On Friday, December 16, 2016 the Oakville Chamber of Commerce hosted the Ontario Minister of Labour, Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn, who provided insight about the Changing Work Place review. The review will be impacting both Ontario’s Labour Relations Act and the Employment Standards Act, and will be the first time that either acts have been looked at since the mid-1990’s.
As MPP Kevin Flynn outlined a great deal of care is being taken to find balance between workers rights and employers ability to stay competitive in a global market. The goal is to also ensure a good life balance between work and home.
One area that the government will be looking at is to strengthen the enforcement of the act, as well as create a better definition of what is a “contract” worker. The government is concerned that some employers are using the term “contract worker” to skirt providing workers with adequate protection. The ministry is fielding 1500 complaints monthly, and though there are a few that are unfounded the vast majority are warranted.
The workplace is changing very rapidly as more skilled workers are needed. More that 10 percent of Ontario’s workforce are temporary workers, precarious work continues to grow, and many workers are forced to take two to three jobs just to make ends meet.
The Oakville Chamber of Commerce breakfast meeting with the Minister of Labour attracted 175 business leaders which included such iconic businesses as ClubLink, Ford Motor Company, Tim Hortons, and Union Gas at the Holiday Inn’s Ball Room.
The Oakville Chamber of Commerce’s event is “Good Morning Oakville” which will be held at the Glen Abbey Golf Course on Wednesday, December 21, 2016 starting at 7:30 AM.