Throughout Canada’s history, Black labour leaders have been prominent, outspoken and successful advocates for change, ushering in progress despite monumental challenges and risk. Many workplace rights that we all enjoy were won by Black women and men who fought through racism and hate that their white counterparts never had to face.
Today, the Black Class Action Secretariat is continuing this legacy as it stands up to the largest employer in the country – the federal government – as it looks to achieve long-term solutions to permanently address systemic racism and discrimination in the public service.
And while the federal government remains a discriminatory and hostile workplace for Black and racialized employees, as revealed in a November report, unions have also fallen short in fully representing and advocating for their Black members.
In the last year, we at CAPE have acknowledged our own short comings, doing some self reflection to take meaningful actions. For that reason, CAPE employees and leadership have been undergoing comprehensive training to deepen their understanding of the Black reality and anti-Black racism, and to foster allyship.
But that’s not nearly enough. For change to happen from within, we also need Black leadership to rise from within our ranks to amplify the voice of the Black community.
This will be the topic of our February 26 roundtable discussion, hosted by CAPE in honour of Black History Month. We have invited two prominent Black union leaders - Alisha Kang, president of the Union of National Employees and Christopher Wilson, a workers' rights advocate, community activist, lawyer and member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – to discuss how Black members can build and take power in our current unions, as well as how to defend ourselves with the union as our vehicle.
While this event is open to all, it was specifically designed for our Black, Indigenous and racialized members. Whether you are looking to learn more about taking a more active role in CAPE, network with fellow Black members, or connect with CAPE leadership, I encourage you to come, engage, and make your voice heard. For those who prefer to listen and observe, you are also welcome to attend and take in the conversation.
Register for this event today.
Black union leadership is critical for accelerating change. And this is my call to you, our Black members, to step into union roles, as we need your voices, perspectives, and leadership to shape a more equitable and inclusive union. By taking an active role, you can help drive meaningful change and ensure that unions truly represent and advocate for all workers.
Among other steps, we encourage Black members to set up their own caucus and advance their own action plan for change and self-defence with national support.
This is your time. Together, we will build a workplace where every employee is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.
I look forward to seeing you all on February 26.
Let’s do this!
Nate Prier
President
Get involved
Upcoming events
From Solidarity to Strength: How to Build Black Worker Power in Federal Public Sector Unions
Resources
Fireside chat: Unions and the federal workplace: challenging the status quo for justice and equity (February 2024)
Speakers’ Series: Discussion on Anti-Black Racism and Discrimination in the workplace (March 2023)
Speakers’ Series: Anti-Black Racism in the Workplace (December 2020)
