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More than 120 people attending Unifor’s Aboriginal and Workers of Colour conference in Port Elgin recently discussed ways they could work with their union locals to improve conditions for racialized workers in their workplaces and the community.
Unifor activists from across the country shared their experiences and hopes for the future, said Vinay Sharma, human rights director for Unifor.
“Members had very good discussions on how they could make a different through Unifor” Sharma said.
Participants discussed such issues as missing and murdered aboriginal women, racism and the attack on union security, building support and getting elected and justice for migrant workers.
Unifor National President Jerry Dias spoke on the opening night and met with many of the participants.
“We have come a long way but we need to do a lot more,” Dias told the group, noting that having a member of the National Executive Board representing racialized workers is only a start for Unifor.
”One NEB position is floor, not ceiling.”
A special guest at the conference was Bromley Armstrong, a long-time human rights advocate. Sharma said there were also several young activists, giving the conference a balance of the past, present and future.
