Later is Too Late: Act now to confront environmental racism on Earth Day!
April 22nd, 2025 is Earth Day. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada (CBTU), the Enrich Project and the Toronto Environmental Alliance call upon labour and the community to reconnect with and build a relationship to the earth. Why? It’s simple – the extraordinary benefits of time spent outdoors should be available to all. Outdoors, is a great big, beautiful earth, where children and adults can learn about themselves through the experience of exploring in nature. One cannot love what one doesn’t know. If we want children to become adults who will care for and protect the earth, we must encourage a strong relationship with the natural world.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists-Canada (CBTU) Stands in Solidarity with Auto Workers and Calls for Immediate Action to End Unjust Tariffs
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada stands in solidarity with all Canadian workers affected by the 47th US President’s recent application of 25% tariffs on all automobiles and auto parts made in Canada.
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.
Let My People Vote
Throughout our history in Canada, African-Canadians have faced barriers to full
political participation at all levels of our electoral processes.
In this context, this “Let my people vote” workshop is being offered to identify and
break down barriers to political participation for the Black community. Collectively we will give voice to our ancestors on March 20th.
Our goal goes beyond representation to substantive policy change to support our
community.
Click here to register
CUPW Solidarity Letter
Below is the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists-Canada's (CBTU) open letter of support for the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in their current round of contract negations. CBTU is inviting all members and supporters to add their voices to the letter below by clicking the hyperlink in the first paragraph and following the instructions. Doing so will send your voices to Minister Mackinnon and the various senators representing your province. Thank you.
In solidarity
OPEN LETTER
The Honourable Steve Mackinnon
Minister of Labour
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Dear Minister MacKinnon,
I am writing on behalf of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Canada (CBTU Canada) and in solidarity with our members who work for Canada Post as members of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) demand justice, fairness, and respect for the rights of Canadian postal workers. The recent decision to force postal workers back to work through a back-to-work order, particularly during the busy holiday season, is profoundly troubling and requires immediate and urgent reconsideration.
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 53rd 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
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 :
African Refugee Support
Dear CBTU Family and CBTU friends,
Enclosed are the details for the next Shared Closet event in support of the African Refugees in Canada.
The event will take place at the OPSEU Union Hall, located at 31 Wellesley Ave, Toronto, on the dates and times shown on the bulletin. Please join CBTU as we come together to assist those within our community who need our support the most. We are asking CBTU members, their families, and supporters for donations of time, finances, gently used clothing, toiletries, and more.
Please join CBTU and our alli Shared Closet as we actively work to improve living and working conditions within the Black community.
Please share in your networks
In solidarity
CBTU - Canada
