In a letter printed by a number of Ontario newspapers CUPE Ontario President Syd Ryan has condemn the provincial government’s workfare program.
“There are three reasons CUPE opposes mandatory workfare.” wrote Ryan, ” It does not lead to real jobs. It replaces real jobs. And, above all, mandatory workfare is unethical because it forces one group of people to work under completely different rules from everyone else.
“Workfare participants are not paid fair wages and benefits. They are excluded from workplace protections that everyone else takes for granted. They receive no protection from labour laws such as Employment Standards Act, and health and safety and workers’ compensation legislation. They are a source of cheap, forced labour.
“CUPE supports on-the-job training that is voluntary and does not supplant real jobs. Any such program must be voluntary. Training programs should be publicly delivered and provide recipients with real skills and an opportunity to get a real job.
Recipients whoreceive meaningful training should be considered when vacancies are being filled.”
For the complete text of Ryan’s letter, contact the Ontario Division at: cupeont@web.net. Click here to visit CUPE Ontario’s Web site.
opeiu 491