In October, 45 Steelworkers from across Western Canada gathered in Langley, B.C., for the first USW Racial Justice Summit, organized by the USW National Anti-Racism Committee.
This initiative is part of the committee’s ongoing work to promote racial justice education among Steelworkers members.
Over two days, participants took part in classroom learning, small group exercises and heard from labour organizations specializing in anti-racist advocacy, empowering participants to connect racial justice with the bread-and-butter work of our union and as activists.
USW International President Roxanne Brown joined the group remotely. As the first woman and the first Black person to lead the international union, she shared her perspective on leadership.
“In the face of adversity, of each naysayer, anything is possible. I am only here for a time. If I can inspire a generation after me, then I’ve done great work,” said Brown.
Guests from the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) presented a segment on the history of human rights law in Canada and the various tools trade unionists have to fight against human rights violations.
The Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA) shared stories from Asian labour history in Canada including the terrible conditions and treatment of Chinese railroad workers in the late 1800s and the continued racism and stigma experienced by Asian Canadians in Canada, particularly those who work in the services, agriculture and domestic and care work.
The summit made space for meaningful group discussions and action-planning for moving equity and racial justice in our locals, area councils and districts. For example, stewarding with an equity lens and moving motions within labour bodies on racial justice issues.
“It really meant a lot to me that my local leadership was also here participating. I know that the work we’re doing today is going to move forward,” said participant Wamaitha Kinuthia, from Local 2009.
Following the success of the pilot project, the group intends to host similar events in each district next year. Many thanks to the summit sponsors: USW Canadian National Office, USW District 3, USW Local 2009, Community Savings Credit Union and the USW Family and Community Education Fund.
See more photos from the summit here.
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