“CHALLENGING RACISM: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change”
Report of the CLC First National Aboriginal/Workers’ of Colour Conference September 24 - 27, 1998 Delta Hotel Montreal, Quebec A c k n o w l e d g e m e n t s
Sister Nancy Riche, Executive Vice-President and Brother Robert White, President, Dick Martin, Secretary-Treasurer and Jean-Claude Parrot, Executive Vice-President wish to give acknowledgment and special thanks to the Planning Committee for their hard work and dedication to the planning of this very historic and successful Conference.
Conference Planning Committee:
Hassan Yussuff CAW Lynn Jones PSAC Ethel Lavalley OFL Harminder Magon CUPE Deb Tveit CAW Don Moran CUPE Holly Page NUPGE/BCGEU Fred Upshaw NUPGE/OPSEU Darlene Swiderski UFCW Jay Nair UFCW Jenny Ahn CAW
The Officers would also like to thank Brother David Onyalo, National Director of Anti-Racism and Human Rights, Lynda Maunders, France Laurin Lupien and Jay Moor. T A B L E O F C O N T E N T
Introduction ...... 1
Opening Session ...... 3 Nancy Riche ...... 4 Robert White ...... 6
Friday Workshops ...... 16
Saturday Workshops ...... 18
Closing Comments Yussuff Hassan ...... 20
Conference Recommendations ...... 26
Conclusion ...... 29
Conference Statistics ...... 30
Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Participants Statistics ...... 31
Background Information ...... 36 All About the CLC Anti-Racism Task Force ...... 37 CLC National Anti-Racism Task Force Report Summary ...... 40 Summary of Recommendations: Racism and Unions ...... 43 Summary of Recommendations: Racism in Our Communities ...... 44 Representation: “Our Successes and Struggles” ...... 45
Conference Resource People ...... 58 C O N F E R E N C E O B J E C T I V E S
1. TO CONSOLIDATE OUR ANTI-RACISM WORK IN UNIONS AND COMMUNITIES.
2. TO BRING TOGETHER ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND PEOPLE OF COLOUR ACTIVISTS, LEADERS, STAFF AND OUR ALLIES.
3. TO POLITICIZE THE ISSUES AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN CLC ANTI-RACISM TASK FORCE REPORT.
4. TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL AND REGIONAL ANTI- RACISM NETWORKS.
5. TO STRENGTHEN UNIONS AND OUR SOCIAL MOVEMENT BY STRENGTHENING THE POLITICAL, ECONOMIC , SOCIAL AND CULTURAL VOICES OF ABORIGINAL PEOPLES AND PEOPLE OF COLOUR. Introduction
he first CLC Aboriginal and Workers of Colour Conference was attended by Tover 400 hundred workers, community activists, and observers from across the country. The Conference was a resounding success based on the feedback Aboriginal Forum we are getting from participants, workshop facilitators, guest speakers and members of Members of the CLC Aboriginal Peoples the Conference Planning Committee. Working Group played a key role in the organizing and formatting of the Forum. The Conference is part of our ongoing work to build on the CLC Task Force Report and Over 60 participants attended the Forum. work. The diversity reaffirmed our Sister Nancy Riche, CLC Executive Vice- commitment to build our strength at the President opened the Forum on behalf of the grass root level of our movement. CLC. The session was chaired by Sister Ethel LaValley, CLC Vice-President and OFL The entire Conference was built around the Secretary-Treasurer. Task Force Report, with participants at the workshops discussing the main issues raised The Keynote speaker was Viola Thomas, in the Report. The plenary sessions President of the United Native Nations, an completed the work of the Conference. Aboriginal activist on social justice and human rights issues. An important part of the Conference was the National Aboriginal Forum held on The Forum included a panel on Organizing Wednesday, the day before the opening of and Building Allies which was moderated by the Conference. The Forum was organized Sister Darlene Swiderski, UFCW. The in order to focus discussions on social, presenters were: Holly Page, economic, cultural and political issues and BCGEU(NUPGE); Sam George, how they impact on Aboriginal Peoples and Representative of the Anthony “Dudley” their communities. The decision to hold the George Family , and Wayne McKenzie, one-day Forum was also a strategic effort on Congress of Aboriginal Peoples. our part to increase the number and presence of Aboriginal workers at this The participants broke into small group Conference. discussion sessions. The topics were: Cultural
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 1 Awareness, Networking and Breaking work being done to make links with the Barriers/Mobilizing for Change. Aboriginal communities.
Guest Speakers On the Thursday evening of the Conference, Brother Felix, President of the CAW local The Conference was opened by Sister representing the workers at the hotel brought Nancy Riche who linked the Task Force greetings during a reception which was hosted process with the work of the Conference. by the hotel. Sister Riche shared with the delegates the positive work the CLC have undertaken as a A number of guest speakers spoke challenge to respond to the Task Force work throughout the Conference. The speakers in a number of areas. In particular, the were: Harry Daniels, President, Congress creation of the CLC Anti-Racism & Human of Aboriginal Peoples, Juanita Rights Department. Westmoreland-Troare, Dean of Law University of Windsor,, Rodney Bobiwash, The Keynote speech was given by Brother Executive Director of the Native Canadian Robert White, President of the Canadian Centre in Toronto, Gordon Earl, MP Labour Congress. Brother White started his Halifax, and Joan Grant-Cummings, presentation by acknowledging the role of President, NAC. Billy Nair, M.P., National activists in moving forward anti-racism work Assembly, Parliament of the Republic of in the labour movement and linking anti- South Africa, regrettably was unable to racism struggles with working class issues. attend due to illness but sent a written message. Rocky Jones, Human Rights A big part of Brother White’s speech was lawyer from Halifax was also unable to attend devoted to the “big picture” social, due to an illness the day before he was slated economic and political issues. He challenged to speak. the existing neo-liberal agenda and the economic model which have caused so much Two panels were organized at the Conference pain to workers throughout the world. in order to provide participants with broad perspective on anti-racism struggles in Brother White also underscored the particular in the areas of youth and importance of the 50th Anniversary of the interlocking oppressions. Those who United Nation’s Declaration on Human participated in the youth panel were: Janet Rights, while noting that the document is as Awimbo from Kenya, representing Africa. relevant now as when it was first written. He Steve Price an Aboriginal activist urged Conference participants to always representing North America; and Betty defend the provisions in the Declaration. Cortes from Latin America.
Messages of welcome were given by Brother The panelists on Interlocking Oppressions Clément Godbout, President, QFL and were: Deena Ladd, a community activist and Brother Michel Taylor, President, Montreal union organizer; Raymond Liens, Human Labour Council. Brother Godbout provided Rights activist and educator from HEU an overview of the political climate in (CUPE); and Diane Kilby, a human rights Quebec. Both speakers underscored the activist from SEIU.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 2 Note: copies of the guest speakers speechesspeeches areare availableavailable uponupon requestrequest.
O P E N I N G S E S S I O N
Nancy Riche, CLC Executive Vice-President
QFL Greetings
Montreal Labour Council Greetings
Keynote Speaker
Robert White, CLC President
Harry Daniels
Social Evening
(Sponsored by CAW Local) Delta Hotel
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 3 Nancy Riche, CLC Executive Vice-President
Sisters and Brothers, Yussuff from the CAW. It was this committee that made the decision to make elcome to the First National this year’s Human Rights’ Conference an Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference. WConference.
I am extremely proud to be the CLC It is the work of the Canadian Labour Officer responsible for the Department of Congress working groups, visible minorities Anti-racism and Human Rights and and Aboriginal groups, and it is the work Women and Human Rights at the Canadian of our two visible minority VP’s, Hassan Labour Congress. These are the and Lynn Jones of the PSAC and our departments along with the Standing Aboriginal VP, Ethel LaValley, Secretary- Committees that lead on the agenda of Treasurer of the OFL from equality, the agenda of the Canadian OPSEU/NUPGE. Labour Congress. The hard work of planning, organizing and This Conference is an historic event, and preparing is that of the Planning a fundamental piece of the anti-racism task Committee, which you will meet later on, force recommendations. Let me hasten to and the CLC staff, David Onyalo, National add, however that it is not the only piece. Director his secretary, Lynda Maunders and This Conference clearly is long overdue, France Laurin Lupien and Jay Moor. But while, at the same time current, in the year above all, it is the work, and for some a of the 50th anniversary of the Universal lifelong work, of trade union and Declaration of Human Rights and the day community activists — your work, and we on which President Nelson Mandela is in thank you. our country. The anti-racism task force report was This Conference is the work of our released in December 1997 — just nine Standing Committee on Human Rights months ago. Prior to that, the Co-chairs which I co-chair with brother Hassan Lynn, Ethel, Hassan and David presented
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 4 the entire report to the four CLC Officers. since we are calling the roll. How many It’s been a very active nine months. And participants here are representing affiliates, I am pleased to report progress. The CLC from unions? How many are here has set up an Internal Employment Equity representing community groups, NGO’s? Committee made up of the two unions and Not many. Let me see that again! Few. management. We have established a But, it is a gathering, an incredible Department of Anti-racism and Human gathering. Someone said 900,000. Each Rights, appointed a National Director, one of you represents a lot more than just David Onyalo and support staff. All you, from your affiliate, from your family, hirings have been representative of the from your community, from your equity groups since December 1997, in neighborhood. What we will do in the next both senior and support staff. Of the 13 couple of days, we hope, will have a hirings at the CLC, 12 are women, six of positive effect on all of their lives. So, whom are women of colour, and one while there may be 430 here, we want to Aboriginal man. Two of those women are believe that that radical change we are with us today, at least two, and I would going to get involved in, will affect like to introduce them to you. Our first thousands and thousands of people, and, ever National Representative on Youth we hope, change the minds of many of our Issues, Nrinder Nindy Kaur Nann from political leaders in this country, British Columbia — the only person on the particularly on the issue of racism. So it is CLC staff under 30. And just appointed, a great coalition! our new Director for the Ontario region, Winnie Ng. Many of you would know We have some of our leadership here from Winnie, who was most recently working for our affiliates which will be with us . We HERE. have international guests that you will meet throughout the next few days. We have Winnie is a strong active member of the people on panels or in workshops who women’s community and particularly the have come here from other countries just Chinese Canadian community. to be part of this great occasion. And it is historic. It is our first and there has to be Yesterday, we had a very successful first a first step to complete any long journey ever Aboriginal Forum as a pre-Conference that we take on and; therefore, at the event. I’d just like to know how many of beginning of this long journey, it is my you attended that forum and are still here. pleasure to declare the CLC First National That was the plan, right? Good. And Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference open. It feels so good!
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 5 Robert White Keynote Speaker CLC President
hank you very much. It is indeed an working relationship with the labour honor and a privilege for me as movement and the working people of TPresident of the Canadian Labour Québec. There are many who would try Congress to welcome you all to what to divide us, who are trying to get us everybody has said is a truly historic event, chasing false shadows. We have worked the Conference which brings together out a protocol between the Canadian Aboriginal, workers of colour, leadership Labour Congress and the FTQ in Québec, activists from the labour movement all which recognizes the aspirations of the across the land and also a special welcome people of Québec, which recognizes the to a number of community activists. role the FTQ plays in Québec, which Without their support, we could not have recognizes the different political, economic made the progress to get what we have. and social structures here. It has been a very strong bond of friendship and I want to say I appreciate today sharing the solidarity between us and I have always platform with Harry Daniels. We have said that ultimately the people of Québec taken the step together, a step that I will decide what their future will be and believe, if we work at it, will make some whatever they decide we will still be with difference to Aboriginal people in our them in solidarity because they are the country. workers of Québec — the same as the other workers around the world. And merci Michel for coming and talking to us from the Montreal Labour Council And, so I want to thank Clément, I know and to Clément Godbout who has decided he has to go, and I wish him well and look to leave the labour movement — leave forward to seeing him in the very near certainly his position as President of the future. FTQ — and not run in December. I just want to say that under his leadership, we I also want to thank all of you. Somebody have been able to establish an outstanding said jokingly when I looked over the
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 6 Conference: “It’s good leadership Bob.” negotiated between the Nisga’a Nation, But I said I know one thing about the the Government of British Columbia and labour movement, it is not the leadership the Federal Government. We are that makes it work, it is the activists that supportive of that treaty and we do not make it work. The leadership can make agree with those who say that this treaty the space and they can be supportive, but should be submitted to a referendum of the it is the activists who make it work. But I people of British Columbia. Believe me want to say to all of you, that I want to sisters and brothers you don’t make human thank you for the work that you have done rights progress by referendum. together and also for developing the Referendum is designed by the right wing theme for this Conference which is an to stop progress for human rights and this excellent theme to continue to challenge treaty should be passed by the racism and mobilize political power for Government of British Columbia and by the radical change. Federal Government, and Nisga’a people Today’s Conference was preceded can vote on it. Somebody said to me, the yesterday by an Aboriginal forum. A Nisga’a people are not all together. I said, forum designed to highlight Aboriginal isn’t that wonderful. We always are issues, a forum designed to have more outside, right? I think the Nisga’a people Aboriginal people participate in this will make a decision. I believe it will be a Conference, but also I think a forum in decision that is important for the future of which, as Harry said, we have to take issue other aboriginal settlements in the country now and get more Aboriginal people in and we support what is being done in our workforce. I read an article today British Columbia. about the proportionate number of young people from the Aboriginal community Yesterday’s Forum is designed to ensure who live in poverty. We have the that our policies and our programs are responsibility, as a labour movement, to reflective of Aboriginal people. Also we bring them in our workforce, bring them in need to see faces at all levels of this labour our labour movement and make them movement to reflect that of the Aboriginal equal partners in the society they founded. People. Today’s Conference, of course, is We are going to work very hard with Harry not the beginning or the end of a very long and other people to do exactly that. journey, of the struggle that’s been going on for Aboriginal people and people of And today I am proud to say that the colour for so many years. It is like all Canadian Labour Congress is in full support other struggles of workers in the labour of the Nisga’a Treaty, which has been movement. It is a struggle that never ends.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 7 And this Conference is another important colour front and center of this labour step in the ongoing process. An ongoing movement and around the world, that process of fighting for equality, for without her this would be a hell of a lot economic and social justice. different conference and a hell of a lot different labour movement. Thank you But I want to say to you today that the very much Nancy. progress that we have made together, insufficient as it is, could not have been I want to thank Lynn Jones, Ethel Lavalley done without the entire efforts of the and Hassan Yussuff for preparing an people in this room and many people who incredible document about racism in the couldn’t get here. Those of you who labour movement which challenges all of challenged issues at your workplace, those us. I have a lot of contact with labour of you who challenged issues with movements around the world, and I believe affiliates. The labour movement is not it is one of the best documents on these perfect. We have some affiliate leaders issues that has ever been done by any who give you lots of support and yes, central labour movement. unfortunately, we have some affiliate leaders who don’t give any support at all. It reflects the voices of our members. It But you are the people that challenge the reflects their pain. It reflects their leadership, that challenge the membership aspirations. It reflects their demands, and to understand that racism destroys its challenged us to take action. And by solidarity in the workers’ movement. God we are going to continue to take Understand that the space has to be made action. to be inclusive, which strengthens our movement. Understand that dreams and Sisters and brothers, we met here in aspirations of Aboriginal people and Montréal, approximately two months workers of colour are the same dreams and before the celebration of the 50th aspirations as those of everybody else: anniversary of the Universal Declaration of equity, equality, social justice and a decent Human Rights. The signing of that standard of living. Declaration in 1948, if you think about it, came out after an enormous turmoil And I want to say to my good friend around the world. A worldwide Nancy Riche, who every day of her life, depression which was followed by a world every day of her life, argues with officers war, a holocaust, the first ever atomic keeps the issues of equality and social bomb being dropped on Nagasaki and justice for Aboriginal people and people of Hiroshima. And of course, what happened
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 8 in 1948 confirmed the goals, dreams and best described by Margaret Thatcher when work of thousands and thousands of she said: “There is no such thing as a activists all around the world who for community, there are only people and decades had struggled for emancipation, families pursuing their own self-interest.” for equality and for political freedom. This totally market-driven ideology, which It is also a reflection, almost fifty years included massive deregulation, free trade, later, a marker in which we can measure privatization, attacks on workers’ rights, progress and see how much further we would in the words of our opponents have come and see how much further we provide us with the basis for long term must still travel to achieve equality, prosperity and jobs. I will just take a few freedom and dignity. minutes to look at the world as we find it today. We have gone through a period of In Canada, during the first 30 years after over a decade of incredible wealth this Declaration, I think it is fair to say, we creation. More wealth has been created in had economic growth that was reasonably the last ten or fifteen years than we ever strong, and in several areas of the country, saw in the history of the world. We have we had full employment as a goal. We seen corporate profits, and executive developed an important social consensus salaries at all time highs. We have seen about how wealth would be shared in a periods when stock markets broke barriers different way. The labour movement was almost every day. And you look at the an important part of fighting for social wealth in concentration, you look at the programs of health care, pension, human world today in terms of more gap between rights protection and much, much more. the rich and the poor, both within nations and between the North and the South. But I think the past 15 years, not only in Canada but in many countries around the Yet in this period of incredible wealth was world, have seen a backlash. We have a period when workers by the thousands seen big business and government decide were being thrown on the economic scrap that the only thing that matters is markets. heap in the public and private sectors. The political elite and major corporations Workers were being told: “Sorry, our started to dismantle important progress competition can do it cheaper and do it that we had taken almost 40 years to faster.” Sometimes, that competition was build. And they conducted intensive down the road in the same city, sometimes campaigns, attacked the role of it was in the same country, sometimes it government in the public sector, which is was in countries far away.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 9 countries didn’t even call themselves We were lectured about other models that country leaders. They call themselves the we should follow. Sometimes it was a US leaders of the economies. Our Prime model that was giving concessions, and bad Minister was called the leader of the labour legislation. Sometimes it was a economy of Canada. And we had them all Japanese model of guaranteed lifetime there from Soharto to a whole bunch of employment and being close to the other people. corporations. Sometimes it was an Asian tiger model that we were told to be Things had started to develop in the small competitive with. But, always there was country of Thailand. There was currency some place cheaper and some place better speculation, a lot remember it as if it was that workers had to move to the lowest yesterday, all of the leaders were standing common denominator. Our response was around the reflecting pool with the Roots’ that we joined hands in solidarity with jackets on and somebody in the media workers in many countries of the world — asked the question what do you think is with workers in Mexico who today are going on? and they said, both Mr. Clinton being exploited by multinational and I think our Prime Minister said: This is corporations in the Maquiladoras, with just a blip. These countries’ fundamentals workers in Central America, in Latin are right. Everything is going to be fine. America, in Indonesia and South Korea. Of course, we have seen that a lot is Workers who are being told the same changed? stories as we are, where human rights are being violated many times more than ours. We had an Alternative Summit meeting Workers who have been exploited by some there, where some of the students who of the very same corporations that we had attended were arrested. I had a chance to dealings with in Canada and in the United meet with the foreign minister from States, so they could make the maximum Thailand who told me, Mr. White, we profit at the lowest possible price. spent, I think the number was something like 30 billion dollars of our currency to try It gives me no great comfort today to say, and stop the speculators, and we are going we were right. Just look what has to lose in our country, 2 million jobs in happened in this world in the last twelve the first two years. And most of those jobs months if you don’t think things can will be rural workers who have come from change. Almost a year ago in Vancouver, the rural communities to urban at a meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic communities and we are going to push Community, APEC, the leaders of those
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 10 them back to areas in which they have no We now have a disaster that has hit South jobs. Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Russia and parts of Latin America. Since that time, we have heard from others, I remember meeting Paul Martin in Their economies and their currencies have a restaurant in Ottawa in January, I was either collapsed or have been devaluated having a glass of wine and some pasta by by an incredible amount, and people are myself when I heard voices talking about really, really suffering. And the reason I the Left taking on the MAI and other issues raised this, is because there are now and God dammit, they’re going to win on millions of workers losing their jobs. it probably the way they are going. I walked up to Paul Martin’ s table. He is a This morning, in the business section of the very easy person to talk to. And I said to Toronto Globe and Mail, a report from the him: “Paul this Asian crisis is very big.” ILO says that 20 million workers, 20 Because I thought it was going to be million workers will lose their jobs in South enormous for the world, I made my first East Asia in the first 2 years of this crisis. speech about it in November, at the Twenty million workers. Ontario Federation of Labour Convention. And he said to me: “Bob, it is not that In Russia, wage rates are now 60% less bad, you know there is a lot of corruption than they were 8 years ago. Do you know there, crony capitalism,” crony capitalism? what the big fight in Russia for workers is And he went on, now we are getting all today, in the mines and, in the these explanations, and I said excuse me, manufacturing sectors? It is the right to get and I said this publicly, because the only paid for work they have performed. There reason I am doing this is because I want are workers in that country who haven’t you to think about it. Where did Team been paid for months for the work that Canada Missions go? Our Prime Minister they have performed. My guess is that, if with 300 business people went to South you ask the Russian workers today in that Korea, went to Thailand, went to Malaysia, situation, “Is democracy good only if you went to Indonesia. We couldn’t get them have the right to vote once every four to raise issues of human rights. They told years or if it means you have to share in us these were the economies of the future. the wealth of the various world They told us that workers in those economies?” I think most workers will say, countries will be fine, that the wealth will democracy is not what we have in Russia all trickle down and those workers will be today. We have a situation that destroys better off. Now, what has happened? our country because the IMF, and the
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 11 world bank, have destroyed a lot of are much less. There is Nike in Indonesia. people’s lives in Russia. Think about it. Before the currency crashed, a worker was You have the Russian situation now that is paid about $58 US dollars a month. The sitting, of course, on a stock pile of nuclear currency devaluation now makes that $18 weapons. And, so we have situations dollars a month. going on around the world which should be a major, major, concern to us. We have And thirdly, this absolute change in seen this before. economic and social structure in several parts of the world is leading to the rise of And I haven’t, in this discussion, talked racism and nationalism. about Africa. I haven’t talked about Africa. A continent, which I said to a Think about the Chinese women who were number of people from the developing raped in Indonesia, at the time of the crisis. world yesterday, has borne the brunt of Think about the Chinese shopkeepers who incredible attacks by the IMF and the were driven away from their homes and World Bank massive cuts to social justice their shops because of the colour of their programs, and we have waited far too long skin and because they were Chinese. Think in the world of wealth to deal with the about the incredible stories now on the debts of the African nations. increase of abuse of children. Think about the rise of nationalism in Russia sitting on a Now, why should we be concerned about stock pile of nuclear arms. Think about this? Firstly sisters and brothers, if we the ethnic cleansing in Bosnia and think believe in solidarity, we can’t be quiet and about it and ask yourself the question, is not concerned about millions of workers there anything new about all of this? losing their jobs all around the world. We should be expressing our outrage about Have we not seen this picture before? that. High unemployment, nations pitted against each other, racism rampant around the Secondly, the reality for us in Canada is world, speculative stock markets. We have that more imports are coming from a seen this before. And the question for number of these countries in which wages world leaders and the question for all of us and benefits are now much much cheaper. I believe is, if we don’t learn from history, And guess what we are going to be told. are we destined to repeat it? We are going to be told, we now have new competitors. They will probably be owned But there also is another side. There are by some of the same companies. Wages positive things that are happening. In
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 12 Indonesia, Soharto is gone. In Indonesia, sustainable. And the economic growth people are now forming democratic unions must be accompanied by social progress and political movements. In Indonesia, and social cohesion. I think all of these students and social action groups are events make us realize that our struggles for coming together. It may be painful, but equality and against racism and social there is going to be a lot of uprising in justice have to continue. Indonesia which will throw the dictators of the past 20 years out and I say it is about We can contribute to the struggle of time, and the people of East Timor may workers around the world by not giving up have a real opportunity for independence. our struggle here at home. I always believe before you do international solidarity, you For us, it also meant that we reached out do national solidarity. And therefore our and established closer links with labour struggle here, has to continue. movements around the world. Labour movements in South Korea are fighting And then we join in solidarity with others back, labour movements in Russia are being in their struggles. Many of you in this formed to fight back, as are labour room, should feel an enormous pride of movements all around the world, and we the role you and many other workers have are extending our solidarity to them. played in the labour movement. I was fortunate to have met with Nelson And finally, for those of us who are Mandela on four occasions. Four of the engaged in this debate on a regular basis, I greatest moments of my life. And as he believe more and more people are finally said to us when he first came to the coming to the conclusion that it is about Canadian Labour Congress Executive time the governments of the world, Council in Toronto, shortly after he was including ours, stop being the agent for elected, “I want to thank the workers of international capital, international Canada, the labour movement and others corporations and start being agents for the who helped us in this struggle.” So I want people of societies they are supposed to to say to you, if he was here today, that is represent. exactly what he would say. When I look at Nelson Mandela in a struggle against And more people are finally saying, people Apartheid, I know any struggle can be whom I never thought I had to read about won. in the Economist magazine, and others are saying that the absolute free market and a And it was not just Nelson Mandela, but deregulation of all these markets is not his contribution was enormous, his
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 13 leadership, his determination, his sacrifice, and his commitment to a peaceful transition. Imagine, imagine how the transition is taking place, difficult as it is, without violence, a peaceful transition that was led by a man of peace who spent over a quarter of his life in jail.
And I think that struggle should be a great encouragement to all of us, as It is a dream that can be fulfilled. we face many of our daily struggles. Nelson Mandela was at the United Nations Thank you very much. this week, and as I was traveling, I picked up a New York Times. I want to read a quotation. This quotation is his farewell message to the United Nations, I won’t quote all of it. He says: “As I sit in Qunu and grow as ancient as its hills, I will continue to entertain the hope that there has emerged a cadre of leaders in my own country and region, on my continent and in the world, which will not allow that any should be denied their freedom as we were; that any should be turned into refugees as we were; that any should be condemned to go hungry as we were; that any should be stripped of their human dignity as we were.
Then would history and the billions throughout the world proclaim that it was right that we dreamed and that we toiled to give life to a workable dream. “
And I want to say to all of you in a small way, that is your dream, that is our dream.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 14 FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25th, 1998 -
POLITICAL ANALYSIS FOR CHANGE
Morning session (9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon)
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. ! Keynote speaker S Juanita Westmoreland-Traoré Dean of Law, University of Windsor ! Plenary discussions
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ! BREAK
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ! Workshops
12:00 noon -1:30 p.m. ! LUNCH
Afternoon session (1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. ! Workshops continue
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. ! Youth panel and discussions Moderator - Nrinder Nindy Nann, CLC National Representative - Youth Issues ! Janet Awimbo - Africa Steve Price - North America Betty Cortes - Latin America
5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. — CAUCUSES (3) ! Aboriginal Peoples ! People of Colour ! Allies & Supporters
NOTE: Speeches are available upon request
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 15 FRIDAY WORKSHOPS
Objectives:
< To identify key points and issues on specific workshop topics from the report
< To discuss strategies on how to politicize and concretely move forward the recommendations in the task force report.
< To identify strategic access points to the formal and informal decision making processes\power structures in our unions and the public political, social and economic institutions.
Topics:
These topics represent the major issues highlighted in the CLC National Anti-Racism Task Force report.
1. Racism in the Labour Movement 2. Who gets to Work: Racism in Employment 3. The Closed Doors: Racism in Immigration 4. What They are Teaching in our Schools: Racism in Education 5. Out in the Cold: Racism and Housing 6. Who Speaks for Us: Racism in the Political Process 7. Justice is not Colour Blind: Racism in the Canadian Legal System 8. How They See Us: Racism in the Media 9. Making Us Sick: Environmental Racism and Health 10. In solidarity with Workers of the South: Racism and International Issues 11. Fighting Interlocking Oppressions
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 16 SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26th, 1998 -
BUILDING BLOCKS FOR CHANGE: STRATEGIES FOR CHANGING POLITICAL POWER
Morning session (9:00 am - 12:00 noon)
9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. ! Guest Speakers Rodney Bobiwash, Executive Director, Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and Gordon Earle, NDP MP
9:45 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. ! BREAK
10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon ! Workshops
12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m. ! LUNCH
Afternoon session (1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m ! Workshops continue
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m ! Panel (Interlocking Oppressions) Deena Ladd, Community activist Raymond Liens, HEU Diane Kilby, SEIU ! Presentations & discussions
9:00 p.m. — DANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT
NOTE: Speeches are available upon request
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 17 SATURDAY WORKSHOPS
Theme: Building Blocks for change: Strategies for changing political power.
Topic: The topics for Saturday working sessions will be the same. In addition, The conference planning committee has identified a number of key issues which represent building blocks for mobilizing and moving forward anti-racism work.
These issues include: access to resources, structural change, participation in the public political process, organizing in Aboriginal and People of Colour communities, networking, working with allies and self education.
Objectives: To identify the critical building blocks for political change in our unions and public institutions.
To strategize on means to exercise our collective voices and strength for progressive change in our unions and communities
To develop a Plan of Action to move forward the CLC Anti-Racism Task Force work and report.
To discuss ways of monitoring concrete progress of anti-racism work in private and public institutions, at the CLC, its affiliates, federations of labour, labour councils and local unions.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 18 SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27th, 1998
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
! Closing Plenary
! Guest speaker Joan Grant-Cummings, President, NAC
! Plenary discussion
! Workshop summaries
! Closing comments Nancy Riche, CLC Executive Vice-President Hassan Yussuff, CAW
12:00 noon — ADJOURNMENT
NOTE: Speeches are available upon request
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 19 Closing Comments Hassan Yussuff CLC Vice-President
want to make some closing remarks. Like all conferences that you go to, the conference ends on a high note or low note IThis is, I believe for all of us, quite a or sometimes maybe it never ends. We wonderful experience. You are going to be leave and we never get a chance to say leaving here very shortly to go back to your goodbye. local unions, to your communities, to try and carry on this battle. And there is a I want to thank a number of people and I battle. It is a battle where the word may miss some, but I also want to start surrender is not an option. It is a battle with the colleagues and friends who which we must win. worked to put together this conference. There are many meetings where you argue But it is important for us to acknowledge and debate just to establish what this that doing this work is very difficult. It is a conference is going to focus on, where it is great deal of pain, hardship and challenge going to be, who the instructors are going that we all face. I believe at this first to be, what workshops are going to get Conference, as a delegate, as a committee organized, how the material is going to get member and as a family member we each produced, how we are going to send the have to formally acknowledge the pain materials out and all the details which you which we have suffered. need not worry about. But we had to resolve all these questions. I believe this It is also my responsibility to say this was the best group of people that I had the Conference is the most wonderful opportunity to work with and I just want expression of solidarity and unity and them to stand and be acknowledged in courage and determination of people who terms of the work they did on your behalf: are committed to changing this movement Ethel, Jay, Harminder, Sister Lynn, Brother and the society in which we live. And we Fred Upshaw, Sister Jenny Ahn. will.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 20 On a personal note, on your behalf, on standing with us in the important issues that behalf of the organizing committee, and had to be put on the table and had to be also as a vice-president of the CLC, I dealt with. I want to say sister, you always would like to thank the CLC for providing supported me and my colleagues around the political space to do our anti-racism that table at very very difficult times, on work. I guess some will say we don’t need important votes and questions, and I know to thank the CLC. The Canadian Labour you did it because you believe in the Congress is our organization. The struggle that we are a part of. Sisterhood leadership of the Canadian Labour in solidarity and brotherhood in solidarity Congress, are the brothers and sisters we are about standing with someone when have elected to lead on our behalf. But they need you, when your voices will many of you are part of national unions, make a difference, not when it doesn’t local unions, who recognize that there are matter. certainly individuals who make it their responsibility to ensure that the issues that I also want to acknowledge brothers and affect you are going to be dealt with. The sisters, many of our elders and I need not point I want to make, brothers and sisters, put the names to you, there have been as a Co-chair of the Human Rights many elders who have been mentors to us, Committee, as a vice-president of the who have supported us, who have led the Congress, both myself and Lynn and Jay way in this movement, for change. They and Ethel would agree, from the time the have made a tremendous difference in task force was structured and throughout terms of those of us who have found a role all the work that had to get done, sister model to live up to today. With us here Nancy Riche has always been there to today is Brother Stanley Grizzle. His book support our work. She always carried our where he talks directly about the struggle arguments forward at the officers’ level which he was part of, ensured that the and she has always been consistent in giving labour movement included people of us a space and supporting in our colour like us. Because there was a time endeavors, ensuring that whatever we when we were not allowed to join the wanted to do was going to be successful. labour movement in this country. That is part of our history. But it is also important I really want to say to her, that I am quite for us to acknowledge the important work pleased you were here to listen to the that is going on in many unions across this brothers and sisters, but also to say that we country. In some unions the work may be appreciate your role as a leader in this very advanced. In other unions the work movement for taking the stand and for may be in infancy. But the point that I
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 21 need to make, is that this work needs to obligation to recruit new members to this continue. Like someone said before, some struggle. If this movement is going to have of you are going to have to put your neck a future, I believe it doesn’t lie in our on the line. It is as simple as that. We are hands, it lies with the next generation, the going to have to decide either we are one that is going to follow us. We must going to be part of something or simply get youth involved in this struggle. We going to talk a lot of nonsense when we must get them involved in our movement show up at conferences or we are going to and that brings me to the point about go back and commit ourselves to fight for organizing. change. It is not going to be easy. For all my adult life I have been involved in this The Corporations and Government that are struggle for social justice. Until the day I causing us so much pain across this country die I do not plan to give up. know that only 40% of the labour movement is organized. Until we get the I challenge all of you, brothers and sisters, other 60% organized we are not going to when you go back to your local union, give them the kind of pain that they despite the difficulties you may face, deserve and everyone of you have an despite the obstacles, you must make this obligation to be involved in the organizing struggle the central part of the work you effort of your union, because we need to do. And I simply do not accept from build and strengthen and grow our unions. anyone of you that you are frustrated and you are angry. I get angry every single As long as there is a reserve army of labour day. But never once I have ever given up. that is going to do your work for cheaper I am never going to stop putting my best and for less, the employers of this country forward. will continue to utilize them. As long as the government knows we cannot mobilize If some of you think that it is difficult. enough efforts to shut this country down Think what it was like 500 years ago when when they are stealing money from the UI, our poor parents were fighting racism, they will continue to steal our money from exploitation and the chains of slavery. the UI system. So, as long as the They were able to gain the strength and the government knows that we do not want to convictions to win that battle. destroy the Canada Pension Plan, and we are not going to be in the streets to fight Today, those of us who are fighting for for our future because we have other things change in small ways or in large ways have to do, they will continue to destroy the to continue that battle. We have an pension plan.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 22 Yes, brothers and sisters, the political work able to organize a conference on your must be linked with the anti-racism work. behalf. There was a lot of work, but it was It is not separate. It is important for us to work worth doing. recognize that we have to incorporate all the things we do on a day to day basis. I also want to acknowledge my good friend But most importantly to challenge all of and colleague brother David Onyalo. Yes, you as you leave here. This Conference, I he is a staff member of the Congress. I believe was one of the most wonderful really want to say that sometimes I spend expressions of unity and solidarity but most so much time on the phone with you that importantly was the most wonderful I am not sure if we should be living expression of our understanding of each together because it would be easier for us other and how we can work with each to have these conversations. other. I do really enjoy working with David, and It is the first Conference. But, for some I think I speak for all of my colleagues on unions this is not the first time they have the Planning Committee who would say the been dealing with anti-racism issues. There same thing! He is an absolute joy to work will be many more conferences for many with. We challenge each other constantly, of us, maybe we won’t be there, but rest we get in into these arguments about assured for the people that are here, you things. He always points his finger at me, have the memories and the experience of in short reminding me of points I should be this Conference and the next one will be reminded of . And every time I screw up, even more successful, and much larger. he always takes me aside to say, “excuse So, we must ensure when we leave here, me your behavior was not acceptable”. I that this work continues. You can’t simply am always kind of belligerent and say: send all your recommendations to the CLC listen my friend I don’t need you to tell me and expect everything to be done. Your what my behavior should be. But, unions have more of a responsibility to be nevertheless, I think his wisdom, his acting on these issues than the Canadian courage, his dedication for the work that Labour Congress, because you are he is doing on your behalf really makes a members of those unions. difference.
Brothers and sisters, I want to close by For the person who got appointed to the simply saying it was a privilege for all of us department, I think he was absolutely the on the organizing committee, in the role best choice that could have been made. that we play as executive members, to be But most importantly I think what he does
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 23 in terms of the work he is doing at the with one of the T-shirts which you also Congress, is that he challenges all of us. helped designed. Like David I am a staff person who works on behalf of my own organization, figuring If I could ask all the facilitators to please out ways how to do this work, how we come up to the front for a minute. All of should carry out this work. I think for you who facilitated workshops come to many of us he has been a source of the front. We want to acknowledge your inspiration, and a source of leadership. work. We would like the Conference to And I know many of you probably see him acknowledge your work. So, all the in a capacity of staff. He is a leaderleader . He facilitators please, could you please come is certainly invited to my union to speak on to the front, thank you. a regular basis as a leader and the role that he performs at the CLC is truly as a leader. I did say we had a gift for all of you and I And I just want to say on your behalf for think it is an important gift, because it is a all the lengthy hours that he spent over the bit of souvenir to take back with you which last months in preparing this Conference on will remind you of the experiences and the your behalf, that we truly appreciate your joy and the sharing we did here in the last efforts, David. I know there is a great deal 3 days. But, most importantly I must start of sacrifice both of your family and your in order. It is a pin. I think somebody had relationship sometimes not having the time recommended in one of the workshops you deserve together. We do appreciate it. that we should wear more pins. To It does make a difference and I think you acknowledge your recommendation we’ve will acknowledge this Conference was had pins made. probably a tremendous success as the result of your effort. Thank you very much. I want to start off by giving these pins to the members of the Planning Committee Like all conferences, we normally give our first. Then I would ask that the Planning guests a gift, and quite often we sort of Committee please give all our facilitators a agonize how can we be so cheap, why pin and a T-shirt. I know giving the can’t we do something more extravagant? facilitators a pin and a T-shirt in no way is David, just to remind you, the next time enough to express the thanks and gratitude you are thinking of a gift, maybe you could for all the work that they did in the consider something a little bit more workshops and for making them such an extravagant. But, on behalf of all the enjoyable process. So, on behalf of the delegates, we would like to present you Canadian Labour Congress and the Planning Committee we want to thank you
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 24 very much as facilitators for making the workshops such a success.
For all the delegates again, if you could please take your seats we will ask all our facilitators along with members of the Planning Committee to come around and to give you one of these pins again as a small token or memento from this Conference. It is something you can take back with you and hopefully it will remind you of the important work that lies ahead Brothers and sisters if I could just get your and for you to be reminded that every time attention. I know everybody is anxious to you put this pin on, or you wear it on your leave and so are we. So I wouldn’t keep T-shirt or your lapel or wherever, that it you here any longer than you have to be. will guide you, will carry you, it will be So, if I can get your attention again for a there as our collective support to each couple more minutes before you leave. other in terms of the anti-racism work that has to continue in your union. For those of you who have your evaluation forms, we will have a box by the doors. All the Aboriginal forum facilitators are As you are leaving I ask that you drop it supposed to come up also. off in the box. There are a couple of speakers who are at the microphone. We would like to recognize them. Solidarity forever.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 25 CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 26 Conference Recommendations
n the final day, a summary from the ˜ Models for community activism Oworkshop reports was presented. and networking on public policy The following are some of the issues recommendations made by participants: ˜ Demands to increase the levels of staffing ˜ Linking homelessness and poverty ˜ Organizing education and ongoing with racism self-education ˜ Ways to take political control over ˜ Public grass root campaigns anti-racism and human rights issues ˜ Accessing the public political ˜ Strategies for supporting each process and structures other’s work and mentoring ˜ Better use of labour newspapers programs and better Internet Web Sites ˜ How to keep ownership of the ˜ Youth leadership and involvement Task Force Report and seek in union and anti-racism work ongoing support ˜ Strategies to build on our work ˜ Ways to access additional with allies resources to work on anti-racism ˜ A need to have a reporting issues mechanism of success stories and ˜ Making wider use of media other achievements. ˜ Integrating anti-racism perspective in everything we do Workshop Summary ˜ Key structural changes within the union In addition, members of the ˜ How to break barriers through Conference Planning Committee met Constitutional changes and on December 7th, 1998 to review collective bargaining workshop summary reports. They identified recommendations for action
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 27 which can be moved forward through Resolutions and policy statements at the 1999 CLC Convention. The following action items were:
W Equity and Representation W Labour\Anti-racism National W Increasing the representation of Newspaper Aboriginal/People of Colour at the W Additional Staffing and more CLC Convention resources for the CLC Anti-Racism W Linking Employment and our Department Organizing the Organized work W Integrating Human Rights and W Policy Paper on Youth Mentoring Anti-Racism analysis in all current (Aboriginal/Workers of Colour) issues W Anti-Racism/Employment Equity W Gay/Lesbian issues Research W International affairs W Communication/Networking W Entrenching CLC Support Aboriginal/Workers of Colour W Starting a Data Bank Conference every 3 years W Monitoring CLC W Oath of Office (Anti-Racism) Resolutions/Working Group -- W Funding/Endorsement re: CLC ACTION Aboriginal\Workers of Colour W Policy positions and statements on V-P position Environmental Racism W Breaking barriers through W Addressing Racial Harassment Constitution and Collective W Documenting and pursuing cases Bargaining of racism W Policy positions and statements W Education and awareness Racism and Housing campaigns on Environmental W Racism and Legal system - Racism Challenge Charter System W Policy positions and statements on Racism and Poverty.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 28 C o n c l u s i o n
n closing, the success of implementing the Task Force Report and Conference Irecommendations will require the collective will and effort of the leadership of the labour movement. The CLC will continue to work on those recommendations specifically directed to the organization with the understanding that affiliates, federations of labour, labour councils and local unions will do the same.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 29 CONFERENCE STATISTICS
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 30 Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Participants Statistics
The Conference statistics provided here is based on the number of participants who self identified as People of Colour or Aboriginal Peoples in their Conference registration forms. The following information is based on the CLC Conference data base:
Total registered on data base 475 Total Women delegates 217 Total delegates who returned self-identification 219
Self-Identified as Aboriginal 55 Self-Identified as Workers of Colour 166 Self-Identified as Disabled 11 Self-Identified as Lesbian 4 Self-Identified as Bisexual 1
Please note that the break down of numbers does not add up due to the fact that a number of participants identified with more than one group in their registration forms.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 31 CONFERENCE STATISTICS STATISTIQUES RELATIVES À LA CONFÉRENCE DU CTC
Union/ Delegates to Aboriginal/ Person of Syndicat conference/ Autochtones colour/ Nombre de Personnes de délégués et couleur déléguées ABGW/SIOABV ACTE ACTRA 2 AFGM/FAM AFM/FMEC ATU/SUT BCCIW/TACB BCTWIU/SITBCT BLE/FIL BMWE/FPEV CAW/TCA 82 8 32 CEP/SCEP 7 3 CPAA/ACMPA CUPE/SCFP 82 6 26 CUPW/STTP 24 3 14 GCIU/SICG GMP/VMPPT 1 1 GSU/SSG 3 2 HERE/UIEHR IAFF/AIP
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 32 CONFERENCE STATISTICS STATISTIQUES RELATIVES À LA CONFÉRENCE DU CTC
Union/ Delegates to Aboriginal/ Person of Syndicat conference/ Autochtones colour/ Nombre de Personnes de délégués et couleur déléguées
IAM/AIM 1 1 IATSE/AIEST IBEW/FIOE 1 IBPAT/FIPMC ILA/AID ILWU/SIDM IWA/IBA LIUNA/UIJAN MWF/FTCN NABET/SNTC NUPGE/SNEGSP 45 4 13 OECTA/AECAO *OLBEU/SERAO OPEIU/SIEPB 8 1 2 OSSTF/FEESO *OTEU 1 PSAC/AFPC 81 11 46 *SASK. NURSES
*RWDSU/UEGDM R
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 33 CONFERENCE STATISTICS STATISTIQUES RELATIVES À LA CONFÉRENCE DU CTC
Union/ Delegates to Aboriginal/ Person of Syndicat conference/ Autochtones colour/ Nombre de Personnes de délégués et couleur déléguées
SEIU/UIES 7 5 SGWofBC/FOCCB SIU/SIMC SMWIA/AITMF TCU/STC TEAMSTERS 1 CANADA TNG/GJ TWU/STT 2 1 UAW/TUA UBCJA/FUCMA UFAWU/SPTA UFCW/TUAC 18 1 2 UNITE/SVTI 7 2 5 UPIU/TUP USWA/MUA 35 3 5 UTU/TUT FEDS. OF 8 1 3 LABOUR/ FÉDÉRATIONS DU TRAVAIL
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 34 CONFERENCE STATISTICS STATISTIQUES RELATIVES À LA CONFÉRENCE DU CTC
Union/ Delegates to Aboriginal/ Person of Syndicat conference/ Autochtones colour/ Nombre de Personnes de délégués et couleur déléguées
LABOUR 6 2 1 COUNCILS/ CONSEILS DU TRAVAIL DIRECT CHARTER/ ORGANISMES À CHARTE DIRECTE NDP/NPD 2 1 CLC/CTC 15
GUEST/SPEAKERS/ 11 4 INVITÉINVITÉ(E)S CONFÉRENCIERS ET CONFÉRENCIÈRES
Totals/totaux 464 48 166
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 35 B A C K G R O U N D I N F O R M A T I O N
! All about the CLC Anti-Racism Task Force
! CLC Anti-Racism Task Force Report - Summary
! Union structure
! Conference Resource People
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 36 All About the CLC Anti-Racism Task Force
(Excerpt from the Task Force Report)
Organizing process ensure the formation of the task force, and the process we are following to ensure anti- Every day in the labour movement there racism is a priority for the labour are aboriginal workers and workers of movement. colour who shape union policies on anti- racism, social and economic issues, The creation of the task force represents workers’ rights, and social and human and important milestone in the labour rights. This work gets done by the movement’s fight against racism, and members in committees, conferences and demonstrates how aboriginal workers and conventions. workers of colour have used existing union structures to put anti-racism at the Union policies and resolutions are the forefront of the labour movement’s result of consensus building and union agenda. solidarity. Union leadership and staff rely on internal policies as a guide before taking The work of the task force includes a public positions on issues. major responsibility to build worker solidarity through mobilizing and organizing In general, Aboriginal Peoples and People among all union members so that anti- of Colour do not discuss their activism and racism continues to be front and centre on their involvement in union policy this agenda. development. Most take this work for granted--it is part of their lives as union and At the 1994 CLC national constitutional anti-racism activists-- and so never feel the convention, the resolution calling for the need to pass on this information to new establishment of the national anti-racism union members or non-members. task force was adopted under the Congress’s Confronting the Mean Society But the CLC anti-racism task force feels it policy statement. would be beneficial to outline the process of grassroots organizing that took place to
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 37 Prior to this convention, Aboriginal Peoples The regional organizing model is a good and People of Colour union members way to move anti-racism issues forward on organized and co-ordinated their anti- the ground. It is a way of involving racism work in different unions across the workers in these issues in their unions and country to put anti-racism on the labour their communities. movement’s agenda. Using the structures of the labour movement and affiliates, a Using grassroots involvement to get specific resolution to create the task force concrete results is a major reason why was debated at local union and labour another set of regional forums will be council meetings, and then sent to the CLC organized to discuss implementation convention for debate. strategies for the recommendations in this report with those who participated in the Members of the CLC National Human initial set of consultations. Rights Committee played an important role in ensuring that affiliates and labour Statement of principles councils used their internal structures to debate the same resolution and forward it M Our work as members of the task to the CLC convention. force has been guided by our commitment and belief in union Since its inception, the task force has principles and social justice, and our adopted a model of regional organizing on deep personal commitment to national and regional issues as a way of eliminate racism in our workplaces, moving anti-racism issues forward. We unions and communities. believe this is the most effective way to M We believe in building solidarity, mobilize our members and communities. and mobilizing and organizing all our members to strengthen our Activists across Canada have used regional unions and communities. organizing to strengthen their own unions M The racism that exists in unions, and networks with activists from other communities, and society is both unions, build links with community groups overt and systemic in nature. We and discuss strategies for building a political support an anti-racist approach to base to deal with broader social, political eliminating all forms of racism. This and economic issues within and outside the approach enables us to focus on the labour movement. root causes of racism and pro- actively dismantle systemic barriers
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 38 faced by Aboriginal Peoples and security rights and community People of Colour. This anti-racist supports: approach also focuses on the M Full employment (so that all groups adverse impact of systemic racism, in society have fair and equal access rather than the intent or lack of to employment) implies a intent of the perpetrator or continued support for employment structure to be racist. equity principles and practices. M The root causes of racism, which is embedded in our economic, M Fair and adequate wages, so that all political and social structures, are workers have access to wages based directly related to colonialism, on diverse skills, abilities and imperialism, and corporate greed. contributions. This has resulted in the continual M The right to organize and join exploitation of Aboriginal Peoples unions in all communities so that and Peoples of Colour throughout the diverse cultural and linguistic the world. There are those who issues and concerns of all workers benefit from racism because of the are reflected in union collecting power and privilege it gives them. bargaining, and union policies and M Union principles of collective practices. political and social responsibility M A safe and healthy environment, demonstrate that it is in the best through continuation of the fight interest of all our members, unions against environmental racism and community groups to fight nationally and globally and the racism.. forces that contribute to the M Workers, union members and detrimental psychological and communities are entitled to basic physical health of our membership. human rights which encompass M A just, fair and equitable society social, political, economic and that rejects the myths about worker rights. The fight for these newcomers, immigrants, and rights highlights the struggles for refugees, understands and supports equality of workers and immigration and refugee policies communities locally, nationally and which respect diversity, and globally. acknowledges the positive M Our members and communities are contribution of newcomers and entitled to social and economic immigrants to Canadian society.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 39 Canadian Labour Congress National Anti-Racism Task Force Report Summary
critica The work of the task force is an important lly look at their organizations for racism part of our current efforts to build our base and its impact on Aboriginal Peoples and at the grassroots of the labour movement People of Colour. and strengthen our voice in communities where our members live and work. The report is divided into three major parts: Racism in our Unions, Racism in our As part of our internal union democracy, Communities, and Linking Oppression. members of the task force have critically looked at the labour movement in terms of THE RECOMMENDATIONS, Framework our work, principles and made for Action, are divided into two categories, recommendations which will strengthen our Racism and Unions, and Racism in our movement. They have pointed to the Communities; together they form the basis existence of systemic racism at all levels of of a National Anti-Racism strategy. our unions including staffing and leadership structures. CLC Activities The experience of Aboriginal Peoples and People of colour with specific public Since the CLC 1994 Convention, a institutions in our communities has also number of initiatives have been taken to been documented in the report of the task support the work of the task force. force. The Canadian Labour Congress has: With the public release of the Task Force report Challenging Racism: Going Beyond O provided funding and staff resources Recommendations, the labour movement for the task force to do its work. is challenging corporations, and all levels of O Organized regional forums, a government and public institutions to national roundtable and a caucus at
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 40 the 1996 Convention caucus to strategies of the recommendations assist the task force in its in the report. consultation work. O Will hold a Workers of O Provided a consultant to make a Colour\Aboriginal Conference in presentation to the Executive 1998 to assist in the consolidation Council on Anti-racism and to raise of the anti-racism work since 1994. awareness of the types of training available to the affiliates. Our challenge now is to implement those recommendations which have been O Presented a report to the CLC directed to the CLC. Where there are Executive Council outlining CLC recommendations asking the CLC to work Anti-racism initiatives. The report in partnership with organizations in the was in response to the Anti-Racism labour movement or the community, we Task Force Interim report. will enter into discussions with them.
O Held a one-day anti-racism While there are recommendations which education session as part of the we can move on right away, there are a 1997 CLC senior staff Conference. number which require the CLC to develop We are now in the process of short term and long-term action plans. organizing anti-racism training for The success of our anti-racism action plan support staff for early next year. will depend on the resources we are able to put behind this work. O Set up an internal union-labour employment equity committee History and Process which has started its work in order to implement a joint agreement The Task Force was formed after the between the CLC, as an employer, 1994 CLC National Convention. and its two Unions, OPEIU and Delegates at this Convention debated and CULR #1. adopted a Resolution calling for the establishment of a CLC National Anti- O Has organized regional forums Racism Task Force. across the country for anti-racism activists to discuss implementation The objectives of Task Force were to:
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 41 < seek input from union members The Task Force presented an Interim who are Aboriginal Peoples and Report to the 1996 CLC Constitutional People of Colour; Convention for debate and input. The task force also provided reports to the October < discuss links between racism and 1996, February and June 1997 CLC Executive Council meetings. immigration policies; and
The final report of the Task Force was < strengthen the network of People of presented to members of the CLC Colour and Aboriginal Peoples in Executive Council at their meeting in the labour movement and October, 1997 for endorsation. communities. Copies of the final report will be available The Task Force held meetings in different from the national and regional offices. cities across the country between March 2 Copies will be mailed to participants at the and December 1996. Participants at these regional and national consultation forums, hearings included local, federations of equality seeking groups and activists, labour and national union leadership, anti- affiliates, federations of labour, labour racism activists, community activists and councils, NDP critics, universities, CLC staff persons. government officials and all federal political parties.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 42 CLC Anti-racism Task Force Summary of Recommendations: Racism and Unions
Internal union structural change: Research: one-year project to integrate adoption of anti-racism action plans, anti-racism analysis into public policy work, establishment of anti-racism office, regional research centres, one year — representation in every department and research project on the contributions of work. Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour, quarterly anti-racism research bulletins, Internal union democracy: full anti-racism library and the hiring or participation in the political life of the researchers. union, constitutional amendments to ensure representation at Conventions & Communications strategy: anti-racism conferences, abiding by anti-racism newsletters & bulletins, anti-racism media principles as a condition of holding union centres, equality days of action public office or staff position, survey of service announcements, and a six-month membership and self organizing support. youth project.
Education: education plan of action, anti- Organizing: anti-racism organizing plan, racism courses developed by and aimed at union organizing campaigns, hire Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour, Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour worker to worker organizing materials, — and youth as union organizers. evaluating & monitoring the delivery of anti-racism courses, education & counseling centres and the hiring of education staff from the two communities.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 43 CLC Anti-racism Task Force Summary of recommendations: Racism in Our Communities
Employment: anti-racism collective royal commission on Aboriginal youth and bargaining, employment equity legislation youth of colour. and newsletter. Immigration: develop a general position Media: meetings with national & regional paper, submit the position paper to editorial boards, challenge the monopoly of government, a conference on the impact of ownership of media, and media campaigns downloading, develop a specific position against negative portrayal of Aboriginal paper on legislation and regulations on Peoples and People of Colour. downloading, labour strategy on Environment & health: public immigration. education on the subject, and a CLC policy Education: trade union & anti-racism statement. education, research project on class & International issues: integrate anti-racism systemic racism, a position paper and an analysis in international institutions, education forum prior to 1999. campaigns against exploitive corporations Housing: impact study on lack of access and financial institutions, research to housing by Aboriginal Peoples and publications on impact of financial People of Colour, and a position paper on institutions action on workers, social housing. programs and democracy in the South, Political process: roundtable on the Royal labour representative delegations and Commission on Aboriginal issues report, international grassroots work, and hire national anti-racism organization, support People of Colour and Aboriginal People to for anti-racism organizations, and NDP democratize international solidarity work. internal anti-racism plan. Canadian legal system: a formal submission to the federal and provincial governments on systemic racism & under- representation in the justice system, and a
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 44 CONTACT: For more information on the Task Force work or report contact David Onyalo, National Director Anti-Racism and Human Rights Department Tel: (613) 521-3400 ext. 419 Fax: (613) 521-3113 E-mail:[email protected]
Representation in the Labour Movement: “Our Successes and Struggles”
“A History of the Integration and Inclusion of Aboriginal Peoples & People of Colour in the Structures of the Canadian Unions”
May 1999
CLC Aboriginal Caucus CLC Workers of Colour Caucus 22nd CLC National Convention May 3, 1999 Toronto, Ontario
Introduction Aboriginal Peoples and Workers of Colour caucuses, May 15, 1996, Vancouver, British Columbia. This document is a short summary of the struggles of Aboriginal Peoples and People Since then, it was included as background of Colour in our unions on the critical material in the CLC Anti-Racism Task issue of integration, representation, and Force Report: Challenging Racism: inclusion. It was first presented to Going Beyond Recommendations. It participants at the CLC Convention, was also included in the Participants
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 45 Guide for the First CLC Aboriginal context of the fight to combat systemic Peoples/Workers of Colour National racism in our unions, workplaces and Conference. society.
It has been an important source of primary It is important, as in any fight, that we research for high school and university pause to acknowledge the gains we make, students seeking information on the however small, because it provides us with representation of Aboriginal Peoples and an opportunity to evaluate our successes in People of Colour in the decision making order to strategize and more importantly, and staff structures of the Canadian labour not to lose sight of the energy and strength movement. it takes to make progressive change “one by one”, “everyday”, “where we work” Included in this document is information and “where we live”. received from members of the CLC National Human Rights Committee, CLC In the struggle to make our unions more Visible Minorities and Aboriginal Peoples inclusive and representative we have relied Working Groups. With input from union on the individual and collective work of our members, union leadership and staff we will Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour continue to update this document on an including the support of progressive Sisters ongoing basis. We welcome your input in and Brothers from outside the two order to have timely and current communities. Anywhere we have made information. gains, we have without question built on the work and energy of members before us. A new category, “staffing positions” has The leadership and activists from the two been added in the 1999 version of the communities have fought to bring the issue document. This is in response to the of systemic racism to the forefront and on request from anti-racism activists in our the agenda of the labour movement. movement who want us to document the progress we are making in the staff Our Unions structure of our unions.
The structures of unions affiliated to the The historical fight by People of Colour and Canadian Labour Congress are different Aboriginal Peoples for representation on and unique due to their particular history of union decision-making bodies and organizing. National and international leadership positions, has to be put in the
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 46 unions are affiliated to the CLC. Some of unions collectively are a key part of our our affiliates have international, national, strength because of the structure of unions. regional and local decision-making bodies. International unions with a number of It does, therefore, not make sense to try to People of Colour and\or Aboriginal compare different union structures. They Peoples include; USWA, UFCW, SEIU, are all different. The history of mobilizing IAM, UNITE, Teamsters, LIUNA, GCIU, on the issue of representation is therefore IBPAT, BCTW, IAFF, and HERE. different. However, all unions have a process of electing their leadership to sit on The following information is based on the international, national, regional and local input from affiliates and federations of executive boards or executive councils. labour. We have not included affiliates who have not responded to the CLC request to On the issue of representation on decision provide information. making bodies, People of Colour and Aboriginal Peoples have focussed their Public Sector Unions attention on national and regional executive boards and councils. Aboriginal Peoples Canadian Union of Public Employees and People of Colour have organized for (CUPE) representation on the national executive boards but have not organized to run In the past, Workers of Colour have had members from the two communities for representation on CUPE’s National national and regional top leadership Executive Board. However, rank and file positions. members have been organizing to amend the National Constitution to promote the At present there are no People of Colour inclusion of one Person of Colour and one who are National Presidents or National Aboriginal Person on the National Secretary-Treasurers. In the Aboriginal Executive Board. The National Executive community, Brother Dave Haggard is the Board would submit such a resolution for National President, Industrial Wood and debate at the upcoming National Allied Workers of Canada (IWA- Convention in October 1999. CANADA). At the regional level, last year CUPE However, we have a number of members Ontario passed a constitutional amendment who head local unions. The heads of local to include an Aboriginal Person and a
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 47 Person of Colour on their Executive Board. Mobilizing at the grassroots has been very Brother Bill Harford and Sister Marie successful and was quite evident from the Clarke Walker are the new Executive largest participation by CUPE members at Members in Ontario. the recent Canadian Labour Congress Aboriginal/Workers of Colour Conference. In April of this year, CUPE Alberta passed a similar constitutional resolution to include In the category of “staffing positions”, a Person of Colour on their Executive CUPE is making good progress. Several Board. clerical positions have been filled by Workers of Colour and a few Aboriginal CUPE British Columbia is currently Persons. CUPE has been diligently looking preparing for a similar change in their for unrepresented candidates to fill clerical constitution to include a Person of Colour vacancies. CUPE continues to bring and an Aboriginal Person on the Executive Workers of Colour and Aboriginal Persons Board. Their constitutional amendment on temporary staffing assignments across will be dealt with at their upcoming the country, thus building a strong pool of Convention in June 1999. candidates to choose from for permanent full-time staffing positions. In other parts of the country, members of CUPE Anti-Racism and Human Rights In CUPE field staff representative positions committees are playing an active role by the progress has been significant since the participating and assisting other Workers of last report of May 15, 1996. Colour and Aboriginal members in the decision making bodies of our locals and In British Columbia most recently, an regions. Aboriginal Sister was appointed to a full- time position and an Aboriginal Person and Apart from the longstanding and active a few Workers of Colour are working on National Rainbow Committee, CUPE has temporary assignments. regional committees in the following provinces: British Columbia, Alberta, In Saskatchewan an Aboriginal lawyer and Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova an Aboriginal field staff have been hired to Scotia and most recently in New full-time positions. Our Regional Director Brunswick. in Saskatchewan is also an Aboriginal Person.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 48 In Manitoba, one Person of Colour was hired to a full-time position and another National Union of Public And General has been working on temporary Employees (NUPGE) assignments. The National Union of Public and General In Ontario four workers of Colour have Employees, the second largest affiliate of been hired to permanent positions and a the CLC, has made great strides in few more have been working on temporary advancing equity representation at all levels assignments. of leadership within the union.
Most recently at the National Office, a Within the CLC, the position of Aboriginal Worker of Colour has been appointed to Vice-President on the Congress’s Executive the position of Executive Assistant to the Council has been held by a member of the National President. National Union, Sister Ethel LaValley, ever since the position was created in the CLC In addition to the above, CUPE has had a Constitution at the 1994 Convention. few Workers of Colour on staff at the National Office and a few Aboriginal and At the national level, the National Union Workers of Colour in the staff changed its Constitution in May 1995 to representative positions in the field. allow for People of Colour, Aboriginal and Persons with Disabilities representation on CUPE continues to make progress in the National Executive Board. Currently respect to representation of Aboriginal Brother Len Hupet, First Vice-President and Peoples and Workers of Colour in Secretary-Treasurer of OPSEU holds the structures. According to CUPE , while Aboriginal seat and Sister Faith Uchida, a their recent successes may not seem Board Member from HSA of BC enormous, they are proud of the gains they component holds the Person of Colour have been making. position. Two of the staff working in the national office are Persons with Disabilities. Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) Within the components of the National Union, there currently are eleven (11) Sister Lynn Jones sat on the National People of Colour, four (4) Aboriginal Executive Board of the CEIU component persons and three (3) Persons with until she stepped down.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 49 Disabilities who sit on our components’ The CAW established its Human Rights Provincial Executives. Department in 1994 and appointed Brother Hassan Yussuff as the Director. At the staff level of our components there Currently, there are four workers of colour are sixty-four (64) People of Colour six (6) as national representatives working at the Aboriginal persons and six (6) Persons with national union. They also have appointed Disabilities. workers of colour as full-time employment equity coordinators and ergonomics At the provincial Federations of Labour, coordinators. the components of the National Union have one (1) Person of Colour, five (5) At the local union level, there are dozens Aboriginal Persons and one (1) Person with of workers of colour elected as local union a Disability who currently sit on presidents, vice-president, recording Federations’ Executive. secretaries and financial secretaries.
Private Sector Unions At the CLC, Brother Yussuff was elected in 1992 to Worker of Colour Vice-President and subsequently re-elected in 1994 and National Automobile Aerospace 1996. Transportation & General Workers Union of Canada (CAW) The CAW has incorporated a human rights and anti-racism perspective in all its The CAW is the largest private sector educational courses. Specifically, the CAW union affiliated to the Canadian Labour has a 40-hour Human Rights Course for Congress. Over the last decade, CAW has leadership which the national union shares made many strides to address People of 50% of the costs with the local union. Colour and Aboriginal members within and Similarly, anti-harassment education paid throughout the organization. for by the employer is a major demand at all CAW negotiations. All of the initiatives At the national level, the CAW stated above are part of a broader strategy Constitution provides for workers of colour to build equality and have worker of colour representation on the National Executive represented at every level of the Canadian Board and worker of colour representation Auto Workers. on the Quebec Council.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 50 United Steelworkers of America representative on the Steelworkers National USWA Human Rights Committee. Del Pare of Local 7884 (Elkford, BC) is The following information covers the RW soon-to-be-appointed to a casual organizing Division, Districts 3 and 6 with regard to staff post in the union (not yet official). People of Colour and Aboriginal Peoples. District 5 District 3 (Quebec) (Western and Northern Canada) This District has several Persons of Colour Brother Don Morden is President of Local Executive Officers in Locals, but no one 7689 in Saskatoon. He sits on the currently occupying a full-time staff Aboriginal Committee of the Saskatchewan position. Federation of Labour and is a member of the Executive of the Saskatoon & District District 6 Labour council, where he is also the (Atlantic provinces and Ontario) Chairperson of the Education Committee. Brother Bev Suzuki, (Local 2952 Financial In addition to the leadership and Secretary) is on the Executive of the BC membership of the District’s Human Rights Federation of Labour. Committee, several other internal Al Graham (Vice-President of Local 480) committees, area councils, and local union, is a Vice-President of the Kootenay & there are three workers of colour in full- District Labour Council. time staff representative positions: Brother Charlie Karol (President Local 907) is a Mohamed Baksh, Courtney Joseph, and representative on the Selkirk Labour Horace Singh. Council (Manitoba). Chris Nand (Financial Secretary Local Workers of Colour from the Steelworkers 9346) is a representative on the southeast in other posts are: Brother Aubrey Kendall, Kootenay Area Council. President of the Brampton-Mississauga Bob Desjarlais (President Local 6166) is Labour Council, and Sister Gogi Bhandal, Vice-President of the Manitoba Federation Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of of Labour. Labour.
Lois Ironman, Recording Secretary of Local In the months to come, District 6 will also 7913 (Brandon, Manitoba), is District 3 be hiring workers of colour to casual-
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 51 organizer posts. Final decisions about the McIntosh from Local 79-M in Toronto and individuals are still to be made. is also for a two-year term. That position is elected at the CEP Women’s Committee RW Division Conference which will take place November 3-5, 1999 in Ottawa. In addition to leaders and members of committees and local union, there are three On a regional basis, the Ontario Region Workers of Colour in staff representative Women’s Committee has two equity seats, positions: Brothers John Aman, Harry Person of Colour and lesbian. Ghadban, and Mohamed Alsadi. There is one Person of Colour, Brother Nabil On the staffing structure, one woman of Chabrel and an Aboriginal, Brother Gord colour is a National Representative. In Currie presently in full-time casual-organizer addition the new position of Human Rights posts. Director was established in response to a recommendation from the Equality Action Communications, Energy and Plan and which passed in its entirety. At Paperworkers Union of Canada (CEP) present, the position has not been posted.
Delegates at the September 1998 CEP Union of Needletrades, Industrial And Convention debated and passed “Equality Textile Employees (UNITE) Action Plan” which called for structural changes within the union. The document On staffing, out of sixty (60) full-time represents years of hard work and labour staff, 15 represent the People of organizing by People of Colour, Aboriginal Colour community and twelve (12) Activists and members of equality seeking Aboriginal. groups. Our Central Bodies The first elected Person of Colour rank and file position on the Executive Board is held Federations of Labour by Sister Mary Roberts from Local 819 in Ontario. Her term is for two years from There are a number of successes in September 1998 until September 2000. electing representatives from the two The National CEP Women’s Committee communities on the Federation Executive also has a designated a Person of Colour Boards, following the 1994 CLC National seat. That seat is held by Sister Jackie Convention in Toronto. People of Colour
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 52 and Aboriginal Peoples politicized the issue supporting the work of their representatives of representation and inclusiveness at this and ways of eliminating systemic barriers in Convention . order to integrate the energy and issues of the caucuses into the work of Federations. Before the 1994 CLC Convention only the Ontario Federation of Labour and The Ontario Federation of Labour Saskatchewan Federation of Labour had representation from the Aboriginal Peoples Brother Herman Stewart, a Brother of and People of Colour communities on Colour was elected to the OFL Executive their Executive Boards. Board in recognition of the struggles of People of Colour before changes were At Federation of Labour Conventions in made to the OFL Constitution in respect to 1995, the efforts of People of Colour and representation. Aboriginal Peoples paid off in Alberta, Manitoba and Nova Scotia. People of At the 1995 OFL Convention, Sister Colour and Aboriginal Peoples caucuses LaValley was elected Secretary-Treasurer, have elected a number of representatives to the second highest position within the Federation Executive Boards. federation. Sister Deb Tveit (Luce) an Aboriginal Sister, and Sisters Estella Greene Brother Larry Pelzer, a Worker of Colour and Olive Dennis, Sisters of Colour, were and Brother Bob Desjarlais, an Aboriginal elected to the OFL Executive Board. worker now sit on the Manitoba Executive Board. In Alberta, Brother Ramon Antipan In 1997 the OFL has made constitutional was elected by Aboriginal Peoples and changes which ensures the election of People of Colour to be their representative representatives from members of other on the Alberta Executive Board in 1995 equality seeking groups. They are elected and again re-elected in 1999. Brother from their respective caucuses. In addition, David Fairfax sat on the Nova Scotia the constitution provides for Standing Executive Board until the current Committees to work with the representative, Sister Marcella Shears, representatives between OFL Conventions. SGEU replaced him on the NSFL Executive Board. The current Aboriginal and People of Colour representatives are: The caucuses in these regions are now working with the leadership to find ways of
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 53 Secretary-Treasurer B.C. Federation of Labour affiliates Ethel LaValley (OPSEU) designate their appointments to both the Executive Officer and Executive Council Vice-President representing Aboriginal Persons bodies. In order to ensure the participation Isabelle Mercier (OPSEU) of under-represented groups, the Federation requires affiliates to ensure Vice-Presidents representing equity in their appointment. For example, Visible Minorities where an affiliated union is entitled to two Janice Gairey (UNITE) seats on the Executive Council, at least one Pat Wright (OSSTF) of those must be from an under- represented group, which includes women, Saskatchewan Federation of Labour visible minorities and Aboriginal Peoples. The number of affirmative action seats In Saskatchewan, Brother Fred Tarr, who increases proportionally with the sat on the Saskatchewan Federation of entitlement of the affiliated union. There Labour Executive Board recently resigned are currently two Aboriginal and Person of and has been replaced with Sister Dianne Colour designates, however there are Neufeldt. Currently their Aboriginal currently vacancies in some of the affiliates’ Working Group Members are: Diane equity seats. Neufeldt, Aboriginal Vice-President; Don Moran, CUPE; Greta Pidwerbeski, CEP; Bill In addition, the Federation strongly urges Anderson, SGEU and Paul Guillet, affiliates to consider members from under- RWDSU. represented groups when making their appointments to Federation Standing British Columbia Federation of Labour Committees. Since making this request, the response has been very encouraging, with a At the 1994 B.C. Federation of Labour number of Person of Colour appointments Convention, the Constitution and Structure being made. Committee expanded affirmative action The two positions elected by Convention measures to include Aboriginal Peoples and delegates, President and Secretary- People of Colour on Executive Council. Treasurer, are currently gender balanced. Brothers Peter Wegener, David Haggard, and Nick Singh are the representatives. B.C. Federation of Labour has a staff of 18; 8 Directors and 10 support staff. Each Director is responsible for a specific
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 54 policy area. Currently, 6 of those positions address this concern. The leadership has are held by women, one of whom is a acknowledged that they are starting from Person of Colour. At the support staff the beginning and are looking at how to level (all women), two of the ten positions deal with existing barriers such as: culture, are filled by Person of Colour women. geography, and changes in the composition and distribution of the labour force. We hope our May 1999 Diversity Conference will help affiliates identify and They have defined the need to find a encourage the participation of members means of accessing isolated hamlets, from under-represented groups, both within villages, work sites, etc. (i.e., fly in, fly the affiliates’ and the Federation’s out). The Executive Board has called structures. upon their Regional Vice-Presidents to forward information regarding potential Yukon Federation of Labour Aboriginal activists, and are attempting to gain their confidence and familiarize them While the Yukon Federation of Labour does with the work of the labour movement. not have a specific position reserved for Workers of Colour, they are represented One of the main vehicles of accessing the on the Executive Board. Brother Paul Aboriginal and People of Colour will be Joseph, a Worker of Colour, is the 2nd through the implementation of a Literacy Vice-President and Brother Pushinder Brar, Campaign, which is currently being a Worker of Colour, represents the USWA formulated. on the Executive Council. Canadian Labour Congress Northern Territories Federation of Labour The energy from the struggles in the affiliates and Federations of Labour have The leadership in currently looking at the been brought to the CLC, the house of issue of representation and participation of labour, in a firm and organized manner. Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour at At the 1990 CLC National Convention in NTFL Conventions. Montreal, People of Colour mobilized and organized to bring the issue of lack of The current Executive of the NTFL has representation to union leadership and recognized the issue and are attempting to membership. In order to send a strong
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 55 message that it was time, Brother Dory At the 1996 Convention, Sister Lynn Jones Smith ran for the position of CLC Vice- and Brother Hassan Yussuff were elected President with the support of People of for another term. Brother Jay Nair and Colour, Aboriginal Peoples and a large Sister Mervis White were elected as their number of delegates on the floor. alternates.
Through constitutional change, at the Aboriginal Peoples fought and won one (1) 1992 CLC Convention in Vancouver, Vice-President position on the CLC two representatives were elected to Executive Council and was elected at the represent visible minorities on the CLC 1994 CLC Convention. Sister Ethel Executive Council. Brother Hassan Yussuff LaValley was elected by the Aboriginal and Sister Lynn Jones were elected as the Peoples circle. Sister Petal Jensen was two representatives. Additionally, two elected as an alternate. alternates were also elected at caucus. Brother Jay Nair was elected as the At the 1996 Convention, Sister Ethel alternate to Brother Hassan Yussuff. LaValley was re-elected with Sister Darlene Aboriginal Peoples participated in the Swiderski as her alternate. Visible Minorities Caucus in solidarity with People of Colour. On staffing, the CLC has made a number appointments since 1996 most of which Further gains were made by People of were in temporary positions in OPEIU and Colour at the 1994 CLC Convention in CEP-CULR Local 1. These include one Toronto when the CLC Constitution was National Representative in the amended to include one (1) Person of Communications Department, a Training Colour Vice-President on the CLC Representative in Ontario, a Translator and Executive Committee. Sister Jones and an Accounts Clerk at the National Office. Brother Yussuff sought re-election and won. An Aboriginal person was appointed as a The two Vice-Presidents currently sit on the Regional Representative in the Prairie Executive Committee on a rotating basis. Regional office.
Brother Nair sought re-election as an Since 1996, the CLC has also made alternate and was reelected. Sister Yvonne appointments in full-time positions where a Bobb was elected as the alternate to Sister Person of Colour was appointed to the Jones. position of National Director. Women of Colour were appointed to the positions of
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 56 Ontario Regional Director and National The importance of electing our members Youth Coordinator. on the decision-making bodies of CLC affiliates is obvious because of the power The CLC and its staff union are currently in structure of the labour movement. We the process of moving forward its internal need our voices and energies at all levels of Employment Equity Program in partnership our unions. with OPEIU and CEP-CULR Local 1 representatives through the employer-union Due to their strategic role in respect to joint committee . mainstream politics at the municipal, provincial and national levels , our labour Conclusion councils will increasingly be of interest to our members as a place to discuss and In conclusion, it is critical that we strategize on public, political and economic acknowledge these progressive changes as policy issues. The nature of electoral milestones and important accomplishments politics makes it critical that our members for the two communities and for the labour begin to influence our politicians at the movement in its entirety. Our unions are grass roots level, riding associations and the stronger with the inclusion of our local offices of politicians who represent perspectives, organizing experiences and our communities at all levels of energy. It is also important to remember government. that our gains have come about because of our activists who have battled in the UNITED WE STAND, “trenches”, at union meetings, conferences and conventions. DIVIDED WE FALL... SOLIDARITY FOREVER ! Aboriginal Peoples and People of Colour are gradually making progress on the Executive Boards of central labour bodies. However, it is apparent that these changes have to be accompanied by structural change to assist the work of our caucuses and representatives in moving our issues forward.
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 57 Conference Resource People
Facilitators\Resource People
Roman Antipan Alberta Federation of Labour Irma Mohamed B.C. Federation of Labour Jenny Ahn CAW Ena Morris CAW Local 124 Alex Raymond CAW Deb Tveit CAW Fizul Karim CAW Local 112 Paul Phillip CAW Stephanie Johnstone CAW Raj Daliwal CAW Denise Hampden CAW Local 4351 Tashlyn Chase CAW Supi Aldwan CAW Romiale Anthony CAW/TCA QUEBEC Lance Brenna CAW Pam Jones CUPE Local 847 Denzil D”Souza CUPE Local 491 Marcia Lopez CUPE Local 2563 Alvin Hughes CUPE Don Styles CUPE Anne Dider-Floyd CUPE Joanna Mason CUPE Don Moran CUPE Denise Allen CUPW Raymond R. Raj Kitimat-Terrace & District Labour Council Larry Pelzer Manitoba Federation of Labour Marcella Shears N.S. Federation of Labour Holly Page NUPGE/BCGEU - Ombudsperson
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 58 Gayle Nye NUPGE/BCGEU Janice Grant PSAC/UNDE Local 80406 Carlotta Fennimore PSAC/CEIU Sam Sambasivam UFCW Darlene Swiderski UFCW Local 832 Nora Butz UFCW Clarence Forde USWA Lata Prakash USWA Aubrey Kendall USWA Local 9236 Marlene Gow USWA
LM/fll/OPEIU 225
“Challenging Racism: Mobilizing Political Power for Radical Change” page 59