ontario federation of labour june 18, 2012 1. ontario federation of labour june 18, 2012 2 at the...

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 1


At the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) 2011 convention, delegates witnessing how austerity budgets around the world and in Canada were beginning to undermine public sector workers and programs, passed an action plan calling for an Ontario Common Front.

BACKGROUND


To bring together groups, organizations, and individuals across Ontario that are working to expose growing inequality in Ontario and propose workable solutions to fix it.

To support local campaigns with provincial coordination and resources.

To garner media attention in local communities through

highlighting the negative fall-out of the cuts, and always providing an alternative.

To move the Ontario government to adopt policies and

legislation that create greater economic and social justice for everyone

Mission Statement


Six (6) representatives of community organizations with a provincial presence (to be determined by the provincial community organization sector)

Six (6) representatives of labour organizations (three labour council appointments and three from OFL affiliated unions)

One (1) First Nations representative determined by a circle process facilitated by the OFL’s Vice-President for Aboriginal Persons.

Five (5) equity representatives reflecting the diversity of Ontario

– women, youth, workers of colour, disability, LGBTQ (to be determined by consultation between equity-seeking community organizations and the OFL’s equity leadership).

Provincial Council Representation


Galvanize public opposition to public spending cuts

Build public support for rolling-back corporate tax cuts and introducing a wealth tax

Strengthen the ability of people to address growing inequality

GOALS


Toronto & Kitchener

1. Insecurity about the economy2. Concern about cuts to services3. The word Austerity didn’t resonate

FOCUS GROUPS


POLLING


The poll showed the 68% of the public would like to see corporations pay their fair share to help reduce the Ontario deficit

74% supported and additional ten percent tax on individual income above 250,000

POLLING


Radio ads - April 17 -21Earned media (T.V. radio, print) WebsiteFacebook

PUBLIC RELATIONS


On April 20, over 100 activists from labour and community gathered in downtown Toronto to strategize about the next phase of the We Are Ontario campaign

A mission, organizational structure and recommendations for a plan of action were adopted

2nd COMMON FRONT ASSEMBLY


Over 15,000 Ontarians amassed at Queen’s Park under the banner “We Are Ontario”

Nearly 90 labour unions and community groups joined together in protesting McGuinty’s deep cuts to jobs and services

Over 100 buses rolled in from across the province

APRIL 21 DAY OF ACTION


• Two percent surtax on $500,000 earners• Childcare, $242 million added•Welfare & Disability added $55 million•Northern Hospitals, $20 million added• Second reading on Bill 77 Labour Law Reform

RESULTS AT Q.P.


OCASI ACORN CFS ODSP Colour of Poverty OHC ISARC Nia

Provincial Common FrontWe are Ontario

Steering Committee Step It Up OFL Labour Councils CBTU LATUC Aboriginal Communities


London Common Front (CF)

Hamilton People’s Forum

K-W Common Front

Mississauga-Brampton (CF TBD)

Cornwall (CF TBD)

Thunder Bay (CF TBD)

REGIONAL MEETINGS


Falling Behind Press Conference in K-W


Falling Behind (complete)

Civil Disobedience (TBD)

Train-the-trainer workshops


Launch of KW Common Front


Pride Parade in Toronto, OFL under the banner “We Are Ontario: Out and Proud”

November 9-11, 2012 Equity Conference titled, “We Are Ontario: Putting Equity Ahead of Austerity”

EQUITY


Cuts

Testimonials

Events

Reports

Cuts

ontario federation of labour june 18, 2012 1. ontario federation of labour june 18, 2012 2 at the...

Documents

ontario common

ontario campaign

ontario government

ontario deficit

diversity of ontario

public spending cuts

labour unions

community groups