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2017 POLICYRESOLUTIONS
14th Biennial Convention // 2017
2017
powerON
2017 Policy Resolutions
Ontario Federation of Labour Convention 2017 November 20 – 24, 2017
14th Biennial OFL Convention2017
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 unions and one million workers. It is Canada’s largest provincial labour federation.The 2017 POLICY RESOLUTIONS was produced for the 14th Biennial OFL Convention, 2017.
ONTARIO FEDERATION OF LABOUR (OFL) – FÉDÉRATION DU TRAVAIL DE L’ONTARIO (FTO)15 Gervais Drive, Suite 202 Toronto, Ontario M3C 1Y8416-441-2731 // 1-800-668-9138TDD: 416-443-6305FAX: [email protected]
This document was proudly produced with unionized labour cope343Writing/Layout: OFL Staff
CHRIS BUCKLEYPresident
PATTY COATESSecretary-Treasurer
AHMAD GAIEDExecutive Vice-President
// OFL OFFICERS
SUBSCRIBE TO THE OFL E-NEWSLETTER BY TEXTING THE WORD “OFL” TO 647-496-5602
RESOLUTIONS2017 POLICY
Content
1.0 PowerONtheWorkingClass..................................................................................................2
1.1Raisingthestandardofdecentwork....................................................................................2
1.2Propellingyoungworkershigher..........................................................................................6
1.3Reconcilingnewtrends.........................................................................................................7
1.4Marchingforwomen’sequality..........................................................................................11
1.5PromotingIndigenousworkers’rights................................................................................14
1.6Empoweringworkersofcolour..........................................................................................17
1.8AdvocatingforLGBTQ+workers.........................................................................................18
1.9Promotingsafeandhealthyworkplaces............................................................................24
1.10Defendinginjuredworkers...............................................................................................26
1.11Strengtheningretirementsecurity...................................................................................39
2.0 PowerONourMovement.....................................................................................................46
2.1Engagingourmembership..................................................................................................46
2.2Strengtheningthelinesofsolidarity...................................................................................48
2.3Expandingthemake-upoflabourandchangingourpractices..........................................51
2.4Organizingtheunorganized................................................................................................55
3.0 PowerONourAdvocacyEfforts............................................................................................56
3.1Promotingpeaceandinclusion..........................................................................................56
3.2Fightingforagreeneconomy.............................................................................................61
3.3Standingupforpublicservices...........................................................................................67
3.4Electingourgovernment....................................................................................................94
3.5Otheradvocacyefforts.......................................................................................................98
4.0 ConstitutionalResolutions..................................................................................................100
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 2
1.0 PowerONtheWorkingClass
1.1Raisingthestandardofdecentwork
1.BARGAIN$15&FAIRNESSNOW!
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;CUPELocal1979;CUPELocal3906;IAMAWLocalLodge2413;IAMAWLocalLodge2323;UNITEHERELocal75;
Whereaspollingshowsover70%ofOntarianssupportatleasta$15minimumwageandbetterworkingconditions.
Whereasalmost10%ofunionmembersearnlessthan$15anhour,andmanydonothavepaidsickoremergencyleavedaysorannualcostoflivingadjustmentsintheircontracts.
WhereasUNITEHERELocal75,CUPE3261andCUPE1334haveallconnectedtheirbargainingstrategiestotheFightfor$15&Fairness,winningatleasta$15minimumwageandotherimportantcontractimprovements.
Whereasbygettingaheadofthelawandbargaining$15&Fairness,unionscangarnerpublicsupportandshowunionsareeffectivetoolsforimprovingwagesandworkingconditions.
Beitresolvedthat,theOFLencourageaffiliatestoconnectupcomingbargainingstrategiestotheFightfor$15&Fairness,tomaximizegainsforworkersinthispoliticalmomentandensureunioncontractsstayaheadofchangesinBill148.
(Wordcount:147)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
3 // POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017
2.ORGANIZINGFOR$15&FAIRNESS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;CUPELocal1979;CUPELocal3906;IAMAWLocalLodge2413:IAMAWLocalLodge2921;UNITEHERELocal75;LondonandDistrictLabourCouncil
Whereas:
• TheelectionofPatrickBrownwouldputourlegislativeimprovementsatrisk;• Thebestwaytosecureworkers’gains&pushformoreistotakeactiontoturn
legislativegainsintoconcreteadvancesforworkers;• Strategicorganizingdrivescanplayaroleinshapingpublicopinionbefore,during&
aftertheJune2018election;• Themoreworkersthatwinatleasta$15minimumwage&betterworkingconditions
beforeBill148isfullyphased-in,themorelikelywearetopreserve–andextend–ourlegislative&collectivebargainingadvances;
BeitresolvedthattheOFLencourageaffiliatestoundertakestrategicorganizingdrivestotakeadvantageofmeasuresinBill148thatmakeiteasierforworkerstojoinunions;
BeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFL,inconjunctionwithitscommunitypartners,keeppushingforbroader-basedbargainingsothatworkersinsmallerworkplaces&precarioussectorshavemeaningfulaccesstocollectivebargaining.
(Wordcount:147)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 4
3.ORGANIZINGAFTERBILL148
SubmittedbyToronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwill:establishataskforcetodevelopacomprehensivestrategyforthelabourmovementtoimmediatelyexercisethenewrightsaffordedtoworkersunderBill148.Thiswouldinclude“organizingtoscale”inkeysectorsoftheeconomy,successorrights,enforcementofequalpayprovisionsandrightsoftempagencyworkers.
Becausedespitedeclininguniondensity,fewunionsdedicatesignificantresourcestoorganizingunrepresentedworkers,andmostorganizingtakesplacewithoutengagingexistingmembersorcommunityallies,letaloneotherunionsintheregion,and
BecauseBill148restorescard-checkincertainsectors,alongwithimmediatecertificationremediesforemployermisconduct,anditisincumbentonourmovementtoutilizethisopportunitytorestoreuniondensityinourtraditionalstrongholdsandreachouttotheworkforceofemergingsectorsoftheeconomy.
(Wordcount:132)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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4.KEEPFIGHTINGFOR$15&FAIRNESS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;CUPELocal1979;CUPELocal3906;IAMAWLocalLodge2113;IAMAWLocalLodge2323;IAMAWLocalLodge2921;UNITEHERELocal75
ToprotectwhatwewoninBill148andbuildsupportforabiggervisionforlabourlawreform,theOFLwillmaketheFightfor$15&Fairnessacentralissuebefore,duringandaftertheJune2018election.
Because:
• The$15minimumwageandotheraspectsofBill148willnotbefullyphased-inuntilJanuary2019.
• TheOntarioChamberofCommerceanditsaffiliatesliketheOntarioRestaurant,Hotel&MotelAssociation;theCanadianFranchiseAssociation;andtempagencylobbyistslikeACSESS(theAssociationofCanadianSearch,Employment&StaffingServices)willlikelysupportcandidateslikeProgressiveConservativePartyleaderPatrickBrownwhoopposeBill148andotherdecentworkmeasures.
• Historyhere&elsewhereshowsthatprogressivelabourlawscanbeeasilyrepealed.• Women,racializedworkersandotherequityseekinggroupshavethemosttoloseif
labourlawreformisrolledback.
(Wordcount:146)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 6
1.2Propellingyoungworkershigher
5.SUCCESSIONPLANNING
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereastheOFLneedstosupportthedevelopmentofleaderswithinourmovementtorespondtothechallengesahead;
Whereasthegrowthofprecariousemploymentwithinourmembershipoftenrestrictstheamountofonthejobtrainingpossibilitiesfornewunionleaders;
WhereassuccessionplanningthatsupportsnewleadershipdevelopmentwillensuretheongoinghealthofOntario’slabourmovement.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilldevelopanequityandinclusionprogramforaffiliatestopromoteongoingleadershipsuccessionplanningthatisinclusiveofyoungworkersandmembersofequity-seekinggroups,tobepresentedtothe2019OFLconvention;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillestablishatrainingandmentoringprogrambyreviewingsuccessfulpracticeswithincivilsocietyorganizationsandotherunions,includingtheElementaryTeachers’FederationofOntario(ETFO).
(Wordcount:122)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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1.3Reconcilingnewtrends
6.ROBOTS,AUTOMATION,ARTIFICIALINTELLIGENCEANDFAIRTAXATION
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasrobots,automationandartificialintelligencearedisplacinganincreasingnumberofworkersinboththepublicandprivatesectors;
WhereasthesetechnologiesallowemployerstoavoidpayingwagesaswellasavoidcontributingtosocialprogramssuchasemploymentinsuranceandtheCanadaPensionPlan;
WhereasOntariansdependonsocialprogramsforwell-beingandforbuildinganinclusivesociety;
Whereasworkerswhoaredisplacedbyrobots,artificialintelligenceorautomationdeserveaccesstopubliclyfundedretraining.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilllobbytheProvincialgovernmenttoimplementtaxationschemesthatfairlycapturetheprofitsgeneratedbyusingrobots,automationandartificialintelligence;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwilllobbytheProvincialgovernmenttodistributefundsreceivedthroughsuchtaxationtosocialprogramsandworkerretrainingopportunitiesandworkforcedevelopmentprograms.
(Wordcount:124)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 8
7.TAXNEWTECHNOLOGIES
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WhereasmanagementconsultancyMcKinsey&Copredictthatnearlyhalfoftheworknowdonebyhumanscouldbedisplacedbynewtechnologies;and
Whereasdriverlesstrucks,hamburgerflippingrobotsandincreasingautomationareonthehorizon;and
Whereastheincentiveforautomation&AIadvancesistosavemoneyandincreasedprofitsforbusinesses;butitcomesatacostofreducedrevenuesforgovernmentforsocialservicessuchashealthcare.
BeItResolvedThattheOFLiscommittedto:
[1]Investigatetheimpactofnewtechnologiesonjoblossandtheimpactoncompaniesfuturecorporatetaxrates.
[2]Advocatingthatgovernmentrevenueslostbydisplacedworkers'salariesshallbecompensatedbyanincreasedcorporatetaxrate.
[3]Advocatingthattheproposedtaxationrevenuesgeneratedbythenewtechnologiescorporatetaxbeusedforgovernmentprogramssuchashealthcareandsocialservices.
(Wordcount:139)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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8.CONFERENCEONTECHNOLOGICALCHANGE
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasemployersareusingtechnologicalchangeasapretexttodrasticallyreducethenumberofstaffandtechnologicalchangeisfundamentallychangingthedeliveryofpublicservices;
Whereasemployershavedesignedthedeliveryofsomepublicserviceswithfewornostaffengagedintheprovisionofpublicservices;
Whereasthelabourmovementhasnothadaconferenceonthisissueandhowitwillimpactunionmemberssincethebeginningsofdigitization;
Whereasunionsneedtoupdatecollectiveagreementlanguageregardingtechnologicalchange;
Whereasweneedtomobilizeunionmembersandourpublicalliesagainsttherealitythatthereductionoffront-lineandsupportstaffduetotechnologicalchangewillnegativelyimpactonthequalityofservices.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillorganizeaconferenceontechnologicalchangeforunionmemberstostrategizehowbesttofightthenegativeimpactoftechnologicalchangeonourmembers.
(Wordcount:141)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 10
9.PROTECTINGGOODJOBSAGAINSTTHESHARINGECONOMY
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereasinMay2016,Toronto’sCityCouncil,ledbyMayorJohnTory,legalizedUberXoperationsinToronto,launchingaderegulationprogramthatcouldbereproducedacrosstheprovince;
Whereassharingeconomyoperatorsinhotel,transportation,food,andotherindustriesexploitprecarious,casuallabourtomakebillionsofdollarsinannualrevenueswhileaggressivelyattackingregulatoryframeworksthatwereestablishedtoprotectworkersandconsumers;
Whereassharingeconomyderegulationwilleliminategoodjobsandincreasecasual,unreliablejobs;
Whereasinthefaceofsharingeconomyapps,theLabourMovementmustdevelopstrategiestoprotectjobsandpreventgrowingemploymentprecarity;
Whereasthethreatsposedbycompaniesusingsharingplatformstopromotederegulationandemploymentcasualizationdemandacollectiveresponse.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwithaffiliatesandcommunityalliestodevelopastrategytoprotectgoodjobsthatarethreatenedbythegrowthofthesharingeconomy.
(Wordcount:141)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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1.4Marchingforwomen’sequality
10.EQUALPAYFOREQUALWORK
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASOntario’sBill148enshrinestheprincipleof“equalpayforequalwork”;and
WHEREASitisdiscriminatorytopaypart-timeandtemporarycontractworkerslessthanfull-timepermanentworkersdoingthesamejob;and
WHEREASBill148doesnotrequireemployerstopaypro-ratedbenefitstoworkersinprecariousjobs;and
WHEREASBill148failstorecognizethatinmanycasesthisallowemployerstoforcefull-timeworkerstopayforjusticeforprecariousworkers;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLseekchangestoBill148,theFairWorkplaces,BetterJobsAct,including:
• enshriningjobstatusasaprohibitedgroundfordiscriminationundertheOntarioHumanRightsCode;
• expanding“equalpayforequalwork”intheESAtoincludebenefits;and• guaranteeingthatnoemployeeexperiencesanyadverseemploymenteffectasa
resultofanemployerimplementingequalpayforequalwork.
(Wordcount:136)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 12
11.CLOSINGTHEGENDERPAYGAP
SubmittedbyTheSocietyofEnergyProfessionals,IFPTELocal160
WHEREASwomeninOntarioearn,onaverage,only70percentofwhatmenearndoingthesametypeofwork;and
WHEREASarecentstudybytheCanadianCentreforPolicyAlternativesandOXFAMshowsthatthisproblemhasbeengettingworse,ratherthanimprovinginrecentyears;and
WHEREAStheOntarioGovernmenthasintroducedtheFairWorkplaces,BetterJobsActtobegintoaddresstheissuesofequalpayforworkofequalvalueforalltypesofworkers.
THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLsubsidizeanEqualPaydayEventheldpriortoEqualPayDay2018,todiscusspoliticalactionstobetakentomoveusclosertoachievingequalpaywithnofurtherdelay.
(Wordcount:112)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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12.SUPPORTFORSEXWORKERS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREASlawsaroundsexworkintroducedthroughBillC-36reproducedallofthesamecriminalizationsthatwereaddressedbytheSupremeCourt;and
WHEREAStheOFLshouldrecognizeandsupporttherightsofsexworkersandtheireffortstoattainequality,equity,workplacesafety,labourrightsandanyotherbenefitprovidedtoallotherworkers;and
WHEREASfulldecriminalizationofsexworkers,clientsandthirdpartiesprovideanapproachwhichisinclusiveofsexworkersanddoesnotperpetuatestatesanctionedviolenceorgrosshumanrightsviolations;and
WHEREAStheOFLhaslongfoughtforsocialandlegalsupportsforallworkers,unionizedornot.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFL,withtheCLC,insolidaritywithsexworkersandadvocates,supportandpromotethefulldecriminalizationofsexwork,therepealoflawsaroundsexworkintroducedthroughBillC-36,andsupportforsexworkersintheirstruggletoorganizeandimprovetheirworkingconditions.
(Wordcount:149)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 14
1.5PromotingIndigenousworkers’rights
13.MAKENATIONALINDIGENOUSDAYASTATUTORYHOLIDAY
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASthehistoricoppressionofIndigenouspeoplesontheterritorynowknownasCanadaisasourceofshameforallCanadians;and
WHEREASthelegacyofresidentialschools,the“SixtiesScoop,”andothergovernmentpoliciesdesignedtoassimilateIndigenouspeoplesmustbeaddressedthroughreconciliation;and
WHEREASJune21hasbeenrecognizedasNationalIndigenousDay;and
WHEREAStheTruthandReconciliationCommissionhasrecommendedthatNationalIndigenousDaybedeclaredastatutoryholiday;and
WHEREASdoingsowouldfacilitateconnectionsbetweenIndigenousandnon-Indigenouspeople,andbeanopportunitytorecognizeandcelebratetheuniqueheritage,cultures,andcontributionsofIndigenouspeoples;and
WHEREAStheNorthwestTerritoriesandYukonhaverecognizedNationalIndigenousDayasastatutoryholiday;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLsupportestablishingJune21,NationalIndigenousDay,astatutoryholidayinOntario;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcommunicatethissupporttothePremier,allMPPs,allaffiliates,andtheChiefsofOntario.
(Wordcount:148)
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14.SUPPORTINGRECONCILIATIONWITHINDIGENOUSPEOPLES
Submittedby:OntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREAStruereconciliationismorethanapologies;and
WHEREASallofusareresponsibleforbuildingarespectfulrelationshipwithIndigenouspeoples;and
WHEREASCanadiangovernmentsarenotlivinguptothepromiseofreconciliationinfullpartnershipwithIndigenouspeoples;and
WHEREASreconciliationrequiresimmediateandconcreteactionandlabourunionshavearesponsibilitytoholdgovernmentsaccountabletofulfilltheirpromisestoIndigenouspeoples;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallupongovernmentsinCanadatoimplementthe94CallstoActionoftheTruthandReconciliationCommissioninconsultationwithIndigenousPeoples;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLeducateitsmembersontheresidentialschoolsystemandtheattemptedculturalgenocideofIndigenouspeoplesinCanadaandinternationally;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLsupportIndigenousorganizationsandgrassrootsactivismtopromotehealingandreconciliationinCanadaandinternationally;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLencourageallofitsaffiliatestodothesame.
(Wordcount:144)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 16
15.INDIGENOUSREPRESENTATIVEWORKFORCE
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WhereastheIndigenouscommunitieshavethehighestunemploymentratesandlowestemploymentstatisticsinCanada;
WhereassignedpartnershipagreementandrepresentativeworkforcestrategyinSaskatchewanhasbeensuccessfulintherecruitmentandretainmentofindigenousindividuals;
WhereastherewillbeanenormoussavingsifwecantakeeveryopportunitytoensurethatIndigenousPeopleshaveaccesstojobsandeconomicactivity.
ThereforebeitresolvedtheOFLencourageaffiliatestoallowforpresentationsoftherepresentativeworkforce(RW)strategyandpartnershipagreements;and
Therefore,beitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLassistinanalyzingthebenefitsforrespectiveaffiliatesortheirlocalsinsigningapartnershipagreementandutilizingaRWstrategy.
(Wordcount:100)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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1.6Empoweringworkersofcolour
16.BARRIER-FREEEMPLOYMENTPRACTICES
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREAStheOFLisonrecordforadvocatingandsupportingbarrier-freeemploymentpractices;
WHEREAStheOFLisonrecordstatingthatemployers'workplacesshouldreflectthediversityofourcommunities;
WHEREAStherearesomepubliclyfundedinstitutions,boardsandagencieswhohavenotimplementedbarrier-freeemploymentandpromotionpractices.
BEITRESOLVEDTHATtheOFLiscommittedto:
[1]Advocateforfair,unbiased,harassmentandbarrier-freeemploymentandpromotionpracticesbasedupontheprincipleofemploymentequityinallprivateandpublicworkplaces.
[2]Supportlegislationtoenactfairnessandequityinrecruitment,hiringandpromotionpracticesinallworkplaces.
[3]SupportamendingOntariolaws,includingtheOntarioHumanRightsCode,toensurethattherearenobarriersforopenandtransparenthiringandpromotionpracticesinallworkplaces.
(Wordcount:123)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 18
1.8AdvocatingforLGBTQ+workers
17.INCLUDINGLGBTQCOMMUNITIESINTHECENSUS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREAStherehasneverbeenanofficialcountofLGBTQcommunitiesinCanada;and
WHEREASdataoncommunitiesisessentialifwewanttoincludeLGBTQcommunitiesinemploymentequitylawsandpolicies;and
WHEREASdataoncommunitiesisimportantforthedevelopmentofgoodpublicpoliciesandprograms.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFL,withtheCLC,lobbythefederalgovernmenttoincludequestionspertainingtotheLGBTQcommunitiesinthenextcensus.
(Wordcount:68)
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18.ENDINGTHEBLOODANDORGANDONATIONBAN
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281
WHEREAStheHealthCanadapolicyprohibitinggaymenfromdonatingorgansisdiscriminatoryandmayresultinanincreaseofthenumberofdeathsrelatingtoorgantransplantshortages;and
WHEREAStheHealthCanadapolicyprohibitinggaymenfromdonatingbloodiftheyhavehadsexwithamaninthepastyearisdiscriminatorybecauseitimpliesthatsexbetweentwomenisaninherentlyriskypractice;and
WHEREASeveryblooddonationisnowtested;and
WHEREASHealthCanadashouldbestoppedfromsexualorientationbaseddiscrimination.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFL,withtheCLC,willlobbyHealthCanadatoabolishthediscriminatorypolicythatbansgaymenfromdonatingbloodand/ororgansiftheyhavehadsexwithamaninthepastyear.
(Wordcount:120)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 20
19.LGBTQMENTALHEALTH
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers;CUPELocal1281
WHEREASLGBTQpersonsandcommunitiesareasdiverseasthegeneralCanadianpopulationintheirexperiencesofmentalhealth;and
WHEREASLGBTQpersonsfacehigherrisksforsomementalhealthissuesduetotheeffectsofdiscriminationandthesocialdeterminantsofhealth.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwill:
• IncreaseawarenessonbroadersocialandlegalcontextinwhichLGBTQclientslive• Promotefamiliaritywiththedegreethatinternalizeddiscriminationimpactshealth• Promoteunderstandingofsocialdeterminantsofphysicalandmentalhealth• PromotefamilyacceptanceofLGBTQadolescentsandencouragethemtoconnect
withLGBTQcommunities• Promoteappropriateequitytrainingforsuicideresponseandcrisisinterventionof
LGBTQclients,andgenderofTransclientsisnotmisidentified• Promoterecognitionthatmultiplemarginalizedcommunitiesfaceadditionalbarriers
tomaintaininggoodmentalhealth• IncreasefamiliaritywithresourcestosupportLGBTpeopleatgreatestriskformental
health
(Wordcount:141)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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20.KEEPINGTHEPOLITICSINPRIDE
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281
WHEREASonFebruary5,1981at11p.m.patronsoffourbathhousesindowntownTorontowereassaultedby200policeofficersinaseriesofcoordinatedraids;and
WHEREASthefollowingevening,amidnightmarchstartingatYongeandWellesleywasorganizedtoprotestpolicebrutality;and
WHEREASpoliticsinPRIDE,initsbaseform,isaquestion:whohasthepower?;and
WHEREASaPridesanitizedofpoliticsisonethatstandsfornothingandthereforefailsatportrayingthelegitimaterealitiesandtruthsofLGBTQpersonsandcommunities;and
WHEREASmanyLGBTQpersonsandcommunitiesfeelPrideisoverpopulatedandoverinfluencedbycorporationsthatmanyLGBTQpersonsandcommunitiesfeelmisrepresentedby.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLsupportCanadianPRIDEmarchers,andallies,inrecognizingandreaffirmingthatPoliticsishowwechallengethatpowerandthattheybelonginPRIDE.
(Wordcount:136)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
POLICY RESOLUTIONS 2017 14TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION // 22
21.BANONSUPPORTINGTRANSEXCLUSIONARYORGANIZATIONS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WHEREASTransandnon-binaryfolksexperiencediscriminationandviolenceinsociety;and
WHEREAStheOFLandaffiliatessupporttheirTransandnon-binarymembers;and
WHEREASsomeorganizations,even“progressive”one's,areTransandnon-binaryexclusionary.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwillnotsupportordonatemoneytoorganizationswhodiscriminateagainsttransandnon-binaryfolksorgroups;and
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLwillencourageorganizationswhoaretransexclusionarytochangetheirpractices,andwillencourageaffiliatestodonatetheirdollarstoTransinclusiveorganizations.
(Wordcount:80)
// POLICY RESOLUTIONS
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22.HIVSTIGMA
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers;CUPE1281
WHEREASHIV/AIDSrelatedstigmacanbedescribedasa‘processofdevaluation’ofpeopleeitherlivingwithorassociatedwithHIV/AIDS;and
WHEREASbecauseHIVstigmaexistspeopleoftenprefertoignoretheirrealorpossibleHIVstatus;and
WHEREASnegativeattitudesaboutHIVcreatesaclimateinwhichpeoplebecomemoreafraidofthestigmaandtheresultingdiscriminationandmarginalizationassociatedwiththediseasethanofthediseaseitself;and
WHEREASprejudicedandstigmatizingthoughtsfrequentlyleadpeopletodo,ornotdo,somethingthatdeniesservicesorentitlementstoanotherperson,theymaypreventhealthservicesbeingusedbyapersonlivingwithHIV/AIDS,orterminatetheiremploymentonthegroundsoftheirHIVstatus.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwilltackleHIVstigmaanddiscriminationthrougheducationinanumberofsettingsincluding:education,faithbasedorganizations,healthcaresettings,legalsystems,themedia,parliamentariansandtheworkplace.
(Wordcount:146)
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1.9Promotingsafeandhealthyworkplaces
23.IMPROVEOCCUPATIONALHEALTHANDSAFETYINMENTALHEALTHWORKPLACES
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASworkersinthementalhealthsectorarefacingincreasingexposuretoviolentassaultsinsidetheirworkplaces,and
WHEREASdecadesofunderfundingareoverwhelminghealthcareproviderswhoareafraidnotonlyforthemselvesbutforthevulnerablepatientstheycarefor;and
WHEREASworkershavetherighttobesafeatworkandhavetherighttobefreefromworkplaceassaults;and
WHEREASifstaffarenotsafe,patientsarenotsafe;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcommittofightingforimprovedoccupationalhealthandsafetyinmentalhealthworkplaces;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLdemandthattheOntariogovernmentprovidethenecessaryfundingtoensureproperstaffinglevelsandimprovedtrainingandsecuritymeasures;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallfortheOntariogovernmentandtheMinistryofLabourtoimplementthesystem-wideuseoftheViolence,AggressionandResponsiveBehavioursTools(VARB)forassessingsecurity,conductingriskassessments,andassessingclientbehaviour.
(Wordcount:148)
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24.EDUCATIONSECTORREGULATIONFORTHEOCCUPATIONALHEALTHANDSAFETYACT
SubmittedbyOntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREASthefrequencyofincidentsofworkplaceviolenceintheeducationsectorcontinuestoriseatanalarmingrate;
WHEREASthehazardsofworkplaceviolenceinoursectorhavereachedepidemicproportionsandisunsafeforworkersandunhealthyforstudents;
WHEREASthecurrentlegislationintheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActandaccompanyingapplicableregulationsdonotprovideenoughprotectionforeducationworkersrelatedtothehazardsofworkplaceviolence.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHATtheOFL,insolidaritywithallaffiliates,lobbytheprovincialgovernmenttocreateaneducationsectorregulationundertheOccupationalHealthandSafetyActinordertoaddressthespecificneedsofalleducationworkersintheprovinceofOntario.
(Wordcount:109)
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1.10Defendinginjuredworkers
25.NODEEMINGRELATEDTOMINIMUMWAGEINCREASES
SubmittedbyUniforLocal222;USWLocal9548
WhereasthepurposeoftheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceAct(WSIA)istoprovidefaircompensationtoinjuredworkers;
WhereastheWSIBunjustlydeemsunemployedinjuredworkerstobeearningwagesanddeductsdeemedwagesfrombenefits;
Whereastheminimumwageisincreasingto$14.00perhourin2018,and$15.00perhourin2019;
Whereasminimumwageincreasesincreasethedeemedwagesofinjuredworkers;
WhereasaWSIBDirectordescribedthereductioninWSIBbenefitsresultingfromincreasesintheminimumwageas“anunintendednegativeconsequence”;
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmentandtheWSIBtopreventthis“unintendednegativeconsequence”bypassingaPolicypursuanttosubsection53(3)oftheWSIA,statingthatwhendeemedearningsarebeingdeductedfromaninjuredworker’sbenefits,thattheinjuredworker’spre-injuryaverageearningsshallbeincreasedbyanyincreasesintheminimumwagethathaveoccurredsincetheaccident.
(Wordcount:148)
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26.ENDDEEMING
SubmittedbyUSWLocal9548
WhereasoneoftheWSIB’sprimarymethodsofcuttingbenefitstoinjuredworkersisthroughthepracticeof“deeming”;
WhereasdeemingmeansthattheWSIBpretendsaninjuredworkerhasajobthattheydonotinfacthave,andthenusesthephantomwagesasanexcisetocutbenefits;
Whereasinjuredworkerswhoaredeemedtohavephantomjobsareleftwithlittleornocompensationbenefitsandarefrequentlyforcedintopoverty;
Whereasthepracticeofdeemingignoresthefactthatpeoplewithdisabilitiesoftenfacestigmaanddiscriminationinsearchingforemployment;
WhereastheWSIBandtheprovincialgovernmentnowrefertothe“deeming”processas“determining,”buthavenotchangedthepracticeitself;
BeitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateswilllobbytheprovincialgovernmenttointroducelegislationthatwillbasebenefitsonactualpost-injuryearningsandnotonphantomearnings.
(Wordcount:140)
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27.RATEFRAMEWORK
SubmittedbyUSWLocal9548
WHEREAStheWSIBusesan“experiencerating”systemtosetemployerpremiumsbasedoneachemployer’sclaimscosts;
WHEREASclaimscostisnotanaccuratemeasureofhealthandsafety,andrelyingonittosetpremiumsencouragesemployerstoengageinaggressiveclaimsmanagement,includingclaimssuppression;
WHEREAStheWSIB’sproposednewrateframeworkexpandsandentrenchesexperiencerating;
WHEREAStheWSIBhadexpresslypromisedthelabourmovementthatitwouldincludehealthandsafetymeasuresintheproposedrateframework,andhassofarfailedtohonourthatpromise;
WHEREASthisisharmfultoworkersandiscontrarytooneofthefoundingprinciplesofOntario’sworkers’compensationsystem,whichsoughttocreateanon-adversarialsystemwhereemployerswouldhavenoincentivetochallengeorlimitaworker’scompensationclaim;
THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLanditsaffiliateswilllobbytheWSIBandprovincialgovernmenttoeliminateexperienceratinginallitsforms.
(Wordcount:148)
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28.WORK-RELATEDSTRESSANDWSIBPOLICIES
SubmittedbyUniforLocal222;USWLocal9548;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WhereasthousandsofOntarioworkerssufferfromwork-relatedmentalstress;
WhereasOntario’sWorkersCompensationlegislationandpolicieshavelongheldworkerssufferingfrommentalstresstoamorestringentstandardthanworkerswithotherinjuries;
WhereasthedifferentialtreatmentofworkerssufferingfrommentalstressisdiscriminatorycontrarytotheCharterofRightsandFreedomsandtheHumanRightsCode;
Whereasthisdiscriminationperpetuatesstigmaandstereotypesaboutmentalillness;
WhereasrecentamendmentstotheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceActandproposedamendmentstoWSIBpoliciesfailtoaddressdecadesofdiscriminationagainstworkerswithmentalstressandcontinuetounfairlyrestrictentitlementformentalstress;
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOntarioFederationofLabouranditsaffiliateslobbyboththeWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceBoardandtheprovincialgovernmentto:
1. Takemeasurestoensurethatworkerssufferingfrommentalstressaretreatedfairlyandwithoutdiscrimination;and
2. Ensureanysuchmeasuresarefullyretroactive.
(Wordcount:149)
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29.OH&SAAMENDMENT
SubmittedbyLindsay&DistrictLabourCouncil
WHEREAStheconsequencesofworkingalonepresentsanincreasedthepotentialofharmordelayedresponsetoharmorinjury;
ANDWHEREASitisrecognizedworkerswhoworkinjobswhichplacesthematsignificantvulnerabilitybecausetheyarealone;
ANDWHEREASOntario’sexistingOH&Slegislationisnotcurrentlyabletorespondtothenuancesofworkersmadevulnerablebybeingmadetoworkalone;
BEITRESOLVEDTHATtheOFL,itsaffiliatesandCouncilsandtheWorkers’HealthandSafetyCentreinsistthatOntario’sOH&SAbeamendedtopreventsituationswhereworkersaremadevulnerablebybeingmadetoworkalone.
(Wordcount:94)
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30.FAIRNESSFORINJUREDWORKERSMEANS:WORKERS’COMPISARIGHT
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;GreyBruceLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil;HamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil;OPSEULocal525;PeterboroughDistrictLabourCouncil;USWLocal9548
Whereasoveracenturyago,workersinOntariowhowereinjuredonthejobgaveuptheirrighttosuetheiremployers,inexchangeforajustcompensationsystem;
WhereastheWSIBhascut$1,160,000,000(billion)frominjuredworkerbenefitsbetween2009and2015;
Whereas46%ofinjuredworkerswithpermanentdisabilitiesarelivingatornearthepovertylinebeingforcedontopublicly-fundedsocialassistanceprograms;
WhereastheOntarioNetworkofInjuredWorkers’Groupshaslaunchedtheprovince-wideWorkers’CompisaRightcampaigntocallforasystemthatthreatsinjuredworkerswithdignityandrespect;
WhereasthethreedemandsoftheWorkers’CompisaRightcampaignare:Nocutsbasedonphantomjobs!;Listentoinjuredworkers’treatinghealthcareprofessionals!;andStopcuttingbenefitsbasedon“pre-existingconditions”!
BeitthereforeresolvedthattheOFLandaffiliatesendorseandsupporttheWorkers’CompisaRightcampaignanditsdemands.
(Wordcount:145)
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31.BIASINPRE-EXISTINGPOLICY
SubmittedbyUSWLocal9548
Apre-existingconditionisamedicalconditionthatwasexhibitingnosymptoms(asymptomatic),causingnoimpairment,andnotrequiringanymedicaltreatment,priortoaworkplaceinjury.
Apre-existingconditionthereforehadnoimpactwhatsoeveronaninjuredworker’sabilitytoperformone’sjob.
Priorto2014,WorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceBoardOperationalPolicy11-01-15statedthataninjuredworker’sentitlementwasnotlimitedduetoanasymptomaticpre-existingcondition.
TheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceAppealsTribunalhasconcludedthatentitlementisnotlimitedduetoasymptomaticpre-existingconditions(seeDecision322/171,March8,2017).
In2014,theWSIBadoptedoperationalpoliciesthathaveallowedforthelimitationofentitlementduetoasymptomaticpre-existingconditions.
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmentandtheWSIBtorescindthe2014operationalpolicies,andadoptoperationalpoliciesconfirmingthatentitlementwillnotbelimitedduetopre-existingconditions.
(Wordcount:148)
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32.REMOVALOFAPPEALDEADLINESFROMWSIA
SubmittedbyUSWLocal9548
In1998Bill99repealedtheWorkers’CompensationActtoreplaceitwiththeWSIA.AmongmanydisastrouschangesbroughtaboutbyBill99,wastheintroductionofstatutoryappealdeadlines(30-dayand6month).
Appealdeadlinescreateacomplexmandatoryprocessforpartiestoexercisetheirappealrights.Consequently,manyworkersandrepresentativeshavemissedappealdeadlines.
Missinganappealdeadlineforfeitsaparty’sappealrights.Forvulnerableinjuredworkers,thiscanpermanentlybaraccesstovitalcompensation.
Theprocessforrequestinganextensionischallenging,lengthyandwithoutguarantees.
InrecentyearsboththeWSIBandTribunalhavebecomeincreasinglystrictintheirapplicationofappealdeadlineswhichhasfurtherlimitedinjuredworkersaccesstocompensation.
AppealdeadlinesbenefitemployersandtheWSIB.
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmenttoreformtheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceAct,1997(WSIA)toremovestatutoryappealdeadlines.
(Wordcount:148)
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33.WCBRESOLUTION:CALLFORPUBLICINQUIRY
SubmittedbyPeterboroughDistrictLabourCouncil;USWLocal9548
WhereasthepurposeoftheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceActistocompensateinjuredworkersbasedonthemeritsandjusticeoftheircases;
WhereastheWSIBisviolatingthelawbyarbitrarilycuttingcompensationthroughadjudicativeausteritymeasures;
WhereastheOFLpublishedareportexposingtheWSIB’sfailuretorespecttheadviceoftreatingmedicalprofessionals;
WhereasacomprehensivereviewofWSIATdecisions(IAVGO'sNoEvidenceReport)hasdeterminedthatWSIBbenefitdenialsare,routinely,notevidence-based;
WhereasRonEllis,firstChairoftheWorkers’CompensationTribunal,hascalledforaPublicInquiryintothecultureofpro-activedenialattheWSIB;and
WhereastheWSIBhasannouncedhugepremiumscutsbenefittingemployerswhileworkersremainexcludedanddestitute;
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmenttocommissionaPublicInquiryintotheWSIB’sbiasedandunlawfuladjudication.
(Wordcount:135)
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34.ACCESSTOTHEOFFICEOFTHEWORKERADVISOR
SubmittedbyUniforLocal222;USWLocal9548
Whereas40,000+OntarioworkersfiledlosttimeclaimslastyeartotheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceBoard;
WhereastheHarrisConservativestookawayworkersandtheirsurvivorsUniversalaccesstoservicesoftheOWAmakingOntariotheonlyprovinceinCanadatoexercisethisdiscrimination;
WhereasUnioncompensationrepresentativesprovideconclusive,expertservicetomembersbutmanylocalsdonothaveadequateresourcestoserviceallmembers;
WhereasWSIBhaslittleornounfundedliabilitymeaningtherearenofundingissues.
ThereforebeitresolvedtheOFLwithallaffiliateslobbytheOntariogovernmenttoensurethatOfficeoftheWorkerAdviser(OWA)isanessentialservicethatshouldrepresentallinjuredworkersinOntarioincludingmembersofunionsandtheirsurvivors.
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthatthiseffortincludeslobbyingforsignificantlyincreasedfundingfortheOWA.
(Wordcount:126)
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35.CREATINGBETTERACCESSTOINTENTTOOBJECT(ITO)FORMS
SubmittedbyUniforLocal222;USWLocal9548
WhereasthepurposeoftheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceAct(WSIA)istoprovidefaircompensationtoinjuredworkers;
Whereastheintroductionofstatutoryappealdeadlinesin1998hasimposedsignificantbarrierstocompensation;
Whereasinjuredworkersmustnavigateacomplexform-filingprocesstosecuretheirrighttoappealwithinthestatutorytimelimit.ThisprocessrequiresanITOform;
WhereastheWSIBprovidesemployerswithmanyonlinefilingoptions,theWSIBdoesnotprovideonlinefilingoftheITO;
WhereastheWSIBalsodoesnotattachITOstodecisions;
WhereastheonusisontheworkertoeitheraccesstheITOonlinetoprintthensubmitviafaxorpost,orcalltheWSIBtohaveonesentinthemail;
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbytheWSIBtoprovidebothonlinefilingoftheIntenttoObject(ITO)andattachITOstoalldecisionsfurtherremovingbarrierstoappealrights.
(Wordcount:148)
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36.WSIB’sWEIGHINGOFMEDICALEVIDENCE
SubmittedbyUniforLocal222;USWLocal9548
WhereasoneofthepurposesoftheWorkplaceSafetyandInsuranceActistofacilitatereturntoworkandrecoveryforinjuredworkers;
WhereastheWSIBisrequiredbylawtobasedecisionsontheavailablemedicalevidence;
WhereasthePrescriptionOver-RuleddocumentdemonstratesasystemicissueregardingWSIB’spracticeofweighingmedicalevidencethatdoesnotaccomplishthosepurposes;
WhereasthisWSIBpracticeisalsothesubjectofapendinglawsuitfromaformerWSIBMedicalConsultant;
WhereastheactionsoftheWSIBoverrulingthetreatinghealthcareprovidershasadrasticnegativeimpactoninjuredworkers’financesandphysicalaswellaspsychologicalwell-being;
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmentandtheWSIBtoceasetheunnecessaryreferralstoexternalmedicalconsultants,andinsteaddirecttheirquestionsorconcernstotheinjuredworker’sprimaryhealthcareprovider.
(Wordcount:137)
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37.NEGATIVECONSEQUENCESOFPRESUMPTIVELEGISLATION
SubmittedbyUSWLocal9548
Presumptivelegislationwasenactedtomakeiteasierforworkerstogetcompensationforoccupationaldiseases,butitistoorestrictive.
Theintentwastoshifttheburdenofproofawayfromworkershavingtoproveexposures.
RelyingonpresumptivelegislationfailstoaddressthesystemicproblemswithhowoccupationaldiseaseishandledbytheWSIB.
Theseproblemsinclude:onerousburdenofproof;legalizedthresholdsratherthanguidelines;dismissingclaimant’sdoctor’s;over-emphasisonpatients’medicalhistoryratherthanworkexposurefactors;lackofresourcestoenableworkerstosupporttheirclaims.
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateslobbythegovernmenttoincorporatecriteriaallowingWSIBdecision-makerstomakefairdecisionsaroundoccupationaldiseaseusingallthetoolsattheirdisposal.
(Wordcount:120)
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1.11Strengtheningretirementsecurity
38.PROTECTINGWAGES,PENSIONSANDBENEFITS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasmoreandmorecompaniesarere-structuring,goingintobankruptcy,receivership,sale,movingthebusinessoutsidethecountry,collapseoranyotherfinancialchange;
Whereasasaresultoftheseeventstheworkersandpensionersreceiveminimalifanyprotection;
Whereasbanksandshareholdersshouldbelistedascreditorsaftertheworkersandpensionersinsteadofbefore.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilllobbytheProvincialgovernmenttochangethenecessarylegislationtoensurethatworkersandpensionerswillbeatthetopoftheCreditorsListsothattheirwages,pensionsandbenefitsareprotectedintheeventofbankruptcy,receivership,sale,collapseoranyotherfinancialchangewiththeiremployer.
(Wordcount:107)
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39.EXPANDINGRETIREES’NETWORKS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasretireesprovideapoolofformerunionmemberswhoknowthestrugglesthatunionsenduredtogettheverybenefits–suchaspensions–thatemployersaretryingtoreduceoreliminate;
Whereasretireescanattendmeetingsandprovideeffectivesupporttopresentationsbyactiveunionmembers;
Whereasretireesprovideaproudandlonghistoryofpastexperiencesandgainedknowledge.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwithaffiliatelocalsacrossOntariotobuildandextendretirees’networks;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillencourageallaffiliatestocreateaRetireesCommitteewithintheirlocals,iftheyhavenotalreadydoneso;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillensurethatallunionretireesacrossOntariocanparticipate.
(Wordcount:109)
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40.DEFENDINGDEFINED-BENEFITPENSIONPLANS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasdefined-benefitpensionsareunderattackfromgovernmentsandfrompublicandprivateemployersalike;
WhereasBillC-27isthefirststageofanall-outassaultondefined-benefitplansandwillleadprovincialgovernmentsandemployerstofollowsuit;
Whereasastrongpensioncampaignwillshowthelabourmovement’sdeterminationtoensuredignityinretirement;
Whereastheincreasingprevalenceofprecariousworkputsemployer-fundedpensionsfurtheroutofreachformanyworkers.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilldeveloparobustcampaignindefenseofdefined-benefitpensionplans;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillensurethecampaignincludestrainingaffiliatesandtheirmembersonstrategiesfordefendingdefined-benefitpensionplansfromemployerandgovernmentattacksondefined-benefitplans,includingBillC-27;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwithUnionretireeorganizationstomobilizeretirees,manyofwhomhavemanyyears’worthofadvocacyskillsandexperience.
(Wordcount:137)
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41.BILLC-27
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
Whereasdefinedbenefit[DB]workplacepensionplansprovideworkerssecureandpredictablebenefitsinretirement;and
Whereasworkersaccruedpensionbenefitsaredeferredwagesthatworkershavepre-paidinexchangeforimprovedpensionbenefits;and
WhereasBillC-27willallowemployerstoinduceworkerstosurrendertheirDBpensionplansinexchangeforunprotectedtargetbenefit[TB]pensionplans;and
WhereasBillC-27willencourageemployersinboththeprivateandpublicsectorstointensifytheirattackondefinedbenefitpensionplans.
BeItResolvedThattheOFLwill:
WorkwiththeCLCtodefeatBillC-27,AnActtoamendthePensionBenefitsStandardsAct,1985.
WorkwiththeCLCinlaunchingacampaigntopromoteandexpandthemeritsofworkplacedefinedpensionplans.
WorkwithaffiliatesinencouragingOntarioemployerstoinstall,maintainandenhanceworkplacedefinedbenefitpensionplans.
(Wordcount:136)
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42.STOPTHELEGALIZEDTHEFTOFWORKERS'PENSIONS
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WhereastheBankruptcyandInsolvencyAct[BIA]andtheCompaniesCreditorsArrangementAct[CCAA]giveprioritytoinvestors,banksandparentcompaniesoverworker'pensionsandbenefits;and
WhereasduringproceedingsundertheCCAAworkersoftenlosejobs,severancepayments,benefitsandpensionswhilemanagementreceivehugebonuses.
BeItResolvedThattheOFLendorsetheFederalNewDemocraticParty's"EndPensionTheft"campaignthatseekstoensure:
Thatallpensionfundingliabilities,pensionpayments,severancepaymentsandhealthandpostretirementbenefitsareprotectedbyhavingsecuredcreditorstatusduringBankruptcyandInsolvencyAct,theCompaniesCreditorsArrangementActandallotherrelevantactsandregulationsproceedings.
BeItFurtherResolvedThattheOFLforwardtheFederalNewDemocraticParty'sproposedPrivateMembersBilltoallLabourCouncils,affiliatesandaffiliatedbodiesforinformationandendorsement.
(Wordcount:128)
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43.PRIORITYOFDEEMEDTRUSTANDDEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WhereastheSupremeCourtrulinginIndalexoverturnedtheOntarioCourtofAppealsdecisionwhichruledinfavourofpensionersclaims;and
WhereastheSupremeCourtruledthatthedoctrineoffederalparamounctyappliedgivingprioritytoaDIPoverthatoftheOPBAdeemedtrustprovisions.
BeItResolvedThattheOFLiscommittedto:
Opposingthedoctrineoffederalparamouncty,anordermadeinCompaniesCreditorArrangementAct[CCAA]proceedings,givingsuperprioritytoDIPfinancingchargesovertheOntarioPensionBenefitsAct[OPBA]deemedtrustprovisions.
WorkwiththeCLC,inconjunctionwithlegalandpensionexperts,tofindwaystoensurethatdebtor-in-possession[DIP]financingchargesdonothaveprioritystatusovertheOPBAdeemedtrustprovisions.
SupportfuturelegislationthatensuresprioritystatusfordeemedtrustprovisionsinCCAAproceedings.
(Wordcount:130)
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44.SUPPORTFORLGBTQSENIORS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WHEREASLGBTQseniorsareafraidthattheywillhavetogobackintheclosetastheyenterintolongtermcaresituationsasthisisanunfortunaterealityforLGBTQpersonsandcommunities;and
WHEREASwhenenteringcare,manyLGBTQseniorsareafraidtheywillexperiencehomophobiaordiscriminationbecauseotherresidentsorhealthcareworkersmaynotagreewiththeiridentity;and
WHEREASTransandHIVcommunitieshaveuniquelong-termcarerequirementstobefulfilled;and
WHEREASLGBTQpersonsandcommunitieswanttheiridentitiestoberespected.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallontheFederalandProvincial/TerritorialGovernmentstocreateLGBTQinclusiveenvironments,wherepeoplecanlivetheirauthenticlivesandenjoytheirgoldenrainbowyears.
(Wordcount:114)
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2.0 PowerONourMovement
2.1Engagingourmembership
45.CREATIONOFLABOURCOUNCILBUILDERAWARD
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;DurhamRegionLabourCouncil;ElementaryTeachers’FederationofOntario;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil;UniforLocal222
WhereasBrotherJimFreemanoftheDurhamRegionLabourCouncilwasatremendousbuilderofworkerandcommunityengagementonissuesandcampaignsofLabourCouncils,TheOntarioFederationofLabourandCanadianLabourCongress;and
WhereasBrotherJimFreemanwaspivotalinprovidingsupportandencouragementformanyLabourCouncilsthroughoutCanada;and
WhereasBrotherJimFreemanwasaconstantallyandpromoterofyoungworkersandunionrenewal,fosteringastrongfutureoflabouractivists.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLcreateanawardcalled‘LabourCouncilBuilderAward’inhonouroftheworkthatBrotherFreemandedicatedtotheLabourMovementthroughLabourCouncilsinOntarioandCanada.Theawardwouldbepresentedtoanindividualwhodemonstratesthespirit,idealsandgoalsofbuildingstrongLabourCouncilsinOntario.
(Wordcount:127)
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46.SOCIALSTEWARDSNETWORK
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
Whereasworkersareincreasinglyexposedtopressuresintheworkplace;
Whereasthesepressuresareadditionaltothoseexperiencedoutsidework;
WhereasworkersinworkplacesareinthebestpositiontodetectsignsofdistressamongtheirSistersandBrothersatwork;
Whereasasocialstewardsnetworkisaunioninitiativeandthatitsparticularityresidesinthefactthatthehelpingrelationshipoccursbetweenequals;
BeitresolvedthattheOFLencourageallaffiliatesto:
• Implementsocialstewardsnetworksintotheirrespectivestructures;• Negotiatecollectiveagreementprovisionsthatrecognizesocialstewardfunctions
inworkplaces;• Negotiatecollectiveagreementprovisionsthatprovideforspecificbookofftime
forsocialstewards.
(Wordcount:101)
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2.2Strengtheningthelinesofsolidarity
47.HOTELCONVERSIONTOCONDOMINIUMS
SubmittedbyUNITEHERELocal75
WhereasUnionizedhotelsprovidegoodjobsandarecriticaltotourism.
Whereashotelsmostoftenemploywomen.
Whereashotelsareunderpressuretoredevelop.
WhereastheOFLanditsaffiliatesoftenusehotelsformeetingsandovernightaccommodations.
BeitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliatesuseunionizedhotelsandmeetingspacewhereneeded.
BeitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliatessupporttheretentionofemploymentspaceinOntario’sdowntownsbylobbyinglocalandProvincialgovernmentstopreventtheconversionofhotelstoresidentialuse.
BeitresolvedthattheOFLanditsaffiliateswillsupporthotelworkersintheirfighttoprotecttheirjobsandindustry.
(Wordcount:97)
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48.PROTECTINGGOODJOBSINTHEHOSPITALITYINDUSTRYANDAFFORDABLEHOUSING
SubmittedbyUNITEHERELocal75
WhereasnumerousreportshaveshowntheextenttowhichAirbnbandothershort-termrentalcompaniesuseresidentialhousingstockforcommercialhoteloperations;
WhereasAirbnbandothershort-termrentalcompanieshavebeenshowntounderminealreadytighthousingmarketsbyreducingavailableandvacanthousingstock;
WhereasAirbnbandothershort-termrentalcompanieshavebeenshowntorelyonprecarious,part-timeandnon-unionizedworkers;
BeitresolvedthatOFLaffiliatedunionlocalswillnotreimburseexpensesincurredforuseofAirbnbandothersuchshort-termrentalserviceswhiletravellingonunionbusinessandencouragememberstopatronizeunionizedhotels.
(Wordcount:93)
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49.LABOURCOUNCILS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;Toronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwillbringnewfocustosupportingtheworkofLabourCouncilsacrosstheprovince;byensuringthatallaffiliateunionstaffandofficersareeducatedabouttheroleofLabourCouncils,requestingthataffiliatestaffbeassignedtoassistinlocalLabourCouncilcampaignsintheircommunity,andencouragingfullaffiliationtoLabourCouncils.
BecauseLabourCouncilsarethebasicexpressionoflaboursolidarityinourcommunities,unitingactivistsacrosssectorsincommoneffortstostrengthenpublicservices,defendourschools,promotedecentjobsandfightforabetterqualityoflifeforallworkingpeople,and
Becausetoomanyunionsallowtheirlocalstooptinoroutofaffiliation,andfewunionsensurethattheirstaffsupporttheeffortsofLabourCouncils,resultinginfewerresourcesbeingavailabletoundertakethecampaignsforourmovement.
(Wordcount:137)
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2.3Expandingthemake-upoflabourandchangingourpractices
50.NEGOTIATINGTRANSINCLUSIVECOLLECTIVEAGREEMENTS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WHEREASworkerswhoaretransgenderreportexperiencingemploymentdiscrimination;and
WHEREAStransphobia,violenceagainsttransgenderpeople,andotherrelatedissuesareanunacceptablenorminCanada;and
WHEREAStransphobiaisrelatedtobutdistinctfromotherformsofdiscrimination;and
WHEREASunionshavegainedprotectionsfortheirmembersthroughcollectivebargainingandthroughlobbyingforlegislation.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLencourageaffiliatestonegotiatecollectiveagreementprovisionsthatprotectworkersfromdiscriminationonthebasisofgenderidentityandgenderexpression;and,thattheOFLcalluponallprovincesandterritoriestoamendtheirhumanrightscodesbyincludingprovisionsthatprotectindividualsfromdiscriminationonthebasisofgenderidentityandgenderexpression.
(Wordcount:109)
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51.GENDERNEUTRALLANGUAGE
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281
WHEREAStransphobia,violenceagainstTransandnon-binarypersons,andotherrelatedissuesareanunacceptablenorminCanada;and
WHEREASunionsareattheforefrontofmakingpositivesocialchange,butourworkisnotfinishedyet;and
WHEREASthelanguageweuseinthelabourmovementcancontributetotransphobiaunlessweworktocombatit;and
WHEREAStermslike“brother”and“sister”excludesomemembers;and
WHEREASCanada’sunionssupportmember’srightstoself-identifytheirgender;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwillcommittousinggenderneutrallanguageatitsevents,andinitsdocumentsandpoliciesby,forexamplereferringtodelegatesatunioneventsasdelegates,orspeakers;andbyclarifyingthatpositionsreservedforwomenbeopentoallmemberswhoidentifyaswomen;
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLwillencourageaffiliatestodevelopandimplementTransinclusionpolicies,andtousesimilargenderneutrallanguage.
(Wordcount:142)
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52.GENDERNEUTRALLANGUAGE
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
Whereastransphobia,violenceagainstTrans*andnon-binarypersons,andotherrelatedissuesareanunacceptablenorminCanada;and
Whereaslanguageshapesourperspectives,canreinforceoppressiveideologiesandfueltheotheringofindividuals/groups;and
Whereasunionshavegainedprotectionsandhelpedmovealongsocialprogressfortheirmembersthroughallyship,collectivebargainingandthroughadvocacyworkperformedbythemovement.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLreviewandmodifyitsuseoflanguageindocuments,policiesandpracticesinanefforttomovetowardstheuseofgenderneutrallanguage;and
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLencourageaffiliatestoreviewandmodifytheiruseoflanguageindocuments,policiesandpracticesinanefforttomovetowardstheuseofgenderneutrallanguage.
(Wordcount:116)
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53.FOSTERINGCONSENTCULTUREWITHINTHELABOURMOVEMENT
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers;CUPELocal1281
WHEREAStheOFLhasdoneextensiveworkrelatedtoequity,anddomesticandgenderbasedviolence;and
WHEREAStheLabourmovementiscommittedtoequityinbothideologyandpractice;and
WHEREASsystemicoppressionisarealityformarginalizedfolks(racialized,Indigenous,differentlyabled,LGBTQ,women/womyn,etc.);and
WHEREASeducationandadvocacyisaprovenmethodtochangingbehaviours,practicesandideology.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLadvocateforConsentCultureatallitsevents;and
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthatConsentbepromotedatanyOFLeventthrougheducationalmaterial(s)andadvocacy.
(Wordcount:83)
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2.4Organizingtheunorganized
54.ORGANIZINGSUMMIT
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereastherearestillorganizingopportunitiesamongmanysectorsoftheeconomy,includingemployersthathaveamixoforganizedandnon-organizedworkers;
Whereasemployersarecontractingoutandoutsourcingworkandservicespreviouslyperformedbyunionmembers,withmuchofthisworkforcebeingexcludedfromexistingunionsandbargainingunit(s);
WhereasthiswouldsupportcurrentandongoingeffortsbyOntario’slabourmovementtoincreaseuniondensity.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillhostanannualOrganizingSummittoconsultwithLocalunionleadershipandtorevieworganizingopportunitiesandissues.
(Wordcount:86)
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3.0 PowerONourAdvocacyEfforts
3.1Promotingpeaceandinclusion
55.UNIONSOLIDARITYAGAINSTFASCISM
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281
WHEREASfascismandoppressionareontheriseandmarginalizedfolksareincreasinglybeingtargeted;
WHEREASfascismandotheroppressiveideologiesarebeingnormalizedundertheguiseof“freespeech”;
WHEREASemboldenedbythecurrentsocio-politicalclimate,fascistsandNazisareregularlycongregatinginpublicspaces;and
WHEREASLabourhasalonghistoryofopposingoppressiveideologiesandorganizations.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcondemnfascismandoppressiveideologiesaswellasanyorganizationspromotingtheseideologiessuchasSoldiersofOdin,StormAlliance,TheNorthernGuard,LaMeuteandProudBoys;
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLsupportorganizationsandmovementsfightingbackingagainstfascismandoppression;and
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLencourageaffiliatestotakestrongstancesagainstfascismandoppressiveideologiesandsupportorganizationsandmovementswhoarefightingback.
(Wordcount:123)
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56.LABOURROLEINANTI-FASCIST,ANTI-WHITE-SUPREMACYORGANIZING
SubmittedbyCUPEOntario
TheOFLwill:
LeadbyexampletoencourageandsupportallaffiliatesintheLabourMovement,andourcommunitycoalitionpartners,toactivelyparticipateinandprovidesupportto,communitybasedactionsagainstfascism,whitesupremacy,Islamophobia,anti-Semitism,andhatredinallitsforms.
BECAUSE:
Asworkersweknowthatdiscrimination,racism,andhatredinanyformaretoolsofthosethatseektodivideworkingpeopleagainsteachother,causingthoseinpowertomoreeasilycontrolourcollectivefuture.
Many,manymembersinallaffiliateunionsare,infact,thedirecttargetsofthosethatspreadhate,andourroleindefendingourmembersdemandsweunderstandtheimportanceofprotectingtheirrightsbeyondtheirworkplacedoor.
Thecurrentclimateofrisinghatedemandsastrongandunequivocalresponsefromthelabourmovementthatmakesclearourstandagainstfascism,white-supremacy,andhatredinallforms.
(Wordcount:147)
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57.CHALLENGINGISLAMOPHOBIA
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;Toronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwill:undertakeanextensivecampaigntochallengeIslamophobiawhereveritexists,workingwithaffiliates,Muslimunionmembers,communityorganizationsandfaithgroupstobuildapowerfulmovementforaninclusiveandequitablesociety,and
TheOFLwill:promotea“CharterforInclusiveWorkplacesandCommunities”foradoptionbyalllocalunionsintheprovince,andhelpsupporteducationforunionmembersonIslamophobiaaspartofongoingcommitmenttochallengeracismanddiscriminationinanyform.
BecausewehavewitnessedasignificantspikeinspeechthatisdemeaningtoMuslims,andariseinhatecrimes,and
BecausetheLabourmovementhasalwaysbeenchampionsofcivillibertiesandfreedoms,andwemuststandinsolidaritywithagroupofourbrothersandsisterswhoareincreasinglyfacinggreaterdiscrimination,inourcommitmenttohelpfosterinclusivecommunities.
(Wordcount:138)
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58.SHUTTINGDOWNHATE
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
BeitresolvedthattheOntarioFederationofLabourwill:
1. Supportanti-racist,anti-oppression,andequityseekinggroupsinOntarioorganizeagainsthate;
2. Assistcommunitiesinshapingactionsthatwillchallengehatredanddivision;3. Workwithaffiliatesandlabourcouncilstocreatearapidresponsenetworkviasocial
andotherelectronicmediathatcancounterorganizedexpressionsofhateonshortnotice;
4. Workwithaffiliatesandlabourcouncilstohelpbuildanti-racism/anti-oppressionmovementsinchallenginghateateverylevel.
(Wordcount:79)
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59.SUPPORTFORTHESANCTUARYMOVEMENT
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereasDonaldTrumpwaselectedonapromisetodeportthousandsofimmigrantsandundocumentedworkersintheUSA;
WhereasTrump’spolicieswillencourageracism,discriminationanddivisionwithinworkers;
Whereasthesepolicieswillencourageright-wingpoliticiansandtheirsupportersinCanadatodenythehumanrightsofimmigrants,refugeesandundocumentedworkersinCanada;
WhereasmanyCanadianandUSmunicipalities,churchesandsynagoguesandotherfaithgroupssupportthebuildingofanewsanctuarymovement.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwithaffiliatesandcommunityalliestobuildaSanctuarymovementtodefendimmigrants,refugeesandundocumentedworkers,inOntario,CanadaandtheUnitedStatesofAmericaagainstdeportationanddiscrimination;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillworktoestablishOntarioasasanctuaryforthoseworkersandfamiliesdeportedandtreatednegativelybyTrumppoliciesofexclusion.
(Wordcount:132)
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3.2Fightingforagreeneconomy
60.CLIMATEACTION
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;Toronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwill:developacomprehensiveprogramforthelabourmovementtoproviderealleadershiparoundclimatechange,sothatOntariohonourthegoalsoftheParisAgreementwhileensuringeffectivejusttransitionpoliciesinplaceforworkersandcommunities.Theprogramwillincludestrongadvocacyformeasurestolimitgreenhousegasemissions,aroleforworkplaceenvironmentalrepsandjointcommittees,andgreeneconomicdevelopmentstrategiestotakeadvantageofthepotentialformassivejobgrowthinthefuture.
BecauseClimateChangeisthegreatestthreattohumankindandmustbeaddressedbyallCanadiansaspartofaglobaleffortforsurvival.
Becauseextremeweatherevents,fires,floodingandmeltinginthenorthwillhaveaprofoundeffectonagrowingnumberofcommunities,aswellascreatingmillionsofclimaterefugeeswithwidespreadlossoflife,andpoliticalinstabilityacrosstheworld.
(Wordcount:143)
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61.JOINTENVIRONMENTALCOMMITTEES
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
Whereasthereisnocrisisgreaterthantheclimatecrisis;
Whereasworkersknowtheirworkbestandarethebestsuitedtooffersolutionstoreducetheclimaticimpactoftheirwork;
WhereasthelabourmovementhasgreatexperienceintheimprovementofworkplacesthroughjointHealthandSafetycommittees;
Whereasmanycountriesnowhavevariousstructuresallowingjointemployer-unionenvironmentalcommittees;
Therefore:
TheOntarioFederationofLabourwill:
• Advocatewiththevariouslevelsofgovernmentformandatoryjointenvironmentcommitteesintheworkplaceandatthecompany-levelwithaspecificmandatetodeveloptimeboundtargetstoreduceGHGemissions;
• Supportitsaffiliatesasnecessaryshouldtheychoosetoseekcollectiveagreementlanguagefortheestablishmentofjointenvironmentalcommittees.
(Wordcount:116)
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62.ENVIRONMENT
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
TheOntarioFederationofLabourwillcontinuetoworkwithenvironmentorganizationssuchastheGreenEconomyNetwork(GEN),AdaptingCanadianWorkandWorkplaces(ACW),TradeUnionsforEnergyDemocracy(TUED),BlueGreenCanadaandotherstoachievethecreationofonemillionclimatejobsandworktowardalow-to-zerocarboneconomy.
Becauseurgent,transformativeactionisrequiredtopreventcatastrophicclimatechange.
Becausethelabourmovementhasakeyroletoplayininitiatingactionsthatwillreducegreenhousegasemissionsattheworkplace.
Because,accordingtotheILO,80percentofgreenhousegasemissionsareproducedatworkplacesorthroughtheworkprocess.
(Wordcount:102)
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63.CLIMATECHANGEANDCOMMUNITYBENEFITS
SubmittedbyTheSocietyofEnergyProfessionals,IFPTELocal160
WHEREAStheProvinceofOntarioplanstoinvestbetween$5-8billioninclimateactionbytheendof2020.
WHEREAStheseinvestmentsarekeytoensuringalowcarboneconomyandsocietywhichisvitaltoprepareforclimatechange
WHEREASpeopleareconcernedwithfindingdecentwork,betterandaffordablehousing,reducinglivingexpenses,improvinghealthandotherrelatedcommunitybenefits.
WHEREASotherjurisdictionshavesuccessfullyimplementedprogramsthatsimultaneouslyreducecarbonemissionsandcreatecommunitybenefits,suchasemploymentopportunitiesforlowincomeresidents.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDtheOFLurgestheProvinceofOntariotomakeitaprioritytodelivercarbonreductionprogramsthroughitsClimateChangeActionPlaninwaysthatalsocreateadditionalcommunitybenefitssuchasjobs,reducedlivingexpenses,betterhousingandotherbenefitsthatsupportpovertyreductionaswellaseconomicandpublichealth.
(Wordcount:135)
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64.SUPPORTINGINDIGENOUSACTIVISTSWHOAREDEFENDINGTHEEARTH
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WhereastherearedivisionswithinFirstNationscommunitiesregardingeconomicdevelopmentbasedonresourceextractionprojectsandtheprotectionofMotherEarth;and
Whereasitisnotinthepurviewofnon-IndigenousindividualsororganizationstomakedeterminationsforFirstPeoplesthoughthelabourmovementdoeshaveahistoryofaligningourselveswithprogressiveIndigenousmovements;and
Whereasthelabourmovementhasaclearpositiononclimatechange;
Therefore,beitresolvedthattheOFLoffersupportbywhateveravailablemeanstoIndigenousactivistsandtheirallieswhoarestrugglingtodefendthestabilityoftheplanet.
Therefore,beitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLofferinkind,materialand/orfinancialsupporttoIndigenousactivists,organizationsandtheirallieswhosupportthesameprinciplesoftheOFLclimatechangeposition.
(Wordcount:118)
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65.ENDORSETHELEAPMANIFESTO
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREAStheLeapManifesto,endorsedbytensofthousandsofCanadians,proposesamodelofclimatejustice;and
WHEREASsocial,economicandenvironmentalissuesareintertwined;and
WHEREASprivatesectoractionsandunenforceableinternationaldeclarationshavemaintaineddependenceonfossilfuels;and
WHEREASdemocraticallysharedresources,respectforIndigenousrights,rebuildingofthepublicsphere,expansionofpublictransit,andaffordablegreen-engineeredhousingareneededtocounterdependenceonnon-renewableresources;and
WHEREASdemocraticcontrolofnon-renewablepowersourcesisessential;and
WHEREAStheLeapManifestoprovidesanoverarchingnarrativeandgoalsthatcanleadtheOFLtojoinforceswiththeclimatejusticemovement;and
WHEREASitiskeythattheOFLbecomeavehicleforlesseningincomeinequality,providingwell-payinggreenjobs,andaddressingtheclimatedisasterthatfacesus;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLendorsetheLeapManifesto;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLpromotethevisionoftheLeapManifesto.
(Wordcount:143)
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3.3Standingupforpublicservices
66.“WEOWNIT!”-MAKEPRIVATIZATIONAMAJORELECTIONISSUE
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASgovernmentshaveprivatizedmanypublicservicesandassets,includingmedicallabtesting,ServiceOntariocentres,developmentalservices,andpartsofourelectricitysystem;and
WHEREAStheprovincialgovernmenthasnomandatefromvoterstoprivatizepublicassetsorservices;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwithlabourcouncilsworktomakeprivatizationacampaignissueinnextyear’selections;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLendorsethe“WeOwnIt!”campaigntopreventpro-privatizationcandidatesfromgettingelectedin2018;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLactivelyparticipateinthe“WeOwnIt!”initiativetohaveall2018candidatesdeclaretheirpositiononprivatization;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallformoratoriumonprivatizationsthathavenotundergoneapublicreview;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallongovernmentstodiscloseallprivatizedpublicservicesundertheirjurisdictions;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallontheOntarioGovernmentpublishalistofallservicescurrentlyprivatized.
(Wordcount:144)
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67.PRIVATIZATION,THEFEDERALINFRASTRUCTUREBANK,ANDRENATIONALIZINGHYDROANDOTHERASSETS
SubmittedbyCUPEOntario
TheOFLwill:
WorkwithalliestochallengeallformsofPrivatizationandcallontheOntarioGovernmentto
• Immediatelystoptheprivatizationofallpublicservices,includingthroughalternativefinancingmodels,public-privatepartnerships,directassetsales,socialimpactbonds,oranyotherform.
• Opposetheproposedfederalinfrastructurebankasthemodeltofinancethefederalgovernmentsobligationstofundinfrastructureinvestmentsacrossthecountry.
• BuybacklostassetsthatwereprivatizedandsoldoffwithoutthepermissionofthepeopleofOntario,beginningwithHydroOne.
• Educateunionmembersaboutthedisastrouseffectsofprivatizationanditsroleinfurtheringtheausterityagenda.
BECAUSE:
Publicservicesarethe“greatequalizer”thatensureequalaccesstoessentialeducation,healthcare,water,etc.Privatizationisapoisonthatsyphonscollectivepublicresourcesawayfromgovernmentandservestoaugmentthealreadysoaringprofitsofcorporateinterests.
(Wordcount:145)
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68.MAKEHYDROPUBLICAGAIN
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASOntarioenjoyednearlyacenturyofstablehydroratesunderpublicownershipoftheutility;and
WHEREASOntariogovernmentssincetheearly2000shaveprivatizedkeyaspectsoftheprovince’shydrosystem;and
WHEREASelectricityrateshaveatleasttripledsincegovernmentsbeganprivatizingthehydrosystem;and
WHEREASprivatizationofthehydrosystemcoststheprovincesignificantrevenueseveryyear(includinghundredsofmillionspaidtotheprivateownersofthecancelledgasplants,andtheestimated$300-$500milliontheprovinceisforegoingfromthepartialsaleofHydroOne;and
WHEREASpublicopinionresearchconsistentlyshowsthatasignificantmajorityofOntariansopposehydroprivatization;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDtheOFL,withlabourcouncils,callonallprovincialandmunicipalpoliticalcandidatestodeclaretheirpositiononhydroprivatization;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDtheOFLwillencouragelabourcouncilstonotendorseanypoliticalpartyorcandidatethatdoesn’tcommittoreversinghydroprivatization,andrestorepublicownership.
(Wordcount:149)
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69.SELLCANNABISTHROUGHTHEPUBLICSYSTEM
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASthefederalgovernmentwilllegalizethecommercialsaleofrecreationalcannabisbyJuly1,2018,andhasassignedprovincialgovernmentstoregulatecannabissales;and
WHEREASinOntario,theprovincialgovernmenthasrecognizedthewisdomofsellingcannabisthrough150LCBO-ownedstores;and
WHEREAStheLCBOhasprovenexperienceinretailingacontrolledsubstance;and
WHEREASOPSEUhasnegotiatedcontractlanguagethatguaranteesthattheLCBOwillvoluntarilyrecognizeOPSEUasthebargainingagentforemployeeswhohandlecannabis;
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLwillsupportthesaleofcannabisthroughtheLCBO,oranLCBOsubsidiary;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcommunicatethissupporttothePremier,theMinisterofFinance,andtheAttorneyGeneralofOntario,aswellastoallaffiliates;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallontheGovernmentofOntariotoestablishthe150outletsbefore2020,andthereafteraddstoresasneededtoundercuttheillicitmarket.
(Wordcount:146)
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70.REINVESTINSOCIALSERVICES
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASthefederalgovernmenthascut$46billionfromsocialservicestransferssince1996,and;
WHEREASprovincialunderfundinghasmeantprivatesectorinvolvementinsocialservices;and
WHEREASthereisnoprovincialstrategytoremedythegenderwagegapinthecaringprofessions,poorworkingconditionsinfor-profitagencies,orprecariousworkinsocialservices;and
WHEREASthelackofcomprehensivepoliciesforpubliclyfundedanddeliveredsocialserviceshasproducedapatchworkofservices;and
WHEREASOntario’schildpovertyisat18.8percentand30percentforoff-reserveIndigenouschildren;and
WHEREASinOntariothereare11,000individualswithdevelopmentaldisabilitiesonwaitlistsforresidentialservicesand9,000youthonwaitlistsformentalhealthtreatment,
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallontheprovincialgovernmentto:
• dramaticallyincreasefundingforsocialservicesinthebroaderpublicsector;• eliminatecontractingoutofservicestofor-profitagencies;and• endallindividualizedfundingmodels.
(Wordcount:146)
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71.UNIVERSITYFUNDING
SubmittedbyOntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREASuniversityprioritiesstarvefundingfromprogramsandservicessothattheyarenotabletomeettheneedsofstudents;
WHEREASprogramfundingforuniversityisnotstableyear-over-year;
WHEREASuniversityfundingisacquiredandallocatedwithoutpublicoversite.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHATtheOFLlobbytheprovincialgovernmenttoincreaseandstabilizeuniversityfundingandcreatesufficientoversighttoensuretransparencyandaccountability.
(Wordcount:59)
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72.FUNDHOSPITALSTOMEETPOPULATIONNEED
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASthe2017-18Ontariobudgetwasthefirstsince2007toincludeabove-inflationglobalfundingincreasesforhospitals;and
WHEREAStomaintainexistingservices,expertssayannualincreasesoffivepercentareneeded;and
WHEREAStheAuditorGeneralreportsmanyhospitalsoperatingatmorethan100percentcapacity;and
WHEREASOntario’sLHINsaredrivinganewwaveofcostlyhospitalrestructuring;and
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLfighttoensurethattheprovincialgovernmenteliminaterealdollarhospitalcuts;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLsupportthecallforasafeoccupancylevelof85percentmaximumbedoccupancyratetoimprovepatientexperienceduringnormalperiodswhileprovidingasafebufferduringsurgeperiods;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLcontinuetodemandthatLocalHealthIntegrationNetworks(LHINs)beaccountabletopatients,thepublic,andthehealthcareworkforce,throughmeaningfulconsultationsandbydemocraticallyelectingLHINboardsofdirectors.
(Wordcount:145)
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73.HOSPITALFUNDING
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WhereasfundingofhospitalsinOntarioisconsistentlybillionsofdollarsbelowthenationalaverageinseveralareas,includingdollarsonapercapitalbasis,thefewestnumberofbedspercapital,andthefewestnumberofnursesperpatient;and
Whereasthecutstohospitalservicesimpactstheabilitytomaintainservicesinruralandnorthernhospitalsandotheressentialcommunityhealthcareservicesthroughouttheprovince.
BeItResolvedThattheOntarioFederationofLaboursupporteffortstoclosethegap,movingprovincialhospitalfundingtowardsthenationalpercapitaaverage.
(Wordcount:87)
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74.CREATEAPUBLICHOMECARESYSTEM
SubmittedbyOntarioPublicServiceEmployeesUnion
WHEREASthecontracting-outofhomecareserviceshasprivatizedmuchofouruniversalhealthcaresystem;and
WHEREASthisviolatescoreprinciplesofthatsystem;and
WHEREASprivatizedhomecarehasreducedwagesandincreasedprecariouswork;and
WHEREASin2015Ontario’sAuditorGeneralreportedthat,underprivatizeddelivery,39percentofpublicdollarsgotoadministrationandprofit,notcare;and
WHEREAScontractinginwillremovethecostsassociatedwithduplicateadministrationatprivatizedagencies;and
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDtheOFLcallforanendtocontractingoutandthecreationofafullypublichomecaresystem;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDallhomecareworkersbebroughtinasdirectserviceprovidersemployedbytheLocalHealthIntegrationNetwork(LHIN)andthattheOntarioMinistryofHealthandLong-TermCareexploreoptionsfortheterminationofallprivatizedcontracts;and
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDtheOFLcontinuetodemandimprovedLHINaccountabilitythroughmeaningfulconsultationsanddemocraticallyelectedLHINboardsofdirectors.
(Wordcount:150)
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75.FUNDINGFORLEGALAIDSERVICESANDACCESSTOJUSTICEFORLOW-INCOMEONTARIANS
SubmittedbyTheSocietyofEnergyProfessionals,IFPTELocal160
WHEREASequalaccesstojusticeisafundamentalcornerstoneofCanadiandemocracy;and
WHEREAStheabilitytoexerciseone’srightsandfreedoms,inaccordancewiththeruleoflaw,shouldnotbediminishedbyone’saccesstofinancialresources;and
WHEREASLegalAidOntariohasrespondedtofundingconstraintswithanausterityprogram,rollingbackservicestolowincomeOntariansandleavingjobvacanciesamongstafflawyersunfilled;
THEREFORE,BEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcallontheGovernmentofOntariotoprovidethefundingrequiredtoreversetheseausteritymeasuresandensurethesustainabilityoffundingforallcurrentLegalAidOntario(LAO)programs;
THEREFORE,BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthattheOFLengagewiththeProvince,theCLC,andcivilsocietypartnerstocallontheFederalgovernmenttorestorefundingforProvincialLegalAidprogramsona50-50cost-sharebasis.
(Wordcount:137)
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76.LGBTQNEEDFORANATIONALPHARMACAREPROGRAM
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;CUPELocal1281;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WHEREASthereareanumberofeffectiveanti-HIVdrugsavailablethatarebeingusedinpartbyLGBTQpersonsandcommunities-includingthoselivingwithHIVinCanadatoday;and
WHEREASmanypartsofLGBTQcommunities,likeTransandnon-binarypersonsandcommunities,haveuniquemedicalneedsthatcouldbebetterservedbyaNationalPharmacareProgram;and
WHEREASaNationalPharmacareProgramcouldsave$7.3billion(Dr.Hoskins–Ontario);and
WHEREASeachprovinceandterritoryinCanadahasadifferentprogramforsubsidizingdrugcostsfortheirresidents;and
WHEREASCanadapaysmoreforprescriptiondrugsthanotherOECDcountries.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLjoininthecallwiththeCLCforaNationalPharmacareProgramthatwouldbenefitLGBTQpersonsandcommunitiesaswellastheentirepopulation.
(Wordcount:125)
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77.NATIONALUNIVERSALPHARMACARE
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereasmoreandmoreworkingOntariansdonothaveemployer-paiddrug,dental,paramedicalandcomplementarymedicalplans;
WhereasmanyCanadianscannotaffordtheprescriptionstheyneed;
Whereasthefederalgovernmentisfailingtoprovidesufficientfederalfundstosupportprescriptiondrug,dental,paramedicalandcomplementarymedicalcareacrossthecountry;
Whereasprescriptiondrugsreducetheeffectsofdiseaseandillnesses,andresearchhasshownthatdentalhealthisadeterminateofoverallhealth;
Whereasparamedicalandcomplementarymedicalservicesimproveoverallhealthoutcomeswhilereducingrelianceonprescriptionmedication,reducingtheoverallcostofthehealthsystem.
ThereforebeitresolvedtheOFLwilllobbyandadvocateforuniversalpharmacare,dental,paramedicalandcomplementarymedicineprograms;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedtheOFLwillworkwiththeCLCtoachievenationaluniversalpharmacare,dental,paramedicalandcomplementarymedicineprograms;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedtheOFLwillworkwithaffiliatestoimplementtrainingprogramssorankandfilemembersandretireescanassistinthesegoals.
(Wordcount:149)
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78.HOUSINGISAHUMANRIGHT
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;CUPELocal3906;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation;Toronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;DurhamRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwillcallontheProvincialGovernmentto:
• Immediatelyintroduceacomprehensiveprovincialsocialhousingprogramthattreatshousingasapublicutilityanddeliversitaccordingtoneed;
• Developandimplementanemergencyplantobuildnew,publiclyowned,socialhousingandretrofitexistingunits;
• Legislaterealrentcontrolsandrollbacksforallrenters;• Provideregular,frequentandthoroughbuildinginspectionsforrentalhousing,and
enforcestiffpenaltiesforlandlordswhofailtocomply;• Legislateabanonevictionsandutilitycut-offduetoinvoluntaryunemployment,
includingstrikes,lockoutsandlayoffs.
AndtheOFLwilllaunchacampaignwithLabourCouncilsandaffiliatestomobilizeworkerstodemandaprovincialsocialhousingprogram.
Becausetherighttoadequatehousingandshelterisahumanright.
Itistheresponsibilityofthelabourmovementtofightfordecentwagesandsocialconditionsforallworkers.
(Wordcount:146)
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79.SUPPORTFORSOCIALHOUSING
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasincreasingincomeinequality,combinedwithrapidlyrisinghousingcosts,putslow-incomeOntarians–includingagrowingnumberofworkingOntarians–atriskofhomelessness;
WhereasPremierWynnehasfailedtodeliverfundstosupportcapitalprojectsandforoperatingandprogramcosts;
Whereastheseoperatingcostsincludesupportforemploymentservices,communitydevelopmentprograms,andothertenantsupportprogramsthatareessentialtokeepingresidentshoused;
Whereasarobustsocialhousingsector,anchoredbypubliclyownedandoperatedsocialhousing,isessentialforreducingtheharmfulsocialandhealth-relatedimpactsofpovertyandincomeinequality.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilladvocateforincreasedfederalandprovincialfundingtosupportthesocialhousingsector,anchoredbypubliclyownedandoperatedsocialhousing;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillensureadvocacyforincreasedfundingthatemphasizestheimportanceofbothcapitalprojectsandthesupportiveservicesthatareessentialcomponentsofasuccessfulsocialhousingsystem.
(Wordcount:147)
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80.PROVINCIALCO-OPHOUSINGSTRATEGY
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
Whereasco-ophousinghasbeenaneffectivestrategyforprovidingaffordablehousing;and
WhereasthevastmajorityofOntarioco-ophousingstockwasbuiltbetween1960and1995andlittleprovincialfundinghasbeenprovidedforprojectssincetheNDPadministrationof1990-1995;and
Whereasco-opsareselfsustainingandpayforthemselveswhileprovidingtheon-goingbenefitofsustainable,affordablehousingoptions;and
Whereasthelargestobstaclefortheconstructionofnewco-opsisthelackofprovincialstart-upfunding;
BeItResolvedThattheOFLsupportstheimplementationanddevelopmentofaco-ophousingstrategywithadequatefundingfornewconstructionaspartofthedevelopmentofaffordablehousingoptionsinOntario.
(Wordcount:107)
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81.SUPPORTINGTHETIMETOCARECAMPAIGNANDSECURING4HOURSOFCAREINLONGTERMCARE
SubmittedbyCUPEOntario
TheOFLWill:
• WorkwithaffiliatestoactivelypromoteandengageintheTimetoCarecampaigntosecureatleast4hoursofhandsoncareperresidentperdayinLongTermCarefacilities.
• Aggressivelylobbyalllevelsofgovernmenttosupportpassingalawthatguaranteesstandardsforseniors.
• WorkwithLabourCouncilsandaffiliatestohostcommunitytownhallmeetingsacrosstheprovincetobuildabroaderbaseofsupportforguaranteedhoursforseniors.
• Organizeamassrallyatqueen’sparkincooperationwithcoalitionpartners,students,familyandseniorgroupscallingonthegovernmenttoenactacarestandardforseniors.
BECAUSE:
SincetheHarrisconservativeseliminatedthecarestandardfromlawintheearly‘90swehaveseenarapiddeteriorationofthesystem;Ontariofundslongtermcareatalowerratethananyotherprovince;Ourseniorsneedthissupport.
(Wordcount:148)
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82.CAREPERDAYGUARANTEE
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
BeItResolvedThattheOntarioFederationofLaboururgestheprovincialgovernmenttochangetheLong-TermCareHomesActtoimplementalegislatedcarestandardofaminimumfour[4]hoursperresidenteachdayandbeadjustedforacuitylevelandcasemix.
(Wordcount:42)
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83.AFFORDABLECHILDCARECAMPAIGN
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasallfamilieshavetherighttoaffordable,accessiblechildcare;
WhereasCanadianfamiliesspend22%oftheirincomeonchildcare;
Whereaskeepingchildcarefeesbelow10%offamilyincomesubstantiallyincreasesmaincaregivers’probabilityoffull-timeemployment;
WhereaschildcarefeesinpartsofOntarioareover$1,000+/month;
Whereasthereare15,317childrenonToronto’sfeesubsidywaitlist;
Whereasemploymentinsuranceparentalbenefitsareinsufficient;
WhereasEarlyChildhoodEducatorsrarelyearnaprofessional-levelwageandoftendon’tmakealivingwage;
Whereaslowwagesshouldnotbesubsidizingchildcare.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilldevelopachildcarecampaigncallingfor:
a. Moreaccesstochildcaredeliveredbypublicandnon-profitchildcarecentres;b. Professional-levelwagesforallchildcareworkers;c. Aprohibitiononnewfor-profitchildcarecentres;andd. Acommitmentfromtheprovincialgovernmentfor$500millionincapitalfundingfor
Year1ofOntario’schildcareexpansionand$300millioninongoingoperatingfunding.
(Wordcount:147)
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84.CHILDCARE
SubmittedbyTheSocietyofEnergyProfessionals,IFPTELocal160
WHEREASuniversalaccesstohighqualitychildcarehasbeenshowntobeessentialtobothhealthychilddevelopmentandtheabilityofparents,particularlyparentswhoarewomen,toparticipateinthelabourforceandciviclife;and
WHEREASchildcareacrossCanadaremainsunaffordable,unavailableandinconsistentinquality;and
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOFLcontinuetoworkwiththeCLCandothersintheCanadianchildcarecommunityandredoubleitseffortstoensureanyfuturechildcareprogramincludesthefollowingelementsofuniversalityinitsdesign:
• availabilitytoallchildrenandparentsinCanada;• publicfundingandguaranteesofaffordabilityforall;• flexibilityinitsdesigntoeliminatearangeofsocial,ability-based,cultural,
geographic,andotherbarrierstoequitableaccessandparticipation;• fairtermsandconditionsofemployment(includingfairwages,benefitsandpensions)
forEarlyChildhoodEducators.
(Wordcount:136)
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85.FAMILYCAREGIVERS
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
Whereasanestimated8.1millioninformalcaregiversprovidecaretofamily,friends,andneighboursacrossCanada;and
WhereasmorethanaquarterofalladultCanadiansprovidecareforafamilyorfriendwithotherwiseunmethealthneeds.
BeItResolvedThattheOntarioFederationofLaboururgestheprovincialgovernmenttorecognizethetireless,invaluable,andoftenunrecognizedeffortsofinformalcaregiverstosupportandprotectthemostvulnerableindividualsinoursociety,includingelderlyparents,personswithdisabilitiesandchildren.
BeItFurtherResolvedThattheOntarioFederationofLaboururgestheprovincialgovernmenttoestablishafamilycaregivertaxcredit.
(Wordcount:94)
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86.SERVICEEXPANSION,CANADAPOST
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
WhereasCanadaPostisatrustednationalinstitution,withaphysicalandsocialinfrastructureincommunitieslargeandsmallthroughoutthecountry;
Whereasmanypostalservicesarerespondingtofallinglettermailvolumesbydiversifyingintonewservicesbuiltuponthestrengthsofthepostalservice;
Therefore:
TheOntarioFederationofLabourwill,withtheCLC:
• AdvocatefortheexpansionofservicesofferedthroughCanadaPost,suchasanationalcheck-inserviceprogramforseniorsusingcarriers;
• Advocatefortheimplementationofcommunityhubsatpostofficesthroughoutthecountryinordertoprovidebasicpublicservices,postalbankingandimprovedcommunicationserviceswheresuchaneedexists;
• SupporttheimplementationofanationwidesystemofDirectCurrentelectricvehiclechargingstationsatselectpostofficesinareaswhereaccessisotherwiselacking;
• AdvocateforaCanadaPostwhichcontinuallyexperimentswithinnovationinthepublicinterest.
(Wordcount:145)
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87.PUBLICPOSTALSERVICES
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
TheOFL,withtheCLC,callsonthefederalgovernmenttorestorehomemaildeliverytoeveryonewholostit,andexpandpostalservices,includingpostalbanking.
Because,aspartofareviewofCanadaPost,aparliamentarycommitteerecommended:
1. therestorationofhomemaildelivery,butonlyforthosewholostitasofthe2015electioncall;
2. themaintenanceofthemoratoriumonruralpostofficeclosures;and3. theinitiationofnewservicesatCanadaPost,includingthepossibilityofdelivering
broadbandInternetandimprovedcellularservicetoruralareas.
BecausethereviewdidnotseriouslyconsiderpostalbankingeventhoughthousandsofruraltownsandvillagesdonothaveabankandnearlytwomillionCanadiansdesperatelyneedalternativestopaydaylenders;
Becausepostalbankinghasthesupportofover600municipalitiesandclosetotwo-thirdsofCanadians.
(Wordcount:141)
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88.PROMOTECOMMUNITYPOWER
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1281;Toronto&YorkRegionLabourCouncil;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOFLwillworkwiththeCLC,CanadianUnionofPostalWorkersandcommunitygroupstosupporttheeffortstoextendCanada’spostalservicetoincludepublicbankingandenvironmentalleadershipasatransitiontoanewroleinourcountry,asoutlinedintheCUPWDeliveringCommunityPowercampaign
BecauseCanadaPostCorporationisapubliclyownedutilitythatiscurrentlybeingunderutilized,andCUPWhasformulatedanalternativebusinessplanforCanadaPostbasedonsuccessfulmodelsinEuropethatincludepostalbankingand,
BecausetheCUPWvisiongoesfurthertoincludeatrue“justtransition”toakeyroleforCanadaPostinagreenereconomythatincludesCanadian-madeelectricvehicles,solarpower,andfoodsecurity.
(Wordcount:118)
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89.BASICINCOME
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
Whereasbasicincomeschemesthreatenemployment,housingandotherservicesthataccompanyincomesupportprograms;
Whereasbasicincomeschemessubsidizelow-wageemployersandundermineeffortstoraisetheminimumwage;
Whereasmostformsofbasicincomemakethingsworseforsomegroups(particularlyseniors)andcreateopportunitycoststhatthreatenchildcare,healthcare,andotherservices;
Whereasbasicincomeschemeswillcreateanenormouslossofjobs,therebyincreasingpoverty.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwilltakeastrongpositionagainst‘basicincome,’‘guaranteedincome’andcomparableschemesthatassignincomebelowthepovertylineandthreatencriticalservicesprovidedtopeopleexperiencingpoverty;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwilldevelopanalysisandeducationalmaterialscritiquingbasicincome;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillactivelyadvocateagainstbasicincomeschemes.
(Wordcount:121)
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90.NUTRITIONNORTH
SubmittedbyCanadianUnionofPostalWorkers
Whereassomeofthestoreshaveusedthemoneyforotherfoods,profitsandisnotbeingusedwhatitwasdesignatedfor.
Whereasbeforethereweresomelocationsthatpeoplecouldorderfooddirectlyfromthecitycentersandpaysthenominalrateforshippingifthestorepricesweretoohigh.
Therefore,beitresolvedtheOntarioFederationofLabour,workwiththeCLC,lobbythegovernmenttochangetheNutritionNorthProgramtoensurethatnutritiousfoodgetstothosewhoneeditmost.Tobringbackinspectorstocontinuecheckingwhatagrocerycartoffoodforafamilyof4wouldcost.TobringbacktheFoodMailProgramtoensurethatNutritiousfoodoptionsareavailable.
(Wordcount:116)
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91.MUNICIPALFUNDING
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereastheLabourmovementhashistoricallyrecognizedtheimportanceofmunicipalitiesforachievingitsgoals,particularlythroughtheCanadianLabourCongress’‘MunicipalitiesMatter’campaign;
Whereasmunicipalitiesneedaccesstofairrevenuesources,includingincometax,toprovideservicesandplayaroleinreducingpovertyandincomeinequality;
Whereasmunicipalitiesareseekingtoimplementregressiverevenuetoolssuchasroadtollsintheabsenceofmoreprogressiverevenuesourcessuchasashareofincometax;
Whereastheincreasingrelianceofmunicipalitiesonregressiveuserfeesisanincreasingburdenonworkersandtheirfamilies.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFL,withtheCLCandlabourcouncils,willdevelopacampaigntopromotefairrevenuesourcesformunicipalitiesfromFederalandProvincialgovernments,suchasashareofincometax;
Thereforebeitfurtherresolvedthatthiscampaignwillbedevelopedinconsultationwithaffiliatedunions.
(Wordcount:134)
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92.TAXONINEQUALITY
SubmittedbyHamiltonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WhereasincomeinequalityisagrowingconcerninOntario,
BeItResolvedThattheOFLurgestheprovincialgovernmentto:
IntroducelegislationtochargeahighertaxratethatwouldapplytoapubliclytradedcompanyiftheirOfficersreceiveayearlysalaryoracompensationpackagethatismorethanahundredtimesmorethanwhattheaveragesalaryofemployeesofthecompanyreceive.
Startingateachnewtaxationyear,anextra10%taxshallbeleviediftheOfficer[s]makesmorethanahundredtimestheaveragesalaryofemployeesworkingforthecompany.
Startingateachnewtaxationyear,anextra25%taxshallbeleviediftheOfficer[s]makesmorethan200timestheaveragesalaryworkingforthecompany.
ThattheadditionaltaxrevenuegeneratedwillbeearmarkedtocombatpovertyandhomelessnessinOntario.
(Wordcount:137)
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3.4Electingourgovernment
93.ELECTIONSANDTRAINING
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereastheWynneLiberalGovernmenthasconsistentlyactedagainsttheinterestofworkingclasspeopleacrossOntario;
WhereasweneedtoelectagovernmentthatisresponsivetoourneedsasworkersandOntario’sNDPistheonlypartythatsharesourvalues;
Whereasthereiscurrentlyalackofunionactivistsavailableandtrainedas“ontheground”politicalorganizersacrosstheprovince.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwiththeOntarioNDPtotrainvotercontactorganizersinkeyridingsacrosstheprovince;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwilltrainaminimumof150organizersinvotercontactandcampaignmanagingacrosstheprovince,subjecttopartnershipwithaffiliatedunions;
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLwillworkwithaffiliatedlocalstoidentifypoliticalactivistsintheirmembershipsandpartnerwithprovincialaffiliatestoco-ordinateactivitiesduringprovincialandmunicipalelections.
(Wordcount:134)
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94.ELECTORALTRAINING:
SubmittedbyCUPELocal79
WhereastheNDPistheonlypoliticalpartyinOntariothatsharesitsvalueswiththelabourmovement;
WhereasYoungWorkersandRetireesareagrowingsegmentofourmembershipsandeagertogetinvolvedinameaningfulway;
WhereasmanyYoungWorkersandRetireesdonotcurrentlyhaveamethodofstayingengagedwithourlocalsandtheOFL.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLcreateacomprehensivetrainingmoduletotrainactivistsspecificallyfrombothourYoungWorkerandRetireesmembershipsinelectoralandcampaignpolitics.
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthatAffiliatesshallselectactivistsinbothourYoungWorkerandRetireemembershipstoattendthetrainings.
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLshallworkwiththeOntarioNewDemocraticpartytotrainYoungWorkersandRetireestodevelopandimplementthisprogramnolaterthantwomonthsbeforetheprovincialelection.
(Wordcount:131)
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95.ELECTORALTRAINING
SubmittedbyUNITEHERELocal75
WhereastheNDPistheonlypoliticalpartyinOntariothatsharesitsvalueswiththelabourmovement;
WhereasYoungWorkersareagrowingsegmentofourmembershipsandeagertogetinvolvedinameaningfulway;
WhereasmanyYoungWorkersdonotcurrentlyhaveamethodofstayingengagedwithoutlocalsandtheOFL;
WhereasYoungWorkersarethefutureofourlabourmovement.
ThereforebeitresolvedthatYoungWorkerstakealeadershiproleincreatingandimplementingtheOFL’s2018electoralstrategies.
ThereforebeitresolvedthattheOFLcreateacomprehensivetrainingmoduletotrainactivistsspecificallyfrombothourYoungWorkermembershipsinelectoralandcampaignpolitics.
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthatAffiliatesshallselectactivistsinbothourYoungWorkermembershipstoattendthetrainings.
ThereforebeitfurtherresolvedthattheOFLshallworkwiththeOntarioNewDemocraticPartytotrainYoungWorkerstodevelopandimplementthisprogramnolaterthantwomonthsbeforetheprovincialelection.
(Wordcount:146)
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96.ELECTORALREFORMINONTARIO
SubmittedbyOntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREASinthefirst-past-the-postelectoralsystem,onepoliticalpartycanformamajorityparliamentarygovernmentwithsubstantiallylessthan50%ofthevotescast;
WHEREASthefirst-past-thepostelectoralsystemcontinuallydisenfranchisesapproximately60%oftheelectorate;
WHEREASthefirst-past-the-postelectoralsystemcontinuallyencouragessocietaldivisionsbydiscouragingpoliticalpartiesfromformingcoalitionstobetterservethepeople;
WHEREASthefirst-past-thepostelectoralsystemperpetuatesalackofdiversityinrepresentationbymakingiteasierforincumbentstowinre-election.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDTHATtheOFLlobbytheprovincialgovernmenttocreateelectoralreformthatwillgiveourprovinceandmunicipalitiesmorerepresentativeandresponsiveparliamentandgovernments.
(Wordcount:101)
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3.5Otheradvocacyefforts
97.PALESTINIANSELF-DETERMINATIONANDTHEMOVEMENTFORBOYCOTT,DIVESTMENTANDSANCTIONS
SubmittedbyDurhamRegionLabourCouncil;CUPELocal1281;CanadianUnionofPostalWorkers;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
WHEREASIsraelhascontinued,despiteinternationalpressure,toexpanditssettlementsandtodemolishPalestinianhomesandotherinfrastructureintheOPT;
WHEREASCanadaandothernationshavepreviouslysucceededinensuringrespectforhumanrightsthroughtheuseofeconomicandpoliticalsanctions,includinginthecaseofSouthAfrica.
BEITRESOLVEDtheOFLsupportstheuseofdivestment,boycottandsanctions(“BDS”)thataretargetedtothosesectorsofIsrael’seconomyandsocietywhichprofitfromtheongoingoccupationoftheOccupiedPalestineTerritory;
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDtheOFLwillsupportsuchaformofBDSuntilsuchtimeasIsraelimplementsapermanentbanonfurthersettlementconstructionintheOPT,andentersintogoodfaithnegotiationswithrepresentativesofthePalestinianpeopleforthepurposeofestablishingaviable,contiguousandtrulysovereignPalestinianstate.
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDtheOFLopposesalleffortstoprohibit,punishorotherwisedeterexpressionsofsupportforBDS.
(Wordcount:149)
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98.PALESTINIANSELF-DETERMINATIONANDTHEMOVEMENTFORBOYCOTT,DIVESTMENTANDSANCTIONS
SubmittedbyCUPELocal1979;SEIULocal2
TheOFLwill:
1. Supporttheinternationalcampaignofboycott,divestmentandsanctions(BDS)untilIsraelmeetsitsobligationtorecognizethePalestinianpeople’sinalienablerighttoself-determinationandfullycomplieswiththepreceptsofinternationallaw;
2. DevelopaneducationcampaignonBDSandthepoliticalandeconomicsupportofCanadaforIsrael;
3. CallonCLCtocommittoresearchintoCanadianinvolvementintheoccupationandtojoinusinlobbyingagainsttheapartheid-likepracticesofIsrael.
BECAUSE:
• Labourisunitinginsolidarity:CUPEOntario,CUPW,UniforandcountlesscivilsocietyorganizationshaveendorsedBDS.TheIsraeliApartheidWallhasbeencondemnedanddeterminedillegalunderinternationallaw.
• Over170Palestinianpoliticalparties,unionsandotherorganizations,includingthePalestinianGeneralFederationofTradeUnionshascalledforaglobalcampaignofboycottsanddivestmentagainstIsraelsimilartothoseimposedagainstSouthAfricanApartheid.
(Wordcount:147)
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4.0 ConstitutionalResolutions
C1.RESPECTINGTHEAFFILIATES’AUTONOMYFORDEFININGYOUNGWORKER
SubmittedbyKingstonandDistrictLabourCouncil
WHEREASthecurrentOFLdefinitionofyoungworkeris30yearsoldoryounger;and
WHEREASthisdefinitiondoesnotaccuratelyreflecttheyoungworkeragedefinitionofsomeoftheaffiliatesoftheOFL;and
WHEREASaffiliatesshouldbegiventheautonomytodeterminetheyoungworkeragethatrepresentstheirownmembers,andthattheirowndefinitionsshouldberespected;and
WHEREASthecurrentyoungworkerdefinitionexcludesrepresentativesofsomeaffiliatesfromparticipatingontheYoungWorkersCommittee.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheyoungworkerdefinitionoftheOFLwillbechangedtoreflectthestandardssetbyeachindividualaffiliate,sothatifaworkerisconsideredayoungworkerbytheiraffiliatetheywillbeconsideredayoungworkerintheOFL,providedthatnoaffiliates’definitionofyoungworkerisgreaterthan35yearsold.
(Wordcount:134)
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C2.CONSTITUTIONRESOLUTION
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343;ElementaryTeachers’FederationofOntario;OntarioSecondarySchoolTeachers’Federation
WHEREASStandingCommitteesoftheOFLarecomprisedofSpecialistsandExpertsintheirrespectivefields;and
WHEREAStheseSpecialistsworkyear-roundintheirrespectiveareasandoftenhavelivedexperiencesthatcontributetotheirunderstandingandpossiblesolutionstostrengthenourorganization;and
WHEREASinthepast,membersofthesecommitteeswereobligedtofindcircuitouswaystosubmitresolutions.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthattheOntarioFederationofLabourallowsallStandingCommitteestosubmitresolutionsdirectlyforConventioninordertostrengthenpolicydiscussionsupportedbytheworkofthecommittees.
(Wordcount:102)
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C3.EQUITYFORVICE-PRESIDENTREPRESENTINGSMALLERAFFILIATES
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343
WHEREASthere'scurrentlyoneVice-PresidentrepresentingsmalleraffiliatesfortheOFL;
WHEREASthisVice-Presidentrepresentsover20affiliates;
WHEREASthecostsassociatedwithattendingandparticipatingasanOfficerfortheOFLarenotfinanciallyviableforeverysmalleraffiliate;
WHEREASthispreventssomeaffiliatesfrombeingabletoendorseandhavetheirmembersrunfortheposition;and
WHEREASthiscreatesaninequitywhichpreventsalltheaffiliatesrepresentedbythispositionfrombeingequallyabletorun.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthatintheinterestoftheequity,theOFLcoverthetravelandaccommodationcostsfortheVice-PresidentrepresentingsmalleraffiliatestoparticipateinOFLBoardmeetingsandanyBoardrelatedwork.
(Wordcount:106)
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C4.OFLELECTEDOFFICERSTERMLIMITS
SubmittedbyCOPELocal343
WHEREAShealthydemocraciesrelyonchangesinleadershipasapartofnaturalfunction;and
WHEREAStermlimitsencourageparticipationindemocracyandhelpcombatnotionsofentitlementtoelectedpositions;and
WHEREAStermlimitspromotegreaterequityandhelptocombatsystemicprivilegeandoppression.
THEREFOREBEITRESOLVEDthatindividualselectedasOfficersfortheOFL(President,Secretary-Treasurer,ExecutiveVicePresident)belimitedtoamaximumoffiveterms(10yearstotal);and
THEREFOREBEITFURTHERRESOLVEDthatArticleVandanyrelated/affectedarticlesoftheConstitutionbeamendedtoreflectthis.
(Wordcount:83)
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C5.LABOURCOUNCILROLEONOFLCONVENTIONCOMMITTEES
SubmittedbyCUPEOntario;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOntarioFederationofLabourwill:
• AppointoneLabourCouncilrepresentative(V.P.LabourCouncilordesignate)toeachoftheOFLConventioncommittees–Resolutions,ConstitutionsandCredentials.
Because:
• LabourCouncilsbringauniqueanddiverserepresentationtotheconventionanditscommittees,and
• Participationbymoreensuressharingofwork,abuildingofcapacityanddemocraticdivisionofresponsibility.
(Wordcount:58)
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C6.FULLTIMEEQUIVALENT
SubmittedbytheCUPEOntario;GuelphandDistrictLabourCouncil
TheOntarioFederationofLabourwill:
• Developandimplementa“fulltimeequivalent”duesstructurethataccommodatesUnionsrepresentingparttimeandlowwagedworkers,and
• AssistLabourCouncilstoimplementandmaintaina“fulltimeequivalent”duesstructure.
Because:
• Thereshouldbenofinancialbarrierstounionizedworkersbeinginthehouseoflabour• PrecariousworkersdeservethisaccessasnoUnionmembershouldbeleftout• TheOFLrunstheMakeItFairCampaignandthisismakingitfairinsideourorganization.
(Wordcount:84)
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C7.CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENTSTOCHANGE“YOUTH”TO“YOUNGWORKERS”
SubmittedbytheOFLExecutiveBoard
ArticleIV:Conventions(Articlesamewithexceptionofsection4)
BEITRESOLVEDtoamendArticleIV,Section4,Paragraph1oftheconstitutiontostate;
RepresentationatconventionsasapprovedbytheExecutiveCounciloftheCanadianLabourCongressshallbe:fromaffiliatedlocalunions,branchesandlodges,onedelegatefor100orlessmembers,andoneadditionaldelegateforeachadditional300membersormajorfractionthereofandtwodelegatesfromeachlocallabourcouncil,plusayoungworkerdelegateaged30oryounger.
BEITFURTHERRESOLVEDtoamendanyfurtherarticlesorsectionsofOFLConstitutiontoreplacetheword“youth”with“youngworkers”.
(Wordcount:101)
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C8.CONSTITUTIONALAMENDMENTTOADDMOREYOUNGWORKERDELEGATES
SubmittedbytheOFLExecutiveBoard
ArticleIV:Conventions(NEW)(Articlesamewithexceptionofadditionofnewparagraph)
WHEREASyoungworkersarethefutureleadersofourmovement,andshouldbeencouragedtoparticipateinourunionsandatourconventions;
WHEREAStheactiveengagementofyoungworkersprovidesandencouragesparticipationinthecommitteesandbusinessoftheFederation;
BEITRESOLVEDtoamendArticleIV,Section4,oftheConstitutiontoaddthefollowingnewparagraph;and
WhereanAffiliateunion(inclusiveofallAffiliatelocalunions,branchesorlodges)isgrantedrepresentationatconvention,theyshallbeentitledtofive(5)additionalcredentials,provideddirectlytotheAffiliateunion,fordistributiontotheirlocalunions,branchesorlodges,andforexclusiveuseby,theiryoungworkermembers.
(Wordcount:122)
14th OFL BIennial Convention November 20-24, 2017
The Ontario Federation of Labour represents 54 Unions and one million workers. It is Canada's largest provincial
labour federation.
15 Gervais Drive, Suite 202, Toronto, Ontario, M3C 1Y8
416-441-2731 – 1-800-668-9138 – [email protected]
TDD: 416-443-6305
FAX: 416-441-1993