On December 6, we remember the women murdered at Montreal’s École Polytechnique, and all women lost to gender-based violence.
I am proud that our union continues to take action to end this violence. Through the USW National Women’s Committee, we encourage local unions to create systems of women’s advocates or equity advocates. These trained members provide support to any co-workers experiencing domestic violence or workplace sexual harassment.
As 2019 draws to a close, five local unions have stepped up to create advocate systems, and more than two dozen Women of Steel have taken the USW training.
And our union is participating in a national project for workplaces covered by the Canada Labour Code. We are helping to create tools and policies so that workplaces can support employees experiencing domestic violence. When workers are supported, not disciplined or stigmatized, they maintain economic security and greater physical safety.
As well, through the USW National Aboriginal Committee, we are identifying ways to support Indigenous women’s organizations and end violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirited persons.
We mourn and we organize.
In solidarity,
Ken Neumann
National Director
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