WAC joined the Good Jobs for All Coalition at an info picket to expose the “cheap labour agenda”, which include the recent changes to Employment Insurance and to the migrant worker program. The EI changes will force unemployed workers to take lower-paying work or risk losing their EI benefits. Meanwhile, employers are now permitted to… contine reading
Updates
Communities across Ontario calling for decent work
Workers need good jobs and basic protection at work to address growing poverty said participants at a poverty symposium organized by the Social Planning Council of Cambridge and North Dumphries this week. Participants talked about how plant closures are leading to growing numbers of unemployed workers in their communities. Part-time and precarious work is growing… contine reading
Caregiver wins unpaid wages. Her case can help other caregivers!
Agripina worked 12 hours a day and many weekends looking after 2 young kids in a busy household only to face unpaid wages. But she fought back. Agripina not only got her unpaid wages, but the court case resulted in a legal decision that may help caregivers in the future. Agripina filed a claim against… contine reading
Expand protection for precarious workers. Pass Bill 77!
Getting rid of barriers to unionize is an important way to improve low-wage, precarious jobs. This is the message WAC shared today speaking in favour of Bill 77, the Fairness to Employees Act, during a deputation at the Standing Committee on Regulations and Private Bills. Bill 77 would modernize the Ontario Labour Relations Act (OLRA),… contine reading
Migrant workers face 15% wage cut
A controversial new policy by the federal government will allow employers to pay 15 per cent less to migrant workers than to Canadians. The Workers’ Action Centre participated in country-wide actions yesterday to oppose this change, which like the proposed EI changes, will drive down wages for all workers—while allowing some to be paid less… contine reading
Proposed EI changes will push workers into low-wage jobs
Part of the Conservative government’s new omnibus bill would require workers on Employment Insurance to accept work that pays up to 70 per cent less, to move in search of work, and to take available jobs outside their own occupation. In a Toronto Star article released today, Zelda, a Workers’ Action Centre member speaks out… contine reading
Nannies waiting longer for open-work permits in Canada
In a May 21, 2012 Toronto Star article, Kay Manuel of the Caregivers Action Centre reported on the growing number of calls from nannies complaining wait times for the open permit have been creeping up — after a drop at the start of 2012 when Ottawa issued 10,000 permits to desperate caregivers. The article tells of… contine reading
Ministry of Labour claim: Getting what’s owed to you. New WAC factsheet.
Every year, thousands of workers are forced to file claims with the Ministry of Labour for unpaid wages or other employment violations — no overtime, unpaid vacation, paid below minimum wage. WAC’s latest factsheet in our Know Your Rights series helps workers understand the process – when to file, what happens next, and how to… contine reading
WAC Organizer Nadira Gopalani honoured at CASSA gala
At the CASSA (Council of Agencies Serving South Asians) Gala event on May 12, 2012, Nadira received an Excellence in Equity Award for her outstanding contributions to social and economic justice for the South Asian community. Chris Ramsaroop was also recognized for his work as a grassroots organizer and activist with Justicia for Migrant Workers.… contine reading
Victory!! Funding cuts to Employment Standards reversed
Thanks to 3 intense months of pressure from our members and allies—$5.5 million dollars for proactive enforcement of Employment Standards have been saved from the government chopping block. The McGuinty government promises to work with WAC and other community partners to develop a plan for how the money can best to used to prevent wage… contine reading