OCEW Bargaining Update for COPE Ontario Education Locals

March 8 — International Women's Day

The brutal attack on equity south of the border is a poignant reminder of the power and importance of International Women's Day. 

This Saturday, celebrate International Women's Day -- look for events near you.

In Toronto, rally at 11 a.m. at the OISE Auditorium (252 Bloor Street West) and join the IWD march at 1 pm. iwdtoronto.ca for more information. 

Calling all Young Workers!

We need to vote like our lives depend on it, because they do. Doug Ford is not the guy for this job!

 

 

Black History Month – Celebrating and Committing

February is Black History Month, and this year the celebration of cultures comes as right-wing forces try to turn back the struggle for equality.

Sadly, south of the border the Trumpian alt-right tries to make equity, diversity and inclusion bad words. On this side of the border, it’s time for vigilance, especially for unions, who have been at the forefront of the struggle for equality.

The work is far from complete, especially when it comes to Black workers, who of all equity-seeking groups are most likely to feel the sting of bias and exclusion.

Consider the stats:

In 2023, 16% of Black Canadians with a bachelor’s or higher degree worked in jobs requiring only high school, compared to 11% of the general population (SRDC).

Black Canadians earn 75.6 cents for every dollar earned by non-racialized Canadians (TMU).

Unemployment for Black Canadians in 2023 in Canada was 9%, higher than the national average of 5.4%.

Employers are 40% more likely to interview a job applicant with an English-sounding name, despite identical qualifications (Government of Canada).

This February, we celebrate the Black communities of Canada and all the contributions of Black Canadians to the country whose freedom we defend. When everyone is given the chance to contribute to their potential, all Canadians win.

MAKE YOUR PERSONAL ELECTION PLAN

The countdown is on for a provincial election called in the middle of the winter only so Doug  Ford could get back in before the PC’s abysmal ethical record catches up to them.

The Tories want you to tune out and not bother to cast your vote. Don’t fall for the PC ploy.

While Dougie has been making sweetheart deals with his business chronies, the rest of us are dealing with health care and education standards that are going down and a cost of living that’s going up.

Doug Ford is no Captain Canada. He told us the truth during that hot mic moment. He was delighted when Donald Trump was elected.

COPE Ontario is working with our locals and the labour movement to mobilize workers to act in their interests – vote against Doug Ford on election day.

For campaigns and canvasses in your area, check out the Ontario Federation of Labour website ofl.ca

Make your vote count!