message from ofl president sid ryan: occupy toronto tonight!

This is a message from Sid Ryan, President of the Ontario Federation of Labour.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

We have just learned that the Toronto Police have served eviction notices to Occupy Toronto protesters at St. James Park (Jarvis St. and King St.), ordering them to vacate the park between 12 midnight tonight and 5 a.m. tomorrow and threatening to remove them.

It is important that labour come out in big numbers to support this camp. I encourage you to coordinate an urgent phone around to your activists and members, calling on them to begin rotational support at the occupation site as soon as possible and that every activist available join the camp tonight before 11pm and be prepared to stay as long as possible and even over night.

In London, Police officers waited for labour leaders to leave and the crowd to thin out before they executed the eviction between 12:30 and 1:30 a.m.

It is important that the labour movement link arms in solidarity with the occupiers to defend their right to free assembly and free speech. The Occupy Toronto protesters have shown great courage and dedication and are advocating for a more just society for us all. It is important that labour show its support for these ideals and back them up at this time of urgent need.

In solidarity,
Sid Ryan