Did you know that one of the earliest unions in Canada was led by inspiring Black leaders? The Order of Sleeping Car Porters, formed in 1917 in Winnipeg by remarkable individuals like John Arthur Robinson and J.W. Barber, made waves in improving the working conditions of Black porters.
And let’s not forget James Colford, a Black man from Nova Scotia! He founded the Civil Service Association, a union tailored for federal workers, and played a pivotal role in developing the collective bargaining system that forms the backbone of unions in Canada today.
Now, as a leader within our union, I’m thrilled to announce our initiative to build on this rich history. For us, equity, diversity and inclusion go beyond words – they are the cornerstones of our strategic plan. Our mission is to create a union where every member is represented, and their voices heard at the highest level of our union.