February marks Canadian Black History Month, a time to recognize the profound contributions Black Canadians have made — and continue to make — in our workplaces, unions, and communities across the National Capital Region.
Within the labour movement and the public service, Black workers have long been at the forefront of advocacy for fair wages, safe workplaces, human rights, and dignity at work — often while facing systemic barriers, under-representation, and inequitable outcomes.
As unions and employers, this month calls on us to do more than reflect:
• To confront systemic racism in hiring, promotion, and retention
• To enforce meaningful duty to accommodate and equitable policies
• To support Black workers through strong representation, accountability, and action
• To move from commitments to measurable results
Equity is not a side issue — it is a core labour issue. Strong unions and healthy workplaces are built when all workers are protected, valued, and able to thrive.
Let us honour Black history by strengthening our collective resolve to challenge inequity, amplify Black voices, and ensure fairness is embedded in every level of our workplaces — not just in February, but every day.
Black history is Canadian history.
Equity is union work.