Sisters and Brothers:
At the May 2011 Convention, CUPE Ontario delegates unanimously passed a second resolution reconfirming our union’s commitment to the “Raise the Rates” campaign.
The next several months are critical for this campaign. By July 31, all those on welfare and disability benefits who get the Special Diet Allowance will have to re-apply under a much tougher system. It is expected that countless poor and vulnerable people will lose this vital benefit or have it reduced significantly.
In response, CUPE Ontario is partnering with labour and community allies to organize a series of Solidarity BBQs, to strengthen the call for a full restoration of the Special Diet and to demand a 55% increase to welfare and disability rates to put them back to where they were before Mike Harris cut them and Dalton McGuinty let them fall even further.
The Solidarity BBQs will take place from July 23rd to August 31st 2011, in diverse communities across Ontario.
These gatherings which are family friendly events will be an opportunity to share food, socialize and deepen labour/community links. We must bring much-needed public awareness to growing and visible levels of poverty, hunger and disparity affecting our communities. They will also be an opportunity to begin mobilizing around these important social justice issues as we approach the October provincial election.
Get involved! Get organized! Get energized! Be part of the fight to Raise the Rates!
For more information contact Carrie-Lynn Poole at [email protected]
or call 613-864-1061.
In Solidarity,
Fred Hahn, President
Candace Rennick, Secretary-Treasurer
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July 23rd to August 31, 2011
