The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is observed on March 21. This important day is an opportunity to empower people of all races, to reflect on past mistakes and work towards a future of equality. As a union, we must inspire inclusion and work to eradicate discrimination in our workplaces and our communities.

In 2023, our March 21 message is: “Our thoughts, our words, our actions.”

Thinking about, learning about, or discussing racism is uncomfortable but necessary, and all require honest personal reflection and commitment to action. This important day is not a celebration, but one that remembers the 1960 Sharpeville police massacre of peaceful demonstrators in South Africa, who were protesting against the apartheid “pass laws.” 

Through our understanding as a union, we want to make transformative change in in ourselves, in the workplace, in our union and in society as we reflect on the event and identify instances where people still experience racism.

Continue to support the over 200 Racial Justice Advocates that have been bargained into workplaces across Canada and continue to bargain these roles into your collective agreements.

These important union representatives are working hard to eliminate racial discrimination and are building solidarity in communities across the country.