Our Pledge
The following contains the pledge that Hamilton union locals are taking to not only help eradicate fascism and racism in our unions, but also in our community. If you are the leader of a union local who has signing authority for your bargaining unit, please feel free to:
- DOWNLOAD the PDF
- PRINT the pledge
- SIGN the pledge
- SCAN the pedge
- EMAIL a copy to [email protected]
The following is the text of our Anti-Fascism/Anti-Racism Pledge for labour in Hamilton...
Hamilton and District Labour Council Commitment to Anti-Racism & Anti-Facism
Earlier this year, we all mourned the hate-motivated deaths of six Canadian men in Quebec City. The Hamilton and District Labour Council pledged to respond to this tragedy by helping to support a powerful movement to challenge Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination.
Sowing the seeds of xenophobia is not new – it is part of a long history of hatred and division in this country. From our treatment of Indigenous peoples, to anti-Semitism and anti-black racism, to today’s Islamophobia, the ongoing chronicle of displacement, turning away, and discriminating against group after group is as much Canada’s story as are other themes this country celebrates on its 150-plus anniversary.
If left unchallenged, racist rhetoric and actions can stir up anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Indigenous sentiment. In times of economic downturn and diminishing opportunity, the seeds of division are fertilized by the same sections of the corporate elite who seek to divide working people. We have seen how right-wing populism can take hold, especially when people are frustrated with economic injustice. History shows us that at its extreme, such populism can be incredibly destructive. Today, challenging this situation is more important than ever for working people.
To counter the rise in intolerance and xenophobia, the affiliates of the Hamilton and District Labour Council and union locals across the city endorse five themes for action:
Step up and Speak Out – Challenge Islamophobia anywhere it appears. Ask every public institution to develop a plan to counter all forms of bigotry, particularly anti-Black racism.
Shut down hate – Use every means possible to limit the reach of hate-spreading media outlets. Demand full prosecution of hate crimes by police services across the country.
Challenge right-wing political party policies – Demand that those with financial and political influence in right-wing parties act decisively to turn their party away from the politics of division and intolerance.
Challenge Corporate Canada – From the Board of Trade, the Council of Chief Executives, to the Mayor of Hamilton, those with the most power in society must take a firm stand against discrimination and sever alliances with anyone who promotes intolerance or xenophobia.
Build a sustainable economy with good jobs - for all instead of austerity. Recognize that right-wing populism thrives on people’s frustration with economic injustice.
Racist and fascist elements are organizing in Hamilton right now. As Hamiltonians, we cannot stand by and watch our neighbours face the spectre of racially-based hatred. As a Labour Council, we cannot stand by and watch our comrades be subjected to human rights violations in the workplace. We will not ignore our responsibility to do whatever we can to stem the tide of systemic racism and fascism in our city.
Hamilton and District Labour Council Commitment to Anti-Racism & Anti-Facism
Earlier this year, we all mourned the hate-motivated deaths of six Canadian men in Quebec City. The Hamilton and District Labour Council pledged to respond to this tragedy by helping to support a powerful movement to challenge Islamophobia and all forms of discrimination.
Sowing the seeds of xenophobia is not new – it is part of a long history of hatred and division in this country. From our treatment of Indigenous peoples, to anti-Semitism and anti-black racism, to today’s Islamophobia, the ongoing chronicle of displacement, turning away, and discriminating against group after group is as much Canada’s story as are other themes this country celebrates on its 150-plus anniversary.
If left unchallenged, racist rhetoric and actions can stir up anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim and anti-Indigenous sentiment. In times of economic downturn and diminishing opportunity, the seeds of division are fertilized by the same sections of the corporate elite who seek to divide working people. We have seen how right-wing populism can take hold, especially when people are frustrated with economic injustice. History shows us that at its extreme, such populism can be incredibly destructive. Today, challenging this situation is more important than ever for working people.
To counter the rise in intolerance and xenophobia, the affiliates of the Hamilton and District Labour Council and union locals across the city endorse five themes for action:
Step up and Speak Out – Challenge Islamophobia anywhere it appears. Ask every public institution to develop a plan to counter all forms of bigotry, particularly anti-Black racism.
Shut down hate – Use every means possible to limit the reach of hate-spreading media outlets. Demand full prosecution of hate crimes by police services across the country.
Challenge right-wing political party policies – Demand that those with financial and political influence in right-wing parties act decisively to turn their party away from the politics of division and intolerance.
Challenge Corporate Canada – From the Board of Trade, the Council of Chief Executives, to the Mayor of Hamilton, those with the most power in society must take a firm stand against discrimination and sever alliances with anyone who promotes intolerance or xenophobia.
Build a sustainable economy with good jobs - for all instead of austerity. Recognize that right-wing populism thrives on people’s frustration with economic injustice.
Racist and fascist elements are organizing in Hamilton right now. As Hamiltonians, we cannot stand by and watch our neighbours face the spectre of racially-based hatred. As a Labour Council, we cannot stand by and watch our comrades be subjected to human rights violations in the workplace. We will not ignore our responsibility to do whatever we can to stem the tide of systemic racism and fascism in our city.
