OPSEU joins thousands in a march for jobs, justice and the climate

TORONTO, July 3, 2015 /CNW/ - OPSEU will march with thousands of social activists on Sunday to demand an economy that focuses on jobs, justice and the climate. 

Date: Sunday, July 5, 2015
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Location: Queens Park, 111 Wellesley Street West

The march will focus on building an economy that works for both people and the planet. Divided into four contingents, activists will depict what this new economy looks like. It starts with good work, clean jobs and healthy communities, justice for Indigenous peoples and those most impacted. It recognizes that we have solutions and shows we know who is responsible for causing the climate crisis.

"Governments and corporations have repeatedly told us that there is no alternative to austerity, wage freezes and concessions," said OPSEU Toronto area Vice-President Myles Magner. "They claim we cannot afford equality and social justice. That good jobs, quality public services and strong communities are a thing of the past. We are here to tell them that they are wrong. And that together, we can make a difference."

Government austerity policies have eroded workplace standards in the province, driving the rise of low wage and part-time work.  In 2004, 22 per cent of jobs in Ontario were low waged. In 2014, that number had risen to 33 per cent.  Since 2000, part-time jobs have grown faster than full-time work.

Ontario has the lowest program spending per capita in the country and yet, the Liberal government has consistently imposed cuts to public services. Over $10 billion in public funds have been spent on privatization schemes, which cost more and deliver far less for Ontarians.

"OPSEU members will be sending a message to Kathleen Wynne and Stephen Harper on Sunday," said OPSEU President, Warren (Smokey) Thomas. "We have had enough of austerity, privatization, wage freezes, concessions, layoffs, precarious jobs, and the destruction of the environment. It's time that governments work to defend public services, good jobs and a healthy planet."

SOURCE Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU)

Myles Magner, OPSEU Regional Vice-President: [phone] or: jobsjusticeclimate.ca