Gwend Johnson "Retires"

GWEND JOHNSON "RETIRES":


[caption id="attachment_103" align="aligncenter" width="250" caption="Gwend Johnson at her retirement party"]Gwend Johnson[/caption]

There wasn't an empty seat - or a dry eye - in the house at Gwend Johnson's retirement party Friday night. A veritable Who's Who of the DC labor movement turned out to wish the longtime CWA leader well - and share their memories of a long and rich career - after 39 years in a range of jobs from local steward to Director of the Human Rights Department. Johnson's commitment and dedication were universally recognized and praised by leaders including former CWA President Morty Bahr, VP Bill Boarman, CBTU President Bill Lucy and Council President Jos Williams, who drew laughter and knowing nods when he described Johnson's legendary tenacity and tough-mindedness, even, "or perhaps especially", with her friends in the labor movement. "Gwend is the one you want behind you in a dark alley," Williams said, "you know she's got your back." Like Williams, Lucy urged Johnson (left) to "enjoy a few days off" before getting to work for the Metro Council, where she continues to serve on the Executive Board.

- report/photo by Chris Garlock, Washington Labour Council (used by permission)

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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!