Sisters and brothers,

Over the past few weeks we have heard much debate over the proposed implementation of a $15 dollar an hour minimum wage in Ontario. The truth is that $15 dollars an hour will not only help workers and their families it will also help the economy.

Let’s examine the facts. Almost 30 per cent of Ontario workers earned less than $15 an hour in 2016. It’s important to note that we aren’t just talking about students as half of the workers who earn less than $15 per hour are between the ages of 25 and 64.

Many of our neighbours, friends, family and fellow members are struggling to make ends meet on the current minimum wage of $11.40 an hour. Even with an increase to $15 dollars an hour full-time workers will average $600 a week before tax – hardly an outrageous sum to raise a family on.

The economic case proves that putting money in the hands of workers will help to raise the bar for everyone. Many economists have come out in support of $15 dollars an hour as research has shown that when lower income households achieve a rise in income they spend the additional money earned, predominantly within the local economy.  When the minimum wage is increased the economy benefits and the subsequent consumer demand creates jobs.

The $15 minimum wage is also a racial and women’s rights issue as these workers are disproportionally represented among minimum wage earners. Providing a living wage is a necessary step towards achieving our goal of equality for all.

In opposition to a $15 minimum multi-million dollar corporations are crying poor and raising the specter of job cuts and atomization to frighten workers and politicians alike. At least half of the minimum wage earners in Ontario work for companies with over 500 employees. In fact, many of the largest and wealthiest companies in the country do not pay their workers a living wage.

A $15 minimum will require some adjusting – just as every other minimum wage hike in history has required. During this time we cannot allow companies to pit worker against worker.  Keeping the lowest paid down does not help others to rise but instead furthers the gig-economy, increasing precarious work and creating a permanent underclass of working poor all in the name of corporate greed.

Political pressure to water down the proposed legislated pay increase is being applied and we must do the same to ensure its passage.  Let your MPP know that you believe in a living wage here and share messages of support on social media.

For more information visit unifor.org/changingworkplaces.

In Solidarity,

Jerry Dias

National President

Unifors objective is to maintain around the clock picket coverage

 

Unifor has occupied the Northstar Aerospace plant located at 180 Market Drive‎, Milton (just south of Hwy.401, west of Martin Street).

 

In January of this year Northstar announced it was closing the plant. Today’s action was taken as a result of  the company’s continued failure to address a significant shortfall in the pension plan. Without additional funding from the company, the shortfall will lead to a 24% reduction in pension benefits

 

Unifor members occupy Milton plant that makes Boeing parts – Toronto – CBC News

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/toronto/unifor-members-occupy-milton-plant

 

Sisters and Brothers,

Northstar Aerospace is closing its Milton facility on September 30, 2017 and it is leaving behind a pension short fall that will affect current and future retirees who are members of Unifor Local 112.

If Northstar does not supplement the pension fund and gets away with this, our members will be stuck with a 24% cut to their pension. Other benefits and severance payments are also at risk.

We need to support our retirees and active members. Northstar has a moral obligation and has the financial ability to meet this pension short fall. Unifor will not stand by and allow Northstar to just walk away.

Please join me on August 2 at a demonstration at the Northstar facility located at 180 Market Drive in Milton at 5:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m. and let’s send this employer a message: Retirees deserve better.

See you on August 2 and be sure to bring your union flag.

In solidarity,

Jerry Dias

National President