March 21, 2019 - On March 21, one week after the horrific terrorist attack at mosques in New Zealand, we mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.
This attack, as well as countless others in our country and across the globe, is a vivid reminder of the urgency of addressing racial discrimination in our workplaces and communities. The increase in hate crimes is the direct result of political tactics that instill fear and misinformation, serving the interests of the 1%.
This harmful climate has a deep impact on our Canadian workplaces. Unions have the increased responsibility of educating workers about human rights and how to support anti-racism awareness campaigns. In this spirit, Local 1944 continues to promote fairness, equity and social justice, so that all our members across Canada can work in safe and healthy conditions.
“On behalf of Local 1944, I reaffirm the importance we attach to the values of solidarity, respect, tolerance and multiculturalism,” said Isabelle Miller, National President of USW Local 1944. “Every day, each and every one of us must stand up against racism, xenophobia and intolerance. We will not tolerate that racial discrimination and intolerant attitudes affect our workplaces. We all have the shared responsibility to say ‘NO’ to hate.”
Get involved against racism
- Take up the fight in your community! Promote human rights, and commit to combatting racism.
- Send a message on social media that racism is unacceptable, using the hashtags #fightracism #Standup4humanrights #UniteAgainstRacism #AfricanDescent.
- Get in touch with your Civil and Human Rights Committee.
- Join a local action at http://migrantrights.ca/en/march21.
Recommended resources
- The Canadian Labour Council has released a ground-breaking report on the impacts of Islamophobia in the workplace “Islamophobia at work: Challenges and opportunities”. It provides recommendations for employers, trade unions, and government on how to address the phenomenon.
- Read the OFL’s document “Together We Rise: Standing Against Hate”.
- Learn about the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024), recognizing that people of African descent represent a distinct group whose human rights must be promoted and protected.
In Solidarity,
USW Local 1944
