Defending the Next Generation OFL 11th Biennial Convention to Take Place Nov. 21-Nov. 25


TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Nov. 18, 2011) - The OFL will hold its 11th Biennial Convention, starting 9:30 a.m., Mon., Nov. 21, at the Sheraton Centre Hotel, 123 Queen Street West, Toronto. With registration at more than 1500 delegates, 600 more than the previous convention, it is one of the largest in the 54-year history of the federation.

The convention takes place at a time of great political and social discontent. Against the backdrop of Occupy movements, rising demands for economic and social justice and workers' renewed determination to challenge the fundamental assumptions of who is entitled to what, four major policy debates will take place, one on each day, that will set the course for labour's objective of "Defending the Next Generation."

On Mon., 10 a.m., Sid Ryan will deliver the President's Address. Elections for the OFL's three full-time officers are scheduled to begin 10:15 a.m., Tues. Nov. 22. A Bay Street demonstration will take place on Thurs., and throughout the week, major speakers will bring into sharp focus the issues and strategies related to labour's determination to create a powerful social movement for change.

Speakers include: Toronto & York Region Labour Council President John Cartwright, Stephen Lewis, Canadian Labour Congress President Ken Georgetti, Leader of Ontario's NDP Andrea Horwath, New York State AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Terry Melvin; Kitchenuhmaykoosib Inninuwug (KI) First Nation Chief Donny Morris and MP Trinity-Spadina Olivia Chow.

As Ontario and the federal government attempt to impose austerity measures on the 99%, and employers' demands for concessions at the bargaining table threaten to undermine the economic well-being of workers, a renewed spirit of resistance is flourishing everywhere.

The convention will become a "big tent" with leaders and representatives of large and small community, civil society, social justice and progressive organizations in attendance. They will bolster their own networks, forge new alliances with workers and share ideas to help inspire transformation.

The full week-long agenda, policy papers and other relevant materials are available on the OFL's website, www.ofl.ca. Media representatives require a pass to get on the convention floor and can pre-register or secure their badges on the chosen day(s). See the website for instructions.

The OFL is Canada's largest provincial labour federation representing 54 unions and one million Ontario workers. In the past two years, more than 90,000 new members have joined.

www.ofl.ca

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Contact Information:

Ontario Federation of Labour
Lynn Simmons
Communications Department
416-668-7480

Ontario Federation of Labour
Joel Duff
Communications Department
416-707-0349
www.ofl.ca