Labour Day a reminder of past accomplishments and work ahead

“Labour Day is upon us once again, and for many Ontarians, this is a day to celebrate, to spend time with our families, and to mark the many accomplishments of the labour movement that have made us a stronger province. Things like the minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, workplace safety, pensions and even the weekend. “Labour Day is also a reminder of the work we still have ahead of us. It’s clear that this economy is not working for people and their families. Factories continue to close, and unemployment in this province remains stubbornly high. Our once strong, stable middle class is quickly becoming a class of precarious workers. Around the province, families are struggling to pay the bills and make ends meet. But it doesn’t have to be that way. “We can ensure that every person in this province receives a fair wage for a hard day’s work. We can ensure people can still afford to raise a family in this province and retire with dignity. We can protect workers’ safety and stop exploitative work conditions like illegal unpaid internships.  “As always, New Democrats stand shoulder-to-shoulder with people across this province working every day to make life better. This Labour Day, I hope that you and your family will join your friends and colleagues, your brothers and sisters, and New Democrats across Ontario to embrace the challenges ahead, and work together towards a brighter future.”