The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)–Canada Chapter sends its deepest condolences to the family
and to all those affected by the passing of Fred Upshaw.
CBTU Statement on the Dismissal of the Black Class Action Lawsuit
It is with pain and deep dejection that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) in Canada reviews the Federal Court's decision to dismiss the Black Class Action Lawsuit. The Black Class Action Lawsuit was founded by current and former Black employees of 99 federal government departments representing hundreds if not thousands of Black workers in Canada. These workers alleged that they were discriminated against and kept from promotions because of their race going as far back as the 1970s. They described being qualified enough to replace their non-Black colleagues in higher job functions when those colleagues were off on leave but not being qualified enough to fill the positions permanently when the positions became vacant. In Madam Justice Gagné’s decision which was rendered just over one week before the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The court acknowledged the discrimination that these Black workers were experiencing while simultaneously choosing to deny these workers the justice that the federal court should provide.
