Labour activism has long been a vehicle for change, and Black workers have played a critical role in shaping the movement. Ephrin Jenkins (E.J.), a leader in the United Steelworkers union’s (USW) District 7 and founder of the Black Labour Week Project, has dedicated his career to ensuring that activism remains relevant and inclusive, especially for young workers and those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Jenkins’ journey began with the USW’s Next Generation program, but his activism was rooted even earlier when he was elected vice-chair and later president of his local. “Next Generation helped build a structure for young people, breaking glass ceilings within unions and creating space for new leaders,” he said.
However, his passion for activism was instilled in him early on by his mother, Vanessa Jenkins, who ensured he accompanied her everywhere. He honours her legacy by awarding the Vanessa Jenkins Award to outstanding leaders in the movement. Before she passed, she wrote him a birthday card with words that continue to inspire his work: “I knew from birth that you were called to do exactly what you are doing right now, and I am so proud!”
E.J. strives to always live up to his mother’s words by ensuring that the labour movement continues fighting for inclusivity.
The fight for equity in the labour movement is nonstop for Black workers. “Too often, people of colour are overlooked, and their voices are not heard. This ongoing struggle should remind us of the urgency and commitment required to bring about change. Our work isn’t just about highlighting injustices,” explained Jenkins. “It’s about creating solutions and turning them into action.”
He also wants to continue building strong chapters of Black Labour activists and ensuring strong networkers to challenge them when systematic inequities arise.
Today’s primary challenge is engaging young workers, many of whom feel disconnected from traditional union activism. Jenkins believes the key is finding what moves people and making space for their skills. “We need to recognize young workers’ talent – whether graphic design, organizing or speaking – and let them use those skills within the union,” he said. By doing so, we engage them and make them feel valued and integral to the movement. “People engage when they feel valued.”
But true diversity and inclusion go beyond recruitment.
Jenkins highlights that unions must avoid using tokenism to demonstrate diversity. Jenkins added, “It’s not about checking a box investing in people, but about giving them tangible roles based on their skills and respecting and valuing their potential.”
For Black workers seeking involvement, Jenkins’ advice is simple: find what speaks to you.
“Labour activism isn’t just about fighting for fair contracts and building a better quality of life. It’s about planting your feet, finding your space, and using your voices and knowing they matter.”
The work of Black labour activists like Jenkins reminds us that “the fight isn’t over. It is a movement that must continue – uplifting, empowering, and ensuring the next generation leads the labour movement and has a voice at the table.”
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