"Free Walking": No More Unpaid 8-Hour Shifts for Toronto Models

Recent signers:
Francesca Rojas and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As of January 1, 2026, Ontario law requires pay transparency in all job postings. Yet, in Toronto’s fashion industry, models who are professionally trained and highly skilled are still being asked to work 8-hour days for $0 absolutely nothing in return.

 

​We are not 'volunteers.' We are skilled workers. Under the Employment Standards Act, if an organization controls our time and our work, we are employees entitled to the minimum wage of $17.95/hour.

 

​Many of us invest hundreds in training and 'kit fees,' only to be told our compensation is 'exposure.' Exposure does not pay rent in Toronto. We are calling on the Ontario Ministry of Labour and the City of Toronto to:

 

​Enforce Pay Transparency: Ensure all 'Casting Calls' include a legal pay range.


​End Worker Misclassification: Audit fashion events that rely on unpaid 8-hour shifts.


​Support the STAR Act: Ensure models are protected from unauthorized fees and guaranteed timely payment.


​It is time for Toronto to treat its fashion talent with the professional respect the law requires.

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Recent signers:
Francesca Rojas and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

As of January 1, 2026, Ontario law requires pay transparency in all job postings. Yet, in Toronto’s fashion industry, models who are professionally trained and highly skilled are still being asked to work 8-hour days for $0 absolutely nothing in return.

 

​We are not 'volunteers.' We are skilled workers. Under the Employment Standards Act, if an organization controls our time and our work, we are employees entitled to the minimum wage of $17.95/hour.

 

​Many of us invest hundreds in training and 'kit fees,' only to be told our compensation is 'exposure.' Exposure does not pay rent in Toronto. We are calling on the Ontario Ministry of Labour and the City of Toronto to:

 

​Enforce Pay Transparency: Ensure all 'Casting Calls' include a legal pay range.


​End Worker Misclassification: Audit fashion events that rely on unpaid 8-hour shifts.


​Support the STAR Act: Ensure models are protected from unauthorized fees and guaranteed timely payment.


​It is time for Toronto to treat its fashion talent with the professional respect the law requires.

The Decision Makers

Ontario Ministers of Labour
Ontario Ministers of Labour

Petition Updates