Updates

We have managed to gain ground on two critical issues facing workers right now: paid sick days and income recovery benefits. The federal government has just extended the Canada Recovery Benefits and Employment Insurance for workers. In Ontario, Bill 239 is up for a vote on March 1, putting paid sick days within reach for… contine reading

Right now, there is overwhelming support for paid sick days because you raised your voice! Workers, healthcare providers, medical officers and over 25 mayors in Ontario know that permanent, fully paid sick days can slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our communities far into the future. In December, the Ontario NDP introduced Bill 239,… contine reading

For the past 10 months, workers in low-income jobs have faced uncertain times.  Even before the pandemic, many workers were struggling with wage theft, unfair working conditions and struggling with unsafe working conditions.  With the added health concerns of COVID-19 and mass unemployment, it’s become even harder.  That’s why we want to thank you for… contine reading

TORONTO, December 9, 2020 — Ontario’s frontline workers are outraged at Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Labour Minister Monte McNaughton who are getting a two-day head start on their own fully-paid, nine-week holiday break, while closing the door on legislating paid sick leave. Earlier, the Employment Standards Critic MPP Peggy Sattler had… contine reading

Precarious work became even more dangerous this year for thousands of low-wage, essential workers.  Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found out just how little a “thank you” does for frontline workers struggling for basic rights in factories, warehouses, grocery stores, healthcare facilities and more.  What workers really need to get through these difficult times… contine reading

Since our last update about the luxury hotel that terminated over 200 workers in the middle of this pandemic, Hotel X Toronto is feeling the heat. Not only have workers and supporters emailed and called the hotel, demanding they pay over $1.4 million in termination pay, but their expansion plans have now also been put into… contine reading

Toronto’s Hotel X is just one employer refusing to uphold their responsibility to workers during this pandemic.  This luxury hotel switched subcontractors, resulting in the termination of over 200 workers.  Instead of making sure that those who cleaned, cooked and served food to keep the hotel running would get work through the new subcontractor, the… contine reading

Today, the federal Liberals began their Cabinet retreat to finalize the COVID-19 recovery plan. Millions of people from all sectors across this country want our government to know what Canada needs right now: Nothing less than full, permanent immigration status for all migrant workers, students and undocumented people. Permanent resident status on arrival must be… contine reading

On Thursday, the federal government announced that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended for 4 more weeks, increasing the total length of the program to 28 weeks. This means if you’ve received CERB since March 15, you can continue doing so until September 26. The government also announced temporary improvements to the… contine reading

As of Tuesday, all of Ontario is now in Stage 2 of the COVID-19 reopening. But life for most workers in low-wage, precarious jobs is far from any kind of normal. Many sectors — like arts, entertainment, tourism and hospitality — have not even begun to reopen or are doing so only partially. In response… contine reading