(NUPGE) - "Today, International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, serves as a reminder of how much more work we have to do to end discrimination in every form," said James Clancy, national president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE). "In our workplaces, in our communities, and across this globe, we have a responsibility to stand up against injustice and discrimination."
The United Nations proclaimed March 21 - the day in 1960, when police opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against the apartheid "pass laws" in Sharpeville, South Africa - calling on the international community to redouble its efforts to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination.
Many things have changed since that day in 1960. Many racist laws and practices have been abolished. And yet, in communities and societies across the globe, and in Canada, we still see many suffering the pain of racial discrimination and injustice.
Communities are slowly recovering from the biggest economic collapse in decades. The worst hit have been those who were already struggling. Research shows that racialized Canadians face lower wages, higher rates of unemployment and are more likely to live in poverty. Wage reductions, layoffs and cuts to much-needed social services weigh much more heavily on their shoulders.
"During this slow economic recovery, we must join together to ensure that what we, collectively, have achieved is not rolled back, "Clancy concluded. "I urge all of our 340,000 members to continue working toward fair and just economic policies that provide true equality. Fighting for tax fairness is the best place to start."