Read

User menu

Search form

On May 1, Toronto's Out Sick With the Austerity Flu

On May 1, Toronto's Out Sick With the Austerity Flu
Mon, 4/30/2012 - by Krystalline Kraus
This article originally appeared on Rabble

Photo: Poly Stryus. Sick Day.

 

As the austerity budget in Ontario went to a vote, activists from No One Is Illegal - Toronto and Occupy Toronto issued a call for a mass protest and day of action on May Day.

A 30-foot by seven-foot banner was dropped off a highway crossing last week, cheekily telling early morning motorists to call in sick on May Day, when immigrant, workers rights groups and Occupy Movements across North America will be marching together against the incursions of the 1%.

Though capitalism and corporate greed have infected much of Toronto since the late 19th century, its most virulent form, "austerity" has only recently turned into a pan-damn-emic.

"Most Torontonians are sick and could use a day off," explained Lana Goldberg of Occupy Toronto.

"People are suffering with Harperitis and have serious headaches from Fordotrophy, which makes it really hard to work and make a living," she added. "They should call in sick on Tuesday and come to the rally and march. A nice day in the sun will help."

Sunlight is the primary source of Vitamin D for people living in North America, which is necessary for healthy living and good for one's skin. Sunlight also increases serotonin and balances the body's circadian rhythm.

"Though sunlight is a temporary cure for our current maladies, a good dose of protest could really help people recover," added Yogi Acharya of No One Is Illegal - Toronto, who has been organizing May Day demonstrations in Toronto since 2006. "The Spring season in 2011 saw a surprising break-through in many parts of the world against these illnesses. We are hoping that Spring 2012 will be similar in Toronto."

Activists have assembled a list of common ailments that people cite when calling in sick. These include Harper-flu, Fordotrophy, Capitalism, Borderitis and the most parasitic one, Colonialism.

Symptoms include homelessness, unemployment, loss of immigration status, poverty, hunger, feelings of powerlessness, fear, apathy, boredom, cultural decay, loss of identity, deportations, loss of free speech, incarceration and/or revolutionary thoughts.

It is unclear whether calling in sick is still legal in Canada. In early April, the Canada Industrial Relations Board deemed that Air Canada pilots calling in sick a few weeks ago were engaging in an illegal strike. Rumours have also surfaced that multiple washroom breaks might soon also be declared illegal.

 

3 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT

ONE-TIME DONATION

Just use the simple form below to make a single direct donation.

DONATE NOW

MONTHLY DONATION

Be a sustaining sponsor. Give a reacurring monthly donation at any level.

GET SOME MERCH!

Now you can wear your support too! From T-Shirts to tote bags.

SHOP TODAY

Sign Up

Article Tabs

The burgeoning pro-democracy, anti-Trump movement known as 50501 expects to drive tens and possibly hundreds of thousands to protest in 1,000 cities and towns on Saturday.

The only thing overshadowing the evil of the regime is its incompetence. And the people are only just beginning to realize the power we have.

It isn’t difficult to argue that Musk is likely a white supremacist obsessed with increasing the white birthrate and simultaneously killing off undesirables by cutting off their aid.

In a political earthquake last year, the populist and racist Reform Party took 4.1 million votes, coming third, against a backdrop of collapsing living standards and accelerating impoverishment.

There are multiple similarities between Trump and the British monarch when looking at the 27 grievances the framers outlined in their 1776 declaration.

The burgeoning pro-democracy, anti-Trump movement known as 50501 expects to drive tens and possibly hundreds of thousands to protest in 1,000 cities and towns on Saturday.

The only thing overshadowing the evil of the regime is its incompetence. And the people are only just beginning to realize the power we have.

A broad range of Americans are organizing a 24-hour economic boycott on February 28th to protest the ongoing actions of the Trump administration and to send a message to corporate America.

It isn’t difficult to argue that Musk is likely a white supremacist obsessed with increasing the white birthrate and simultaneously killing off undesirables by cutting off their aid.

In a political earthquake last year, the populist and racist Reform Party took 4.1 million votes, coming third, against a backdrop of collapsing living standards and accelerating impoverishment.

It isn’t difficult to argue that Musk is likely a white supremacist obsessed with increasing the white birthrate and simultaneously killing off undesirables by cutting off their aid.

Posted 1 month 6 days ago

There are multiple similarities between Trump and the British monarch when looking at the 27 grievances the framers outlined in their 1776 declaration.

Posted 1 month 2 weeks ago

A broad range of Americans are organizing a 24-hour economic boycott on February 28th to protest the ongoing actions of the Trump administration and to send a message to corporate America.

Posted 1 month 6 days ago

Over the next four years, we’re about to be inundated with a flood of lies—including from federal agencies themselves.

Posted 1 month 3 weeks ago

The grassroots opposition to President Donald Trump is hitting the streets everywhere.

Posted 1 month 2 weeks ago