CBTU Canada Statement-The Passing of Fred Upshaw

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.

Fred Upshaw was best known as the first African Canadian Trade Unionist to lead a major Canadian Union. Fred Upshaw shattered the glass ceiling when he was elected National President of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE) from 1990-1995.

The breaking through of glass ceilings in and of itself is always in our view an occasion to celebrate. Fred's achievements however, extend far beyond the one event. His accomplishments and the opportunities he created for those who came after him continues to resonate throughout the Labour movement to this day.

Fred Upshaw alongside what would later be known as CBTU Canada led the fight for the inclusion of workers of colour by fighting for equity seats on the Executive Board of the (OFL) Ontario Federation of Labour. The success of attaining those seats continues to exist to this day.

As a ripple effect of that victory and with Fred's continuing support. CBTU Canada along with the OFL and other progressive affiliates continued the fight for equity seats at the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC). With Fred's support a campaign and buttons were developed with the message “One Plus One”. It is that very struggle that gave birth to the two equity seats that exist on the CLC's Executive Board today.

CBTU Canada salutes the legacy of Fred Upshaw as we acknowledge that it is upon his shoulders and the shoulders of those like him that we stand.

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Celebrating the Passage of Bill C-226 into Law

Save the date to join the Canadian Coalition for Environmental and Climate Justice (CCECJ) and the ENRICH Project in celebrating the National Strategy on Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act (formerly Bill C-226) becoming law.

Date: Thursday, August 22, 2024
Time: 6pm - 9pm ET
Location: Hybrid Event – CSI Spadina (192 Spadina Ave., Toronto) & Zoom

Cost: Free

This event will be held both in-person in Toronto and virtually via Zoom – everyone is welcome to join! It will include music, refreshments, and meaningful discussions on next steps to sustain momentum for the Environmental Justice Strategy Act.
More details to follow soon, including RSVP for both in-person and virtual participation and promotional materials.

Special thanks to the Sustainability Network for providing additional funding for this event. We look forward to celebrating this environmental justice milestone with our community!

In solidarity

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) - Canada

COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS TRI -STATE REGION 1 Conference

REVISED CONVENTION CALL

Dear CBTU Brother and Sisters:

I am excited to announce that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Annual Region 1 Conference will be held July 19-21, 2024, at The Doubletree Hotel, 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse, NY.

Continuing the celebration of the International CBTU 53^rd Anniversary, our theme is also “Never Back, Always Forward: Hate Cannot Erase Us.” The agenda will consist of education and information that will give us an opportunity to reflect on our power and influence in the labor movement and our communities in the fight for social and economic justice.

In solidarity

Sharon Lovelady-Hall, CBTU Region 1 Director

Andrea McCormack, Secretary

Nina Manning, Treasurer

Ursula Howard, Women’s Committee Chair

Eugene Williams, Men’s Committee Chair

LaNette Murphy,Youth Committee Chair

Juanita Forde, Younger Workers Committee Chair

[email protected]

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

May 1st, 2024

Greetings CBTU Members:

The Executive Board would like to have a meeting to prepare for the busy months ahead. There is so much happening quickly and it's important that we can get information to you. Please ensure you are signed up to the current Whatsapp chat.

Please continue to follow the WhatsApp CBTU Ontario chat :

**REVISED CONVENTION CALL**

REVISED CONVENTION CALL