Tuesday October 17 2017

OTTAWA – The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) call on the Ontario government to strengthen Bill 148, The Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act. Ontario members of CUPW sent a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne raising concerns on amendments introduced after the tabling of the bill.
Temporary workers and contractors should have the real possibility of permanent work and genuine protections if they become ill or injured on the job. Part-time workers deserve fair scheduling, an important aspect of Bill 148 that is under threat because of amendments that added employer loopholes.

“As a worker in Peel region and volunteer in my community, I see families, especially new-comers, struggling to make ends meet. People are working for low wages, forced into multiple jobs with erratic schedules. Others are being exploited by temporary agencies who put them in dangerous jobs with little or no training. It is time to stand up to big business and ensure that all workers have the dignity and respect that they deserve, ” said Abdi Hagi Yusuf, Secretary Treasurer, CUPW Toronto Local and Co-Chair of Somali Workers’ Network.
CUPW members also want the Ontario government to take further steps to improve access to unionization for all Ontario workers. The removal of the exceptions for agricultural horticultural and domestic workers is critical because it denies vital protections to some of the most vulnerable workers.

Furthermore, card check certification needs to be extended to all sectors and workers need quicker access to first contract arbitration. Finally, the legislation should prohibit the hiring of replacement workers, which undermines a union’s fundamental right to fair bargaining.

“Our members know that unionization is critical to ensuring truly fair workplaces. There is strong public demand for real change that creates fair working conditions in Ontario. The Ontario government needs to act now to raise the floor for all workers,” added Mike Palecek, National President of CUPW.