As the certification hearing for the Black class action lawsuit heads to court this week, the Canadian Association of Professional Employees (CAPE) strongly urges the Government of Canada to settle this matter and truly commit to ending systemic racism and discrimination across the federal public sector.
Black federal employees are seeking justice and damages for lost wages and pensions resulting from decades of unfair and discriminatory hiring and promotion practices. Ultimately, the lawsuit is about holding the government accountable and creating a fairer, more diverse and equitable workplace for all Canadian public sector employees.
The federal government has already spent millions of taxpayer dollars attempting to minimize and delegitimize the experiences of tens of thousands of Black federal workers who have experienced racism and discrimination on the job.
“The fact that Black employees have to go to court to have their voices heard is a travesty,” said Nathan Prier, CAPE president. “There is zero doubt that Black federal employees have faced decades of racist and discriminatory practices. It’s a fact. Instead of continuing to waste Canadians’ money and draw out this process, the government must commit to action for justice – now.”
CAPE calls on the government to take meaningful action to acknowledge these injustices, implement robust anti-discrimination measures, and provide resources for those affected, ensuring a workplace that is truly equitable and inclusive for all.
