large position on the Executive Board at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 28, 2017 at 7:00pm.

Meeting and election will take place in Woodstock at Unifor Local 636, 126 Beale St., N4S 6X5.

Candidates must be an elected or appointed delegate to Oxford Regional Labour Council from an affiliated union (with affiliate dues paid up-to-date) to be eligible to run for this position.