March 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racism

'We must value our diversity and embrace our distinct differences.' James Clancy

Ottawa (17 March 2006) - The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's most diverse unions.

This year, on March 21, the 40th International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, we are again urging our 340,000 members across the country to pause and reflect on how tolerance and racial harmony enrich our lives.

The National Union is also encouraging its members to use the educational tools created by the union to raise awareness about the harmful effects of racism on our workplaces, our communities, the labour movement and Canadian society.

"Ours is a union that values diversity. We try to celebrate differences, transforming them into strengths rather than barriers," says James Clancy, NUPGE's national president.

"Each year we strive to make progress and each year, hopefully, we succeed to some degree. But a world without racism remains a long-term goal. Unfortunately, racism continues to cast its shadow upon our workplaces, our communities, and our country."

Damaging millions

For example, a new study by the Canadian Labour Congress confirms that the job market discriminates against workers of colour, and more so against young workers who are Canadian-born.

Closely analyzing data from Statistics Canada’s 2001 Census, the study, Racial Status and Employment Outcomes, by Leslie Cheung, a graduate student in public policy at Simon Fraser University in Vancouver says “the fact that Canadian-born workers of colour are doing badly cannot be explained away by reference to lack of Canadian credentials and experience.” (For more details on the study, check the link below.)

Since 1966, the 21st of March has been recognized by the United Nations as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The day was chosen by the General Assembly of the United Nations to commemorate the March 21st, 1960 massacre of 69 young students who were demonstrating peacefully in Sharpeville, South Africa, against the apartheid "pass laws".

March 21 is a day that resonates with the National Union's membership, which includes men and women of all ethnic, socio-economic, age and professional groups across the country. The word 'diverse' truly encapsulates what NUPGE is as a union.

"We continue to celebrate and promote diversity," says Clancy. "But we must also continue to educate ourselves and others. We're urging our members to use the educational tools we've created for them to raise awareness of the harmful effects of racism."

Educational modules

The National Union has created a series of six educational modules on equality rights which have become an integral part of the union education program of many of our Components.

Three of these educational modules deal specifically with fighting racism and intolerance: (1) Valuing our Diversity; (2) Saying No to Racism; and (3) Aboriginal Solidarity and First Nations Rights

The modules are developed based on a popular adult education model and are designed to be delivered in different formats. To order these educational modules, please contact the National Union by phone (613) 228-9800 or by email national@nupge.ca

The National Union has also created several pamphlets to assist its members in moving the fight against racism forward. These pamphlets can be reviewed and printed by clicking on these links: