March 31, 2021
Unifor recognizes and invites all members to celebrate the International Transgender Day of Visibility tomorrow, March 31. This annual day celebrates the value and resilience of transgender people both within the union and around the world.
Trans people are those who identify with a gender other than the one assigned at birth, and exist within all countries, communities and religious groups around the world. This identity is separate from an individual’s sexual orientation.
More than a year into the pandemic, as we turn our attention to recovery, Unifor encourages members and locals to centre trans people in your advocacy. It is well established that workers in already precarious and part time jobs faced instability and financial loss during this pandemic.
A recent Trans PULSE Report found that fewer than 50% of transgender people in Canada are employed full-time.
COVID-19 has interrupted and overloaded our health care systems. The same study, which included survey data from 2019, also found that 45% of respondents reported unmet health care needs and 12% had avoided going to the emergency room, despite needing care.
As we consider both the immediate and long-term affects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Unifor asks members to fight for trans and non-binary workers so that workplaces, health care and other essential services celebrate and welcome trans people.
As we advocate for governments to #BuildBackBetter, trans people must be centred in future fiscal stimulus, job creation and public services must work for everyone, including trans people in Canada.
Unifor wishes to honour trans and non-binary members, who continue to help build our union and strengthen our movement. Through their contributions and labour our union and society is made better, more educated and compassionate.
Unifor asks members to share a message of support and solidarity on the Trans Day of Visibility.
Click here to download shareable
View the statement on our website here.
***