Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario affirms its support for workers of colour in their fight against racism, sexism, and injustices

BY PAUL JUNOR

The Carpenters District Council of Ontario (CDCO) has for many years been at the forefront of fighting racism, discrimination, and intolerance in order to create a safe, inclusive, harassment-free workplace. It is made up of sixteen affiliated Local Unions, which represent a wide range of skilled trades crucial to the construction industry. It is part of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners (UBCJ) with about 500,000 members from British Columbia to Nova Scotia.

In Ontario, there are approximately 30,000 individuals who belong to this union. In honour of Black History Month February 2022, the CDCO released a press release recognizing the significance of this month. It states,

“The Carpenters Union commits to standing up for the rights and dignity of our members in all of our communities. Celebrating and recognizing Black History Month is a part of that.

In many ways, labour unions have been an integral part of social justice movements that have fought for years to ensure that workers’ rights, freedom, and dignity are supported and valued. The CDCO acknowledges that this BHM 2022 is particularly special. It notes, “This year, in order to send a message of solidarity with Workers of Colour, the Carpenters District Council of Ontario is collaborating with the Carpenters National office to promote awareness of Black History Month on job sites across Ontario.

This is truly an empowering and enriching collaboration as it ensures that all construction related workplaces will recognize the significance of BHM with respect to highlighting Black Canadians as part of the social, economic, and political fabric of Canada.

There is a statement from Jason Rowe, District Vice President in the press release. It reads,

“February 2022 marks the 26^th celebration for Black History Month in Canada. Yet, despite twenty-six years of recognizing the history combined with decades of effort, education and calls to action, systemic anti-Black racism continues to exist in our country. It lives predominantly in many sectors, including the construction industry. Sadly, and disturbingly, UBC members face discrimination and hateful acts of violence and crime to this day, and it needs to stop.

Safety, diversity, and inclusion are the number one priority for the UBC Canadian District, and our goal is to protect our members by eliminating racism, discrimination and xenophobia of all forms, We, as a Union, will continue our fight to make a difference and address injustices because every worker deserves to be respected and have the right to a safe workplace. Although I recognize that Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honour the legacy of Black Canadians, past and present, it’s also a stark reminder of the work we have yet to complete in our efforts to combat systemic racism.”

Chris Campbell, CDCO Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Representative states further, “On behalf of the membership, staff and leadership of the UBCJA, Happy Black History Month Canada! The diversity of our membership is one of our biggest attributes and proudest legacies. I am grateful to the Black leaders who went before us, and that built the structures upon which we stand today!”