On December 6, 1989, 14 women were murdered at Montreal’s École Polytechnique because they wanted to work in an occupation historically dominated by men.
Today, that kind of prejudice may seem very old-fashioned and out of date. But in 2023, workers who identify as female still experience unacceptably high rates of gender-based violence. In other words, women still face the violence barrier for being part of the paid workforce.
Seven in 10 workers have experienced harassment and violence at work in the last two years. Women, 2SLGBTQIA+ workers, Black, racialized and Indigenous workers and workers with disabilities are more likely to be targeted. In addition, the rise of hate in Canada, including anti-2SLGBTQIA+ hate, is putting workers at risk of violence and harassment.
December 6 is the National Day of Remembrance and Action to end Violence against Women. Let’s remember all those who have lost their lives to gender-based violence. And let’s continue to work hard to ensure that everyone is safe at work and at home and recommit ourselves to ending gender-based violence in all its forms in our communities.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Let us also remember the names of the 14 women murdered in this act of violence and misogyny:
In solidarity,
Marty Warren
National Director for Canada
Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director
Dominic Lemieux
USW District 5 Director
Myles Sullivan
USW District 6 Director
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