Ontario Federation of Labour June 18, 2012 1. Ontario Federation of Labour June 18, 2012 2 At the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) 2011 convention,

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 1

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 2

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

BACKGROUND

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 3

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

To support local campaigns with provincial coordination and resources.

  To garner media attention in local communities through

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

  To move the Ontario government to adopt policies and

legislation that create greater economic and social justice for everyone

Mission Statement

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 4

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

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

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

  Five (5) equity representatives reflecting the diversity of Ontario

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

Provincial Council Representation

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 5

Galvanize public opposition to public spending cuts

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

Strengthen the ability of people to address growing inequality

GOALS

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 6

Toronto & Kitchener

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

FOCUS GROUPS

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 7

POLLING

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 8

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

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

POLLING

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 9

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

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 10

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 11

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

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

2nd COMMON FRONT ASSEMBLY

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 12

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 13

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 14

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 15

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 16

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

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

Over 100 buses rolled in from across the province

APRIL 21 DAY OF ACTION

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 17

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 18

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

RESULTS AT Q.P.

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 19

OCASI ACORN CFS ODSP Colour of Poverty OHC ISARC Nia

Provincial Common FrontWe are Ontario

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

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 20

London Common Front (CF)

Hamilton People’s Forum

K-W Common Front

Mississauga-Brampton (CF TBD)

Cornwall (CF TBD)

Thunder Bay (CF TBD)

REGIONAL MEETINGS

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 21

Falling Behind Press Conference in K-W

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 22

Falling Behind (complete)

Civil Disobedience (TBD)

Train-the-trainer workshops

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 23

Launch of KW Common Front

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 24

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 25

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

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

EQUITY

Ontario Federation of LabourJune 18, 2012 26

Cuts

Testimonials

Events

Reports

Cuts