International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination 2009 - Message from Ken Neumann National Director for Canada

Sisters and Brothers,

March 21st is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The United Steelworkers celebrates the work of our Human Rights Committees in educating and mobilizing workers to take action on equality in Canada and around the world with our global partners.

Steelworker human rights activists are reaching out to new workers, taking action to address inequities faced by people of colour, and working with our allies for peace and social justice.

Our Union played an important role in electing President Barack Obama. Our members and activists successfully challenged prejudice, stereotypes and racism. In these tough times, this historic election gives us hope. 

These are difficult economic times.  Now more than ever we have to come together to build solidarity.  Unfortunately, in times of uncertainty, we see an increase in harassment and conflict in workplaces. As we say, harassment strikes at the heart of human rights and solidarity.

Every day, through Steelworker education, thousands of workers are challenging racism and discrimination.  Our course, Preventing and Dealing with Harassment in the Workplace, facilitated by Steelworkers, during work time offers an opportunity for people to talk about harassment, and what they can do to effectively address racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination.

In addition to Preventing and Dealing with Harassment in the Workplace we are introducing a new two-hour course, Dealing with Cultural Diversity in the Workplace.  Both two-hour sessions help build respectful and safe working environments.

Please contact your Steelworker District Office for information about anti-harassment programs, policies, and resources.

District 3: Western Canada – 604-683-1117
District 5: Quebec – 514-382-9596
District 6: Ontario and Atlantic Provinces – 416-243-8792

Through education, action and our commitment to human rights, we will fight racism together, and build solidarity.


 

Ken Neumann
National Director for Canada