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OFL Responds to Election Results: “We will continue building a fighting labour movement”

The Ontario Federation of Labour says workers are ready to hold Ford’s Conservative government to account, following Thursday night’s election results.

The re-election of Ford’s Conservatives comes at a time when Ontarians are facing a skyrocketing cost of living, and urgently need measures to address affordability.

“Ford’s playbook of buddying up to big businesses and backtracking on bad decisions isn’t going to cut it this time around,” said Patty Coates, Ontario Federation of Labour President. “We know what workers need, and we will continue to fight for it.”

In the lead-up to the election, the Ontario Federation of Labour called for a “workers-first agenda,” which included a $20 minimum wage, decent work, affordable housing, permanent paid sick days, well-funded public services, livable income support for all, climate justice, and an end to racism and oppression. These demands were the cornerstone of a province-wide day of action on May 1.

“Ford spent his election campaign touting support for workers. If Ford’s Conservatives truly want to work for workers, their first action will be the immediate repeal of Bill 124 and implementation of the workers-first agenda demands,” added Coates.

Ontarians once again elected the Ontario NDP as the Official Opposition. NDP MPPs have repeatedly held Ford’s Conservatives accountable in the Ontario Legislature. As Official Opposition they have championed workers’ rights.

Ford’s re-election also comes at a time of unprecedented strike action in the province, according to the Ontario Federation of Labour. “Workers have raised expectations about what they should earn for their work. They will be demanding more at the bargaining table, and from their government,” said Coates.