INBOX
SAVING LIVES, PROTECTING JOBS
WOMEN’S MARCH
The continued prevalence of sexual and domestic violence in our society is dismaying. By some estimates, up to half of all Canadian women will experience at least one incident of physical or sexual assault in their lifetime. The effects on individuals, families, and communities can be devastating.
The ascension of Donald Trump to the US presidency has been met with shock and disappointment. His vulgarity, inhumanity, and all-around lack of common decency are completely incompatible with a position of leadership and trust. Nowhere are these traits more evident than in his attitudes toward women. His blatant misogyny, which includes openly boasting about sexual assault, should repel us all.
It is not difficult to express our opposition to violence, but we often overlook the struggles faced by survivors in the aftermath of an assault, as well as the risks and obstacles involved in breaking away from an abusive relationship. Bill 26, which was introduced in the Ontario legislature by Peggy Sattler of the New Democratic Party, aims to make things at least a bit easier, by helping to protect survivors’ jobs while they take the necessary steps to recover. The legislation includes mandatory training for employers to recognize the signs and impacts of sexual and domestic violence, and would provide 10 days of paid leave as well as unpaid time off for survivors to see a doctor, attend a crisis centre, find a place to live, get counselling, or go to court. Known as the Domestic and Sexual Violence Workplace Leave, Accommodation and Training Act, 2016, it would be just the second law of its kind in Canada. The Ontario Federation of Labour and its affiliates, including your Association, have been gathering support for the bill and encouraging members of provincial parliament (MPPs) to get it passed without delay. In November, OECTA President Ann Hawkins and other labour leaders were joined by survivors of sexual and domestic violence at a meeting with Premier Kathleen Wynne, Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour, and Tracy MacCharles, Minister Responsible for Women’s Issues. Although it is not common for the government to support legislation brought forward by a member of an opposition party, it was clear to all involved that this is an issue everyone should get behind. The bill unanimously passed second reading debate in October, and has now been referred to the Standing Committee on the Legislative Assembly for further consideration. However, there is still work to do to ensure it becomes law. Visit www.ofl.ca and sign the petition, or contact your local MPP directly, to let legislators know that Ontarians place a high priority on saving lives and protecting jobs.
The threats that Trump, his cabinet appointees, and a Republican Congress pose to women the world over are very real. The policies they will look to implement will threaten women’s health, safety, and incomes, and the overall worldview they espouse will undermine decades of advocacy and struggle. But if the global turnout on January 21 is any indication, there will be no shortage of resistance. What began as a few individuals sending Facebook invitations to their friends quickly cascaded into an international event. The Women’s March on Washington turned out to be the largest single-day demonstration ever in the United States. Another 400 marches were held elsewhere in the US, in addition to more than 150 marches in cities around the world. In Toronto, OECTA President Ann Hawkins and First VicePresident Liz Stuart joined with other Catholic teachers, labour leaders, community groups, individuals, and families to send a message that women’s rights are human rights. OECTA members also participated in other local events, while others expressed solidarity using social media. With gender-based violence, wage gaps, and stereotypes still plaguing our society, we have a long way to go to reach equality. We certainly cannot afford to step back. The election of Donald Trump promises little in the way of positivity, but he may have inadvertently galvanized an enduring movement.
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@ OECTA
| FEBRUARY 2017
Women’s March in Toronto, January 21, 2017