The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada stands with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) in their struggle to achieve a fair collective agreement. The outstanding issue of pay equity between the predominantly female rural suburban mail carriers (RSMC) and the predominantly male letter carriers is an issue that is close to the heart of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. Whereas the gender wage gap for racialized women in Canada is more than 37%. CBTU Canada believes that it is the duty of Canada's Labour movement to work towards bridging the gap. It is for that reason that we stand side by side with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers in their struggle to level the playing field as they work towards gender equity in the workplace.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) Canada Chapter adds its voice to those of countless others mourning the recent passing of Bromley Armstrong.
A core value of CBTU Canada is to seek to "fulfill the dream of Black trade unionists, both living and deceased, who throughout our labour history in Canada have courageously and unremittingly struggled to build a national movement that brings our collective strength and varied talents to bare in an unending effort to achieve economic, political and social justice for all". This passage taken from our mission statement can accurately be surmised through the life and the legacy of our brother Bromley Armstrong.
The Coalition Of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada Chapter has released our
detailed post-election analysis.
In summary, Doug Ford has formed a majority government but he does not speak for our community. Black votes mattered and resulted in increased representation within the legislature and helped the NDP form the opposition but it is clear that the voices of our community remain marginalized and the corridors of political power remain a white enclave of privilege and power.
July 17, 2018
Greetings Friends,
We are very excited this year to host our 4th Annual CBTU (Coalition of Black Trade Unionists – Ontario, Canada Chapter) Golf Tournament at Richmond Hill Golf and Country Club on August 14th, 2018.
CBTU-Canada in partnership with Food for the Poor, Helping Hands and the Carpenters Union traveled from Toronto to Jamaica to help build a school in the parish of Trelawney. In doing so CBTU-Canada contributed to the transformation of what was previously the vision of many into the fruition of generations to come.
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.
Supreme Court Rules Against Workers
Statement by Rev. Terry Melvin
President, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists
Today, June 27, the Supreme Court of the United States decided to destroy workers’ voice and empower corporations with their ruling in the Janus v. AFSCME Council 31 case. They have sided with big business and made a decision that infringes on our First Amendment Right to freely organize and speak up. Today America took another step backwards to a time when working men and women had no voice on the job, a time when it was ok to discriminate against people of color, women, immigrants, and the LGBTQ, a time when big business could pollute our waters and land with no repercussion. Today we stepped backwards, but looking forward the path is clear, we must organize, we must fight, and we must unite.
The CBTU 47th International Convention was held in Orlando, Florida from May 23 to 28, 2018. The Canadian delegation grew to a historic 50 participants this year; its largest delegation of all time heralded Canadian Chapter President Yolanda McClean on the convention floor.
Dear members,
On Wednesday February 21st, our Chapter held an event in conjunction with the OFL and the CLC to recognize African Heritage and Black History Month. Attached is a copy of a report from this successful event for your reading pleasure.
