Take action for Asian Heritage Month

Every May is Asian Heritage Month, an occasion to delve into the history of Asian and South Asian Canadians and recognize the significant contributions they have made to our union, our communities and our country.

Asian workers have been a longstanding and important part of the fabric of Canada. Asians from East, South, Southeast, West and Central Asia have contributed to well-known Asian worker history which includes building railroads, work in garment factories, health care and agriculture, as well as domestic work – often low-paid and exploitive jobs.

As a union that cares deeply about fairness and justice, we must acknowledge Canada’s shameful history of discriminatory treatment of all Asian workers.

In a time of increasing economic pressures, policy changes and global tensions, we, as trade unionists, have a collective responsibility to denounce them, raise awareness and work to repair harm towards Asian and South Asian workers.

Workers and unions are well-placed to take on work against racism and discrimination. We have education courses to ensure all workplaces are welcoming and inclusive. We bargain strong language into our collective agreements. We have human rights committees that work on current issues. We offer anti-harassment and anti-racism resources and training.

In May and throughout the year, Steelworkers speak out against racism and work to strengthen human rights for those of Asian heritage and for all equity-deserving groups in Canada.

Take action in your union for Asian Heritage Month. Here are some ideas:

• Learn more about, and support the work of some of the organizations and groups fighting for the rights of workers:
  • Asian Canadian Labour Alliance (ACLA)
  • Migrant Rights Network
  • Butterfly: Asian and Migrant Sex Workers Support Network
• Invite a guest speaker to a union meeting or lunch break to share their stories and experiences of being a labour activist of Asian heritage
• Attend a local event celebrating Asian Heritage Month
• Conduct an audit of your workplace and your collective agreement to propose steps to promote diversity and prevent discrimination and racism
• Join the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance for updated news and events on Asian Canadian and international perspectives
• Explore the Virtual Museum of Asian Canadian Cultural Heritage
• Watch Amy Go’s 2022 video about Anti-Asian racism in Canada

In solidarity,

Marty Warren
USW National Director

Scott Lunny
USW District 3 Director (Western Canada and the Territories)

Nicolas Lapierre
USW District 5 Director (Quebec)

Kevon Stewart
USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Provinces)

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