Post on 28-Dec-2015
Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 2
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
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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
Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 4
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
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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
Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 6
Toronto & Kitchener
1. Insecurity about the economy2. Concern about cuts to services3. The word Austerity didn’t resonate
FOCUS GROUPS
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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
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Radio ads - April 17 -21Earned media (T.V. radio, print) WebsiteFacebook
PUBLIC RELATIONS
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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
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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
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• 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.
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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
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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
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Falling Behind (complete)
Civil Disobedience (TBD)
Train-the-trainer workshops
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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