At the top of Black History Month, several of Canada’s major labour unions have issued statements honouring the contributions of these Black leaders and the difference they have made.
“In the face of adversity and deep inequities, the actions of courageous Black community trailblazers and activists have carved out room for increased equity for Black and racialized workers and community members,” said Larry Rousseau, executive vice-president of the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). “This progress is evident not only in our workplaces but also in the very fabric of the communities we inhabit. We honour these trailblazers by continuing the fight for justice and equity.”
One such trailblazer was Nell Toussaint, a defender of human rights who sought to ensure access to medical care for all, regardless of their immigration status.
“Nell’s courage and determination inspire us to take up her fight for justice,” reads a statement from the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) national office. “Canadian society has seen progress over the decades, but people of African descent in Canada still experience differential treatment. Black, racialized and Indigenous community members are far more likely to be the hardest hit by the pandemic and its ongoing effects. This, combined with the ongoing crisis of over-policing, has shone a spotlight on how much remains to be done.”
Unions focused on work that remains to be done
Many of Canada’s unions continue to focus on improving equity for their Black members.
The CLC is calling on the federal government to eliminate racial and gender pay gaps by reforming the Employment Equity Act to require employers to divulge pay gaps affecting Black employees.
Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) reiterated their support for the Black Class Action Lawsuit, which is seeking compensation and justice for federal Black employees who have experienced discrimination.
READ MORE: The Black Class Action Secretariat needs all of labour to step up
The suit alleges that Public Service Canada denied Black individuals employment and promotion based on their race.
As of this past November, the federal government has spent more than $8 million on fighting this lawsuit in court.
“PSAC continues to call for the federal government to settle the lawsuit on behalf of tens of thousands of Black federal public service workers who have faced decades of discrimination and lost career advancement opportunities,” reads a recent statement from PSAC.
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is continuing the fight on the provincial level.
“The labour movement acknowledges the gaps in Canada’s anti-racism strategy and will continue to urge all levels of government to implement strategies and legislation addressing anti-Black racism. The OFL is dedicated to supporting Black community organizations by amplifying their voices and joining their fight against systemic racism and violence,” reads a statement sent to rabble.ca on behalf of OFL president Laura Walton.
The OFL will be conducting a poster campaign this month in partnership with the Canadian Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) to celebrate African Liberation and Black History Month.
“This series not only pays tribute to the historical achievements of Black Canadians, but also highlights the ongoing contributions of activists within the Black community,” Walton’s statement goes on to read. “This year’s Legacies series theme is “Educate. Organize. Liberate.” Our Black and Racialized Workers Committee continues to fight against systemic racism and violence and educate workers across Ontario about the Black liberation struggle and the resilience of the Black community.”
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