Editor's note: The following letter is in response to the story “Workplaces in Ontario changing rapidly, but also getting safer.”
Businesses have questioned whether changes are needed to Ontario’s outdated employment and labour laws.
The answer is a resounding yes. Precarious employment affects everyone.
Some 1.7 million workers across Ontario have jobs with low income, no workplace benefits (e.g., pension plan, health insurance, or prescription drug coverage), little job security, uncertain work schedules, and no protection through unions.
Everyone either knows someone in this position or has been in it themselves.
The Ontario government is rightly taking a hard look at employment in the province. Through the Changing Workplaces Review, the government must raise the bar for all workers and make it easier to join and keep a union.
We’re looking forward to seeing concrete action to improve the lives of all Ontarians, including here in Sudbury.
Jamie West, president, Sudbury and District Labour Council