York region takes public holidays from retail workers
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November 29, 2017
On November 16, 2017, the York Region council pushed through a new bylaw to allow retail establishments to open 364 days a year.
As a result, retail workers will need to be available 364 days a year to work. Right now, only Christmas Day is exempt from the bylaw.
So, what we want to know is…
- Why the hurry?
- Why wasn’t the public notified?
- Why didn’t the Council ask retail workers for their input?
In fact, Unions and worker advocates had asked for one month of public consultation on the matter. Despite several Council members moving for a deferred vote, they were out-voted by those wanting to hurry the vote through.
This bylaw will affect the Members of UFCW Locals 175 & 633 in nine cities and townships:
- Vaughan
- Georgina
- Aurora
- Richmond Hill
- Newmarket
- Whitchurch-Stouffville
- East Guillimbury
- King City, and;
- Markham.
UFCW Locals 175 & 633, along with UFCW 1006A, Unifor 414, and the Toronto-York Labour Council, will make a formal request to the Council to reopen the matter to allow for full public consultation.
Working people deserve time off to spend with their families and loved ones.
Please contact your Regional Councillor: Tell them that the people of York Region have a say on this important matter.
Go to www.YorkRegionSpeaksOut.ca and send your Councillor and Mayor a message. #YRSpeaksOut