FROM THE PRESIDENT
THE POWER OF UNIONS IN ONTARIO’S FIGHT FOR PAY EQUITY AND WOMEN’S RIGHTS
I
n Ontario, the fight for gender equity has always been deeply connected to the labour movement. I’ve seen first-hand how unions have been instrumental
in advancing women’s rights in our work- places and communities, first as a member of ETFO’s predecessor organization, the Federa- tion of Women Teachers’ Associations of On- tario, and then as a member, local and provin- cial leader, and ultimately president of ETFO. While we’ve made significant progress, the re- ality is that Ontario women still face systemic barriers to true equity – barriers that unions continue to challenge every day. Despite the adoption of Ontario’s Pay
Equity Act in 1987 – the result of tireless advocacy by unions and women’s organiza- tions – significant gaps remain, particularly in women-dominated professions like edu- cation and health care. Tese professions continue to be undervalued compared to male-dominated fields requiring similar qualifications. Women still earn 87 cents for every dollar earned by men, a gap that wid- ens significantly for racialized, Indigenous and immigrant women. Despite these ongoing disparities, ETFO
has remained steadfast in pushing for mean- ingful change as we represent a workforce that is 83 per cent women. In March, we em- barked on a strategy to address pay equity is- sues for ETFO Education Worker members, working with school boards and school au- thorities to ensure that pay equity is achieved. ETFO has led the way in fighting for
paid pregnancy and parental leave that goes beyond the bare minimum required by law. We have fought for protections against harassment and discrimination for edu- cators, including strong language in our collective agreements. We have fought for women’s health, including mental health coverage and access to reproductive care. Over many years of advocacy and action, we have reshaped workplaces to be more equitable, not just for educators but for all Ontarians. Our fight is for respect for our profession, for pay commensurate with the challenges of our work, and for investments in public schools and other public services
that will ultimately advance the rights of our students and their families. Over the past months, ETFO members
organized across the province for both the provincial and federal elections. While the Conservatives won another majority in On- tario, the election of a federal Liberal govern- ment was a relief to many. Unfortunately, ag- gressive economic policies from the US have already had far-reaching consequences, dis- proportionately affecting women and equity- seeking groups. Tariffs on Canadian goods have disrupted supply chains and led to job losses in sectors where women and mar- ginalized communities are overrepresented, such as manufacturing and retail. Economic instability exacerbates existing
inequalities, including increased precarious work, lower wages and reduced access to social supports. Cuts to public services – a response to economic downturns – further strain child care, health care, and education, sectors predominantly staffed by women. Racialized and Indigenous workers, already facing systemic barriers, are hit hardest by shrinking labour markets. As educators, we see how economic stress trickles down to students and families, wid-
ening equity gaps. ETFO remains committed to advocating for strong public services and economic justice to protect communities from the ripple effects of destabilizing politi- cal decisions. As an organization, we recognize that
education issues can’t be separated from broader social justice issues and calls for eq- uity. As we look ahead, ETFO remains com- mitted to bargaining for equity, pushing the Ontario government on issues that are im- portant to our members, and standing with other unions, communities and women’s or- ganizations to advance gender justice across the province. Te lessons from Ontario’s history are
clear: when unions are strong, the rights of women and other equity-deserving groups move forward. From winning pay equity legislation in the 1980s to fighting for de- cent working conditions today, the labour movement has been – and will continue to be – essential to achieving justice and equity in our province. I look forward to continuing to work with
all of you in the coming year. Wishing you a wonderful summer break.
– Karen Brown ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 5
PHOTO BY CHRISTINE COUSINS
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