Toronto, March 24, 2009 - In a policy paper released this week, Maytree highlights recommendations from the report “Working on the Edge, 2007″ by the Workers Action Centre. In particular, Maytree’s policy paper “Policy in Focus: Protecting workers in a recession is important for a stronger economy” focuses on issues as they relate to the enforcement of the Employment Standards Act.

The paper points out that today more than 37 percent of workers in Canada work in labour situations where little enforcement of employment standards exist. Surveys have found that 25 percent of employers are in widespread violation of labour laws and that 50 percent are in partial violation.

“Many of today’s low-wage workers work part-time, on contract, work through temp agencies, or in self-employed situations – not by choice, but by necessity,” explains Ratna Omidvar, President of Maytree. “This leaves their working conditions unprotected or unenforced by provincial labour laws. It’s important during the current economic crisis that the labour rights of the most vulnerable in society are protected.”

“Our report uncovered some of the worst labour practices in Ontario,” says Deena Ladd, co-ordinator of the Workers’ Action Centre. “While it didn’t come as a surprise that for many their work violates their basic labour market rights, it was still shocking that this exploitation is not just a matter of a few bad employers who engage in unlawful practices but a structural problem in our labour market.”

Recommendations to the Ministry of Labour include to educate workers, employers and the general public on their rights; investigate employers when they have been found to violate the rights of one employee; and ensure that unpaid wages are paid.

A copy of Maytree’s policy paper can be downloaded at www.maytree.com/policyinfocus. A copy of Working on Edge, 2007 can be found at www.workersactioncentre.org/Policy.htm.

ABOUT MAYTREE: Maytree is a private foundation that promotes equity and prosperity through its policy insights, grants and programs. In particular, it focuses on creating diversity in the workplace, in the boardroom and in public office, changing the face of leadership in the Greater Toronto Area and Canada.

ABOUT THE WORKER’S ACTION CENTRE: The Worker’s Action Centre is a worker-based organization committed to improving the lives and working conditions of people in low-wage and unstable employment.

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Media contact:
Maytree: Markus Stadelmann-Elder, communications manager, 416-944-2627 x284, mselder@maytree.com
Worker’s Action Centre: Deena Ladd, co-ordinator, 416-531-0778 x222, deena@workersactioncentre.org