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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CBTU Membership Newsletter November 1, 2025

November 1st, 2025

Greetings, CBTU Family:

As we reflect on this challenging season, we are reminded of the strength and solidarity that define our movement. Across Canada and throughout the African diaspora, the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) remains a collective voice for justice, equity, and unity.

This issue of our newsletter is dedicated to our brothers and sisters in Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti and all the countries affected by Hurricane Melissa, and to our students pursuing higher education through CBTU scholarship opportunities. We extend gratitude to all members, allies, and communities who continue to lift one another during difficult times.

STATEMENT FROM THE COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS (CBTU) CANADA REGARDING THE IMPACT OF HURRICANE MELISSA IN JAMAICA

Friday October 31st, 2025

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada extends our deepest sympathy, solidarity, and support to the people of Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. We are holding close in our hearts all those who have suffered loss, displacement, and damage to their homes, communities, and essential services.

We especially acknowledge the emotional toll being felt by Jamaican families both on the island and here in Canada, as many continue to wait for information about the safety of loved ones due to widespread power outages and interruptions to telecommunications systems. To everyone living in uncertainty we see you, we stand with you, and we are praying alongside you.

Even in the face of hardship, the Jamaican spirit remains resilient, courageous, and rooted in community care. And just as Jamaica has always lifted nations with its culture, leadership, and unwavering strength, we now rally to lift Jamaica.

CBTU Canada strongly encourages members across the country to support organizations and initiatives currently involved in recovery and rebuilding efforts. Donations can also be made directly to the Government of Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief Donation Fund.

In Unity and Solidarity,

CBTU Canada Chapter Executive: President: Yolanda McClean, 1st Vice President Juanita Forde, 2nd Vice President Lineisha Bernard, Treasurer Christine Maclin, Recording Secretary Coleen Houlder, Communications Secretary Isabelle Miller, Communications & Social Media Officer Mark Brown, Membership Secretary Chris Campbell, Member At Large Mark Austin, Under 40 Representative Jordan Forde, Trustee Dennis Williams, Trustee Sharon Paris, Retiree Member Representative – Andrea McCormack

2025 CBTU Region One Conference

COALITION OF BLACK TRADE UNIONISTS TRI-STATE REGION 1 Conference

Sharon Lovelady-Hall, CBTU Region 1 Director Andrea McCormack, Secretary

Nina Manning, Treasurer

Ursula Howard, Women’s Committee Chair

Vacant, Men’s Committee Chair

LaNette Murphy, Youth Committee Chair Juanita Forde, Younger Workers Committee Chair

[email protected]

June 2025

Dear CBTU Brother and Sisters:

I am excited to announce that the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Annual Region 1 Conference will be held August 15-17, 2025, at Crowne Plaza Albany – The Desmond Hotel 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211. Continuing the celebration of the International CBTU 54th Anniversary, our theme is also “Preserving and Building on Our Legacy: Unbought, Unbossed, Unstoppable.” 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.