[ad_1]
Prime Minister Doug Ford's government introduced a bill on October 23 to repeal Bill 148 – the law that raised Ontario's minimum wage from $ 11.25 to $ 14 per hour and strengthened workplace laws related to paid sick leave, equal pay for equal work and rights of other workers.
The University of Toronto has been criticized by local unions for belonging to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC), an independent, non-partisan advocacy group of the business community that has been energetically defending the Repeal of the bill. As a corporate member, the University of Toronto does not have the right to vote, but it can still influence the political agenda.
Bill 148, entitled "Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs, 2017 Act," was introduced by the previous Liberal government in November 2017. It was expected that the minimum wage would be raised to $ 15.00. 39th hour in January 2019, but the Ford government has capped the minimum wage at present time $ 14 at the hour.
The OCC took a firm stand against the bill. The group cites claims including unintentional inflation on the prices of goods and services, as well as reductions in staffing and benefits for small businesses.
"In the months following its introduction, the Fair Jobs and Better Workplaces Act has had a visible impact on the consumer price index, leading to higher prices for goods and services. current consumption for all families in Ontario, "read a press release issued in October by the Competition Commission 23
Rocco Rossi, President and CEO of the ORC, said in a statement, "As a business advocate in Ontario, our position has always been clear: Bill 148 was too much, too fast. The many labor market reforms and unintended consequences have cost Ontario's economy too much. "
The unions respond
The Ford government's plan to repeal parts of Bill 148 has been strongly thwarted. On October 23, the office of Ontario Labor Minister Laurie Scott was violated and vandalized. The words "Attack the workers, we fight back at $ 15" were spray-painted on the walls outside his office.
Unions have been particularly opposed to the seemingly imminent repeal of Bill 148. Emergency rallies have been taking place across Ontario this past week as a result of Ford's plans.
A rally was held in downtown Toronto on October 24 in front of the Ministry of Labor offices. Local labor groups, including the Ontario Union of Public Employees (OPSEU) and UFCW Locals 175 and 633 were in effect. The groups carried signs with "$ 15 and fairness" messages, and the encouragements included "Hey Ford – Stop your hypocrisy! Equity means democracy! "
The Varsity Local 3261 and CUPE Local 3902 discussed the university's position on the repeal of Bill 148. CUPE Local 3261 represents service sector workers and CUPE Local 3902 represents lecturers and teaching badistants.
"We are very pleased to have been able to negotiate a rate of $ 15 per hour as of October 1, 2017, with the University of Toronto," said Allan James, President of Local 3261. CUPE. "We need a living wage, but $ 15 was a start. We do not understand how anyone can afford to work in Toronto with this rate of pay. "
"It looks like [Ford] listen to the Chamber of Commerce instead of trying to protect workers in Ontario, "James continued. "The University of Toronto is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and should advocate for equal pay for equal work."
Members of CUPE Local 3902 also criticized the University's membership of the OCC.
"Like a [member] of the Chamber of Commerce, the University of Toronto is partly responsible for the lobbying of Big Business that led to this repeal, "reads an email from Jess Taylor, president of CUPE 3902.
"As a leader in research, the University of Toronto should know that earnings for workers improve the economy, the city and its culture. As an employer, the University of Toronto should protect its workers and treat those who educate students with respect and dignity.
"It's a serious disappointment," Taylor said.
The next steps of the university
The University of Toronto raised its minimum wage to $ 15 in January to coincide with the anticipated increase under Bill 148.
"Earlier this year, the University played a leading role on this issue and raised the minimum wage rate for most non-unionized casual employees to $ 15 an hour," said Elizabeth Church, from the University of Toronto. "The salary of $ 15 an hour corresponds to the rates of our casual unionized staff."
The university does not intend to cap its minimum wage.
[ad_2]
Source link
