TORONTO, Aug. 28, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Thousands will take to the streets on Labour Day, marching for justice, good jobs and democracy. Organized by the Toronto & York Region Labour Council, North America’s largest labour day parade theme this year is “Mobilize for Justice”. This reflects the need to defend the democratic right of equitable representation, the need for families to have good jobs and public services that support their needs; and says a clear no to hate, racism and discrimination.
“Workers are the backbone of all economies, whose labour produces profit for a select few. Why shouldn’t workers enjoy the benefits of their labour? We pay taxes to have healthcare, vibrant communities, raise successful families and be happy – this means inclusive education, healthy environments and good jobs with benefits and living wages,” said John Cartwright, President of the Labour Council. “The Labour movement always steps up when rights are eroded – going back nearly 150 years this is what we do and will do,” Cartwright added, urging union activists to speak up against privatization, lack of housing and transit to connect our communities and asks them to hold elected officials accountable in making corporations pay their fair share of taxes.
The labour movement is focused on the need to protect Ontario’s labour laws and Employment Standards Act and the increase in minimum wage. “The Provincial government has the opportunity to ensure that Ontario families thrive by prioritizing living wages and good jobs. Only tears trickle down, not profit,” said Labour Council Vice-President Andria Babbington. “Unions were formed to challenge workplace abuses – the labour movement collectively worked to win paid holidays, pensions, healthcare and maternity leave. We do not want Mr. Ford to strip away worker rights or the $15 minimum wage.”
The parade leaves from Queen and University on Monday, September 3 rd at 9:30am and goes along Queen Street West to finish at Lamport Stadium. This new destination is because IATSE Local 58 (workers who provide staging services for Toronto’s entertainment, convention and trade show industries) have been locked out by Exhibition Place, their employer, since July. They are fighting to protect their jobs from vendor outsourcing that will erode wages and benefits. The labour family will not cross the picket line and calls on Mayor Tory to expeditiously resolve this lockout at the earliest so that we can all go to the EX!
The media are invited to a press meet at the base of Adam Beck’s statue (Queen & University) at 8:45am where the following individuals will be speaking and available to answer their questions.
John Cartwright – President, Toronto & York Region Labour Council Chris Buckley – President, Ontario Federation of Labour Deena Ladd – Co-Founder & Coordinator, Workers Action Centre Joy Lachica – Executive Board Member of Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario Aleem Tharani – ATU Local 113 & TTC Riders
The Toronto and York Region Labour Council is a central labour body that combines the strength of over 150 local unions representing 208,000 women and men and who work in every sector of the economy. For information visit www.labourcouncil.ca and follow @torontolabour on Facebook and Twitter .
Toronto & York Region Labour Council Media Contact: Kiruthiha Kulendiren, Communications Coordinator: (416) 575 8603 or kkulendiren@labourcouncil.ca 15 Gervais Drive, Suite 407, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y8
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