West: 6,000 ACTRA workers take stand against Ford

QUEEN'S PARK - Ontario NDP Labour Critic Jamie West (Sudbury) passionately spoke out against the Ford Conservatives’ ongoing backing of union-busting advertising agencies.

West wasn't alone in this fight - he was joined by representatives from the powerful group of 6,000 ACTRA commercial workers who've endured the harsh sting of a lockout that began more than a year ago.

"These ad agencies had the audacity to demand massive wage cuts, the obliteration of benefits, and the dismantling of pensions before locking out these workers and bringing in replacement scab workers," said West. "Yet, amidst this battle for worker rights, the Conservative government's financial ties to wealthy union-busting ad agencies like FCB, Wink, and Leo Burnett couldn't be more glaring. In fact, the Ministry of Transportation is set to roll out yet another non-ACTRA commercial.”

They've sounded the alarm to the Ministry on this matter, but their response? Silence. It's time for the Government to do what's right rather than siding with those who undermine the meaning of fair employment in Ontario."

West and the Ontario NDP demand that the Ford Conservatives immediately cease funding these commercials and commit to cutting ties with advertising agencies that use scab replacement workers in ads funded by Ontario taxpayers.