While the public is being shut out of numerous spaces across Toronto to make way for the G20 summit, many of the workers who are employed in these locations are also being shut out of their jobs. Among the closed locations are the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Rogers Centre and the University of Toronto.

"I'm a casual library staff at U of T and we are losing all of our shifts during the closure and not being compensated at all” said Ryan Hayes a rank-and-file worker. Casual workers are among the lowest paid workers at the U of T. Academics, food servers, maintenance workers and cleaning staff are among those losing work.

"The entire St. George Campus is being shutdown during the summit, with residents and workers on the Campus being pushed out" said a statement by CUPE 3902, which represents over 6000 contract and part-time academic workers. Among the few spaces that will remain open on campus is the Munk Centre for G8/G20 Research.

A statement signed by a broad range of worker, student, faculty and social organizations condemns the U of T's "refusal to compensate casual staff for lost income resulting from its rash decision."  The U of T did not consult workers, students or faculty before making this decision.

 Many other workers are being affected by the G20 Summit. It was recently announced that seven LCBO stores will be closed during the summit. Hotdog vendors, small businesses, and workers at closed down facilities will also feel the impact. The closed buildings include the AGO, the Rogers Centre (home to the Blue Jays), and the CN Tower. TTC, VIA, GO Transit, and Island Ferry service is being cut in various places around the GTA.

Stay tuned for more coverage on the G20's impact on workers in Toronto.