Change through activism: Unifor Statement in support of Black History Month

January 30, 2018

In recognition of the 21^st anniversary of Black History Month in Canada, Unifor proudly celebrates Generative Activism:  the creation of power, influence and a better society through one’s involvement to bring about that change.  Considering the leadership role that Unifor plays in Canada’s labour movement and the role that black Canadians played in the establishment of unions across the country, a celebration of the strength, activism and solidarity of black labour could not be any more relevant than it is today.

Over seventy years ago, the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters played a significant role in improving the working conditions of black men employed as railway porters on the Canadian Pacific Railway.  These workers faced racist attitudes, ongoing harassment, poor job conditions and low wages. To improve their working conditions, and because white unions would not allow them as members, the Porters envisioned their own union.  One where fairness and  collective strength would mean improved wages, better opportunities and an increased standard of living for their families.  Their vision became reality in 1945, with the signing of the Porters first collective agreement.

As we celebrate Black History Month, Unifor is proud to acknowledge the role that black trade unionists, activists and an engaged black labour movement has played in shaping Canada and our union. From the resolve and courage of the black porters, to the vision of Viola Desmond, the perseverance of the Honourable Jean Augustine, to the current activism of the Black Live Matters movement; we are all better.  Our movements are stronger and more inclusive because of the work that black activists did in the past and continue to do every day in the workplace, our union and in communities. Let us celebrate the generations of activism and continue to learn from these visions as we work to build inclusion.

As February unfolds, Unifor encourages members and locals to participate in and promote Black History Month events in their communities or consider hosting a Black History Month celebration in their halls.

TORONTO – Workers at two downtown Toronto hotels have voted to leave the American union that had fired their local leadership and seized its assets, choosing to join Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union.

“The workers at these hotels are speaking with a loud and clear voice that they will not put up with the kind of bullying and intimidation that we see too often coming from American unions in Canada,” said Unifor National President Jerry Dias.

“Today’s vote is about reinstating democracy for hotel workers. It’s about restoring workers’ rights to tell American unions you just can’t trample on the rights of union members.”

The votes at the Courtyard Marriott and the Marriott Yorkville were the first of many among hospitality workers across Toronto and Mississauga. Workers at the Westin Prince will vote on Wednesday, while those at the Hyatt Regency downtown and the Quality Hotel and Suites near the airport vote on Friday.

Workers at the King Edward, Doubletree Metropolitan and Delta Toronto Airport hotels vote next Monday, with more votes planned for later in the week.

“I voted to join Unifor today because I am fed up with an American union trying to tell us what to do and what we should fight for in bargaining with the employer,” said Roberto Perez, a worker at the Marriott Yorkville.

“Voting for Unifor means we, the workers can have a say to decide what’s best for our future. The American union wanted to take over but this is our union and it’s our say,” said Josefina Palomo-Lee of the Courtyard Marriott.

The American parent union of UNITE HERE Local 75 placed the local into trusteeship earlier this month in a dispute over the right of the local to set its own course, including in bargaining. It also removed elected officers and seized the local’s assets.

With today’s votes, the workers will be members of the newly formed Unifor Local 7575, joining more than 19,000 hospitality and gaming workers in Unifor across Canada.

“Today’s votes are a great victory for hotel workers. We have taken an important stand for workers power and democratic principles as the workers’ exercised their right to determine their own future,” said Lis Pimentel, who is leading the effort to bring hotel workers to Unifor.

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.