↗️ Ford gov't ignores gig worker demands

Hey Shift Workers,

We had some technical difficulties last week which means Friday's newsletter (December 10) is going out today. Thanks for your patience!

Now to the news...

Ontario's Workforce Recovery Advisory Committee has recommended a "third category" of worker be created, which would exclude gig workers from some employment standards.

Gig workers say this recommendation is the opposite of what they would like to see, and argue it will further entrench worker misclassification.

The Ontario Federation of Labour has called it an "attack on the minimal employment standards of all Ontario workers" that will "threaten all labour standards in the rest of Canada" if adopted.

What do gig workers want? Check out the Gig Workers' Bill of Rights, written by and for gig workers.

- Emily

In scathing report, auditor general says feds failed to protect foreign farm workers from the pandemic.

Strike averted at Cargill plant that packages a third of Canada's beef. Workers won a 21% wage increase over the life of the contract, setting the stage for upcoming bargaining at JBS.

Federal sick leave plan has serious design flaws, argues Adam D.K King.

Wages are going up, but mostly for newly hired employees.

Indigenous and racialized workers, especially women, lived with a higher rate of economic insecurity than white workers during COVID-19, new CCPA report states.

Saskatchewan will have the lowest minimum wage in Canada by April. Manitoba and New Brunswick also grapple with their 'embarrassing' minimum wages. In Ontario, labour activists push to make a $20 minimum wage an election issue.

Ruling expands scab law in Quebec.

Doug Ford appoints union leader Jerry Dias to head auto task force.

Have Saskatchewan health care workers reached a breaking point? OH&S researcher Sean Tucker presents his findings from a survey of 3,000 workers.

Amazon opens most of its warehouses in neighborhoods with a disproportionately high number of people of color and low-income residents, finds Consumer Report.

The University of Manitoba Faculty Association strike has ended after 35 days - the longest in the union's history. Wages will be decided by an arbitrator.

Quebec daycare workers approve agreement in principle after launching an indefinite general strike for higher wages December 1.

Peel region waste collection workers went on strike for three days for higher wages.

Quebec SAQ warehouse workers reject tentative agreement, although the strike remains suspended.

Workers at the Office of the Auditor General of Canada have been on strike since Nov 26 for pay equity.

High school students and CUPE national president Mark Hancock held a rally for Manitoba Rolling River school division custodians and cleaners who are on strike for better wages.

Napanee shelter workers and Unifor members enter week five of their strike to address staffing levels and low wages.

Hotel workers represented by Unite Here Local 40 have been locked out of Hilton Metrotown and Pacific Gateway hotel chains for seven months, demanding extended recall rights.

BC Strathcona Gardens Recreation Complex workers and USW members are on strike for higher wages.

Quebec Unifor members at industrial manufacturer Prelco strike after nearly 8 months at bargaining table, demanding wage increases.

BC IG Machines and Fibres Workers and IAM Local 692 members have been locked out since July 12, 2021.

Meet the Alberta CESSCO workers, members of Boilermakers Local 146, who have been locked out for over a year.

BC construction workers with IBEW 213 have been on strike for two years fighting union-buster Ledcor.