July 25, 2024

August 1 is Emancipation Day.

On this day in 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act 1833 took effect, which laid a pathway to freeing enslaved people in British colonies across the globe, including here in Canada.

Acknowledging Emancipation Day does not mean equity and equality have been achieved. Rather, it is the recognition of African Canadian history as an important part of Canada’s story, serving as a reminder of the ongoing impacts of this shameful and often ignored reality of slavery and settler-colonialism.

In his book, Canada’s Forgotten Slaves: Two Hundred Years of Bondage, Quebec historian Marcel Trudel estimated approximately 4,200 people of African and other descents were enslaved in Canada’s Nouvelle France, and later in Upper and Lower Canada, between 1671 and 1831.

While currently only recognized in Ontario, Emancipation Day should be recognized throughout the country, given the profound importance of commemorating the day Canada rejected slavery.

Today, we affirm Unifor’s demand for racial justice, and welcome this opportunity to reflect on the steps we have taken to promote racial justice in the workplace, and to end harassment and discrimination of every kind.

Our work is far from over. Unifor will continue to bargain, advocate, and support work to eradicate racism in Canada. We are committed to learning about and highlighting the contributions of Black and Indigenous peoples – contributions that must be recognized and celebrated.

Unifor pledges to continue our work to defend human rights, to advance social and economic justice, and to uphold the principles found in the UN resolution which proclaimed 2015 to 2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent and the commitments in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

Within our union, that means providing education and training, electing Black and Indigenous people into leadership roles at all levels, deepening our anti-discrimination work, and bargaining equity programs that support the hiring, retention and advancement of Black and Indigenous peoples, and Workers of Colour.

We must also remain vigilant in examining our own attitudes, beliefs and understandings, and expanding our solidarity with social justice movements that are actively working to dismantle racism.

To mark this year’s Emancipation Day, Unifor has designed a new fan, poster and social media graphic to send the important message that racial justice is an everyday fight.

And part of the fight is creating community and solidarity.

We are encouraging all members to show support for Emancipation Day events being hosted in their communities.

In Toronto, members can attend the 11th annual Underground Freedom Train on July 31, 2024, at Union Station skating rink. The ceremony begins at 10:00 p.m. before attendees board the train and depart for Downsview station.

The Emancipation Day “Underground Freedom Train” Ride is symbolic of the role of the Underground Railroad within Canada’s history and a recognition of Emancipation Day and may include poetry readings, musical entertainment, networking, and special activities.

We are asking Unifor members to pledge their commitments to racial justice by sending your photos to communications@unifor.org and posting them on social media with the hashtag #Unifor4RacialJustice.

Video created by Brother Dustin Philp

JUNE 12, 2022

CONCORD, ONTARIO—Unifor Local 112 members ratified a new
three-year collective agreement today ending a labour dispute at the UTIL
Canada Inc. auto parts plant.

“The unity, strength and solidarity of Unifor Local 112 members displayed
throughout this dispute was pivotal in reaching a fair settlement,” said
Naureen Rizvi, Unifor Ontario Regional Director. “I would like to congratulate
union members on a successful ratification and the union’s bargaining team for
their hard work and determination throughout the negotiations.”

Union members sought a fairer, more equitable and respectful workplace in
bargaining and throughout the dispute. The union reached a tentative
settlement with the employer on June 10, 2022 and Unifor members ratified the
collective agreement at a meeting held earlier today.

Under the new agreement, union members will receive significant wage
increases. Provisions for emergency paid time off were also introduced for the
first time and probationary wage rates were eliminated. The union also
negotiated better protections to ensure the integrity of bargaining unit work.
Ten new bargaining unit jobs will be posted immediately and new language for
respectful workplace training and union representation in management meetings
was also introduced. The agreement will also introduce a Racial Justice
Advocate position immediately.

“The overwhelming dedication of all union members at UTIL Canada was
incredible to see as was the outpouring of support we received from across the
GTA and throughout the province,” said John Turner, Unifor Local 112
President. “The support from our members and the community kept spirits high
on the picket line and at the bargaining table. This dispute was a reminder of
how strong our union is and the importance of union members taking action to
demand the respect they deserve.”

The newly ratified three-year agreement expires on June 1, 2025.

Unifor is Canada’s largest union in the private sector, representing 315,000
workers in every major area of the economy. The union advocates for all
working people and their rights, fights for equality and social justice in
Canada and abroad, and strives to create progressive change for a better
future.

https://www.unifor.org/news/all-news/auto-parts-workers-util-ratify-agreement-ending-labour-dispute

Speak. Listen. Learn.

During Asian Heritage Month in May, Unifor joins with our members to celebrate accomplishments and honour people’s diverse experiences from all across Asia including north, southeast and west Asia.

Unifor wants members to share their stories, hear others’ experiences and take away the lessons learned from each other in the workplace to build our solidarity. Let’s embrace the history of our workers’ successes and understand the challenges and barriers faced by Asian and South Asian members of our communities and of our union.

With anti-Asian sentiment and racially motivated crimes against people of Asian descent still on the rise, we must also see Asian Heritage Month as a time to act, to come together to combat all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.

As a union, we remain committed to supporting diverse communities. Also, during this time, we have clear calls of action to demand the governments support Asian community organizations, demanding the end of racism and discrimination.

We are asking for members of the diverse Asian Communities to spread their messages of calls to action, successes, and positive achievements on social media, using the hashtag #Unifor4AsianHeritage.