Concerns voiced by unionized workers at the annual Sudbury Labour Day celebration
Labour Day in Sudbury was hot, but the political climate for organized labour this past summer has been just as hot according to local labour leaders.
"And that's why we're seeing such a hot labour summer. That's why we're seeing so many new unions being organized here in Canada, and across North America. But there's still so much work that needs to be done. And I know I'm preaching to the choir here when I talk about the need for organization, the need for better wages and the need for better protections," Florence told the gathering.
Also speaking at the event were local New Democrat MPP's Jamie West and France Gélinas. West said he was proud to be the NDP labour critic and he said workers in Ontario are in crisis and they are fed up with rising prices and the inability to afford everyday necessities. West said people have decided that enough is enough.
Gélinas said Labour Day is a time to reflect on all the gains unionized workers have achieved over the years with better working conditions, better pay, pension plans and workload protection. Also speaking was Nicole Besette, president of OPSEU Local 677, representing unionized workers at NOSM University. She told the gathering that her local is currently in talks to reach a new contract with the medical school, but added "I am here to tell you it is not going well".
"But the main points that teachers want to hit home to our government right now and to all parents, all members in our communities is that we are fighting for more support for our special needs kids. We are fighting for smaller class sizes. We are fighting for mental health support in our schools, because violence is on the rise in our classrooms," said Holm.
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