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
Updates
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
Working as a Security Guard: New WAC factsheet
There are many ads in the newspaper and on the internet promising a great career and good pay as a security guard. This is not often the reality. Many security guards receive low pay, no benefits and have little protection on the job – and often are new immigrants and/or young workers who may not… contine reading
Solidarity with our US allies: WAC visits New York City
The weekend of March 30, 2012, a contingent of WAC staff and members visited workers’ centres in New York City — to build alliances, share strategies, and make a difference for workers all over North America. The WAC group was also joined by members from the Caregivers’ Action Centre and Justicia for Migrant Workers. Our… contine reading
The Ontario Budget 2012: The provincial government abandons its poverty reduction promise
The 2012 Ontario budget abandons the McGuinty Government’s poverty reduction strategy – a commitment to reduce poverty by 25% by 2013. A freeze on social assistance means that, after inflation, Ontarians with the lowest incomes will be dragged further into poverty. The budget ignores the child care crisis. Instead of building jobs, revenues to fund… contine reading
Fighting back and winning in Hamilton with Steel City Solidarity
Karen came to Steel City Solidarity after being fired by her employer. After years of working for them as an employee, the company suddenly wanted to declare her an independent contractor, even though she was doing the exact same job as before. She refused to accept this. For months she was pressured while the company… contine reading
Repeat offender continues wage theft across Ontario
Eyob speaks out……I came to Windsor Canada in 2009 from Africa. I was very excited as I dropped off my resume and applied for my first job in this country. The owner seemed very happy to see me and I was soon hired. I was very happy to get this job as there are not… contine reading
No consequences makes it easy to break the law
Gary speaks out… I moved to Toronto from Vancouver in October 2009, because my mother took ill. Since being here I have worked many different jobs and faced violations in all of them. I am sickened by it. After working for a maintenance company for three weeks I did not receive a pay cheque. I… contine reading
Speaking out could mean losing your job
Aliza speaks out… I have been here in Canada for almost 6 years working hard. I worked at a beverage company as a temporary agency worker for 1 year. I was paid $9.00 per hour, which is under the minimum wage, with no vacation pay. At the end of the year I was asking for… contine reading
Students can’t afford wage theft
Alberto speaks out… Facing an employer for unpaid wages is a nerve-racking experience. Feelings of anxiety, exploitation, degradation and desperation overtake you, which are only amplified by the idea that you may not get paid after working so hard just to earn an honest living. I experienced working with an employer who had no difficulty… contine reading