Public outcry over Bill 68

For the last few weeks workers, community members and allies across Ontario spoke out about changes to Employment Standards in Bill 68.

• In under 4 days, over 1000 people watched a YouTube video of Workers’ Action Centre members speaking out against Bill 68

• Many responded to the video call-out and sent emails to the Minister of Labour asking him to scrap changes that would create barriers for workers facing unpaid wages

• Workers’ Action Centre members and allies made deputations and submissions to the Standing Committee on Bill 68 urging them to get rid of the changes that would force workers to settle for less

• Extensive media coverage in mainstream and community press highlighted new barriers Bill 68 would create for workers

Despite this public outcry, the Ministry of Labour did not introduce any amendments to Bill 68 and it will be going forward to Third Reading in the legislature. If it passes Third Reading, Bill 68 will become law.

Next Steps

The Workers’ Action Centre will continue to speak out about these changes that are a huge step backward for workers and expose the impacts these changes will have on workers seeking unpaid wages.

Through our campaign, we pressured the Ministry of Labour to publicly promise measures to make sure “vulnerable” workers can bypass some of the changes in Bill 68. We will hold the Ministry of Labour accountable to these promises.

Working together with our members and community allies we will be continue to push for real consequences for bosses who break the law and for fairness in our workplaces.

We will be sending out details of upcoming Fall actions very soon! In the meantime, if you have not done so already, please:

1. Watch this video clip and hear from WAC members why they oppose Bill 68


2. Tell Minister of Labour, Peter Fonseca, that you disagree with the changes to workers rights under Bill 68.

   • Email him at: pfonseca.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org (see a sample email here)

   • In your email please include the link for the No to Bill 68 video

Click here for more details on changes to workers rights under Bill 68.

Get involved in WAC’s campaigns for fairness for workers. Contact us to find out how to join our campaign!

Thank you to all WAC members and community allies for their support getting the word out about Bill 68. We look forward to continuing to work together!