ADVISORY: Ontario Federation of Labour Convention Gears Up to Challenge Hudak's Anti-Worker Agenda

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Nov. 22, 2013) - Ontario's labour movement is gearing up to challenge Ontario PC Leader Tim Hudak's anti-worker agenda. Two weeks after a leaked copy of the Tory leaders' campaign strategy revealed an attack on workers' rights as the centerpiece of the party's electoral strategy, 1,000 trade unionists will be meeting at a week-long convention in Toronto to determine labour's response.

Starting at 9:30 am on Monday, November 25, the OFL's 12^th Biennial Convention is structured around the theme, "Rising Together." The Convention is open to accredited media.

"For over a century, labour unions have fought to improve the lives of every worker and their families," said OFL President Sid Ryan. "Working together, workers make gains at the bargaining table and then fight to have those gains extended to every worker through legislative change. Almost every piece of progressive policy in Canada - from universal healthcare to the 40-hour week, from maternity leave to health and safety protections - can be traced to the labour movement. Workers can only rise when our communities rise with us."

WHEN:	Convention Opens at 9:30 am on Monday, Nov. 25, 2013
WHERE:	Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Grand Ballroom
INFO:	For more information and to download the full Convention agenda, visit: www.OFL.ca/Convention2013
	Sign up for Convention updates by texting the word "OFL" to 647-496-5602

Convention Highlights:

• Open address from OFL President Sid Ryan: Mon., Nov. 25 at 10:30 a.m.*
• Debate on Tory Anti-Union Laws & OFL Action Plan: Wed., Nov. 27 at 1:30 p.m.
• Address by NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair: Fri., Nov. 29 at 10:00 a.m.*
• Address by Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Horwath: Wed., Nov. 27 at 11:00 a.m.*
• International panel on Austerity: Wed, Nov. 27 at 9:30 a.m.
• Rally to raise the minimum wage: Wed. Nov. 27 at 11:30 a.m.

*Media availabilities will be provided after each session.

"Hudak's Tories hope that by attacking workers they can drive a wedge between unions and the public, but voters have no interest in the politics of division," said Ryan. "Attacking workers' rights backfired on McGuinty and it will be the downfall of Hudak. Unions are going to rise to the challenge but our fight isn't with Tories, it is for the hearts and minds of Ontarians who aspire to a better future for everyone."

For media credentials, email Paulette Hazel @ PHazel@ofl.ca or call Joel Duff 416-707-0349. Credentials can also be issued at the media room on site.

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) represents 54 unions and one million workers in Ontario. For information, visit www.OFL.ca and follow the OFL on Facebook and Twitter: @OFLabour.