Make 2014 merry and bright with a $14 minimum wage: OPSEU

TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2013 /CNW/ - Asking for peace, prosperity, justice and a $14 minimum wage for all workers, OPSEU members and community activists will collect signed holiday cards for Premier Kathleen Wynne outside the Toronto Eaton Centre on Saturday, December 14.

WHAT:		Holiday action outside the Eaton's Centre
DATE:		Saturday December 14, 2013
TIME:		11 am to 1 pm
PLACE:		Toronto Eaton Centre, south-west corner of Yonge and Dundas

"Raising the minimum wage is good for everyone," said OPSEU President Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "It's time for Premier Wynne to lift Ontarians out of poverty with a $14 minimum wage.  The best way to improve the economy and create jobs is to improve income for the lowest paid workers. Let's do something good for all Ontarians this holiday season."

"So many of Ontario's young workers are earning poverty wages. We work hard, often at multiple jobs, and still can't earn enough to get by," said Wesley Killman from the OPSEU Provincial Young Workers Committee.

The minimum wage in Ontario has been frozen at $10.25 for close to four years. An increase to $14/hour would bring workers and families 10% above the poverty line.  Raising the minimum wage will increase the take home pay for 14% of Ontario workers (3/4 million), and add $5 billion to Ontario's economy.

Community members in over 15 cities are participating in holiday actions on December 14th in a provincial day of action for a $14 minimum wage.

 

SOURCE: OPSEU

Wesley Killman, OPSEU Provincial Young Workers Committee: 1-905-921-0262
Sonia Singh, Workers Action Centre [phone] or [phone], ext. 221
[email protected]