CBTU-Canada Statement on the U.S Supreme Court decision Janus vs AFSCME

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Chapter views the recent United States Supreme Court decision to implement Right to Work legislation on public sector Unions as an attack on working families on both sides of the Canada/United States border.

Unions representing government workers in 22 states, including Illinois, have just received this right-winged legislation and are expected to lose the ability to collect dues from non-members to cover the costs of collective bargaining and enforcing the Collective agreements.

Whereas Unions are the sole avenue for workers to collectively bargain improvements to their working conditions, improvements that often flow into non-union workplaces, it is reasonable to infer that if unions no longer have the resources to negotiate improvements to working conditions, the improvements that workers have gained over many years can reasonably be expected to erode.

In a 5-4 decision entitled Janus vs AFSCME the United States Supreme Court has overturned a 1977 Supreme Court opinion that public employee unions could collect union dues as a condition of employment since the unions have a legal obligation to represent all workers in the bargaining unit.

The CBTU Canada Chapter views this legislation as a call to action throughout the Canadian labour movement. Gone are the days when Labour can continue being divided as similar right-winged legislation remains hidden in the corridors of our Federal and Provincial Parliaments waiting to be unleashed.

CBTU-Canada calls on ALL of Canada's Unions, both the affiliated and non-affiliated, to form a united front against Right to Work legislation as we stand on the side of working families, ensuring that no worker, Unionized or non-unionized, is left behind through our collective response.

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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!