Later is Too Late: Act now to confront environmental racism on Earth Day!

 

 

 

 

April 22nd, 2025 is Earth Day. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada (CBTU), the Enrich Project and the Toronto Environmental Alliance call upon labour and the community to reconnect with and build a relationship to the earth. Why? It’s simple – the extraordinary benefits of time spent outdoors should be available to all. Outdoors, is a great big, beautiful earth, where children and adults can learn about themselves through the experience of exploring in nature. One cannot love what one doesn’t know. If we want children to become adults who will care for and protect the earth, we must encourage a strong relationship with the natural world.

The environment is a labour issue because the environment and the workplace are inextricably connected: “There are no jobs on a dead planet.” We must learn from Indigenous practices and teachings to become stewards of the land and water then re-commit through workplace advocacy to confronting the systems of environmental exploitation impacting upon our communities.

 

Later is Too Late! So, on this Earth Day act by: 

 

 

  • completing an Enrich Project Climate Justice survey to support research into climate change preparedness within Black Communities across the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Areas https://form.jotform.com/250864776817068

 

  • supporting the heat stress campaign to raise awareness of the impacts of heat stress upon working class, Black and racialized workers who often work in industries with higher rates of heat exposure. Demand justice for Caribbean migrant farm workers who are literally dying on the job with no legislative protections. https://ofl.ca/action/the-heat-is-on/

 

 

  • making Environmental Justice a ballot issue when casting your ballot in the Federal Election. ( WorkersTogether.ca )

 

  • host a CBTU Environmental Racism workshop or Let My People vote workshop in your workplace and/or Union by contacting CBTU cbtu.ca

 

 

 

  • Attend a Seniors for Climate Justice event in your area https://seniorsforclimateactionnow.org/ or join the Congress of Union Retirees of Canada (CURC) “Plant-A-Tree” campaign to protect and restore the planet through this sustainable solution. gfoundation.ca

 

 

Confronting the Climate Emergency demands our collective effort – join in the struggle to promote Climate Justice in our workplaces and communities.

In solidarity,

 

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – Canada Executive Board

 

Latest posts

March 1st, 2026

 

Greetings, CBTU Family: 

 

As Black History Month comes to a close, the work of celebrating, uplifting, and advancing Black history does not end for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU). Black history is not confined to a single month; it lives in our communities, our workplaces, our struggles, and our victories every day of every year.

Over the past months, we have witnessed many inspiring moments across our movement. Black leaders have stepped forward to serve in new roles, some have retired after years of dedicated leadership, and others have begun new journeys that continue to shape our communities and labour movement. Each transition reflects the strength, resilience, and ongoing legacy of Black leadership within CBTU and beyond.

At the same time, our community has also experienced profound loss. We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of CBTU Region One President Sharon Lovelady-Hall. Her leadership, commitment, and impact will be remembered and honoured throughout our organization.

We also send our heartfelt sympathies to all members of our CBTU family who have lost loved ones in recent weeks. Please know that you are not alone; our community stands with you.

The CBTU family remains rooted in solidarity and care. In moments of celebration and in times of grief, we continue to support one another. Together, we will keep building, organizing, and advancing the lives of Black people in our workplaces, our communities, and across the globe.

As we move forward, let us remain committed to the mission that unites us: empowerment, justice, and progress for Black workers everywhere.

CBTU 30 Years Logo

Greetings, CBTU Family:

November 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of our organization becoming a Chapter of the CBTU, and the beginning of our year of celebration! Please take a moment to read our Special 30th Anniversary Edition Chapter Newsletter, where we have highlighted to accomplishments of several of our dear chapter members.

On behalf of the Chapter's Executive Board, we wish you all safe, happy, and healthy season's greetings and look forward to seeing and celebrating with you at our General Membership Meeting December 16 at 6pm.

Dear CBTU chapter members,

We are 30! This year marks 30 years of being a chapter of the International CBTU. To celebrate our history and the contributions of our members towards the Canadian Labour Movement, past and present, we invite you all to a special CBTU General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, December 16 in the evening. Location TBD and will be included in our newsletter coming out within a week. Yes, of course there will be food, it wouldn't be a proper celebration without it☺️
We look forward to seeing you there!