Black History Month reminds us of gains made and warns of threats to equity in poor economic times

As the economic crisis deepens and job losses mount, the National Union hopes that celebrations for Black History Month will encourage governments and employers to promote, defend and expand a commitment to equality in the workforce.

Ottawa (10 Feb. 2009) - As celebrations for Black History Month get underway, the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) hopes that a review of the history will also serve to remind people of how gains made can be lost during tough economic times.

Unfortunately, history has shown that during tough economic times far too often people of colour disproportionally experience the effects of the downturn.

It remains true that Canadians of African and Caribbean descent are over-represented in lower paying work, manufacturing and precarious work. These are jobs that will often feel the impacts of recession first.

Even more vulnerable during periods of economic crisis are women of African and Caribbean descent.  For many of these women the double burden of work and home, including child and elder care, means that they will feel the effects of job loss and the economic downturn more so than most men will. 

Sadly, the 2009 federal budget did not introduce any new measures to support or protect these workers.

The National Union believes that it is vitally important that workers of colour, indeed all workers, should not suffer for the economic failures of their employers and governments. 

Black History Month reminds all of us of the important contributions to our economy and communities made by Canadians of African and Caribbean descent.  It also teaches us that these gains were won by people organizing together.

Finally, Black History Month informs us that all levels of government can make a difference in promoting and defending equality to ensure all workers can achieve their full measure of economic opportunity and prosperity.

The National Union is firmly committed to an agenda for reaching equality for Canadian workers of African and Caribbean descent.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE