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We are all too familiar with the long history of anti-Black racism in Canada, particularly in employment. Our organization is committed to challenging these practices, starting with the largest employer in the country—the federal public service. Black workers, who make up 11,000 of the workforce, are the largest racialized group and yet remain the least paid. Many of these workers are women who have served for 30 years, only to retire in the same entry-level positions they began in.
This is why we have launched a landmark class action lawsuit representing 45,000 current and former Black federal public service workers, as well as those who applied and were unfairly denied employment. We are seeking legislative changes, mental health support, a comprehensive diversity plan, and compensation amounting to $2.5 billion. Our goal is to redress these injustices and set a precedent for workers in all sectors.
We are calling on your organization to stand with Black public service workers who have long endured systemic racism and discrimination within institutions meant to serve the public. Your support will be instrumental in driving the change that our community deserves. On October 28, 2024, at the Federal Court in Toronto, the certification hearing will begin. At the end of this process the Court will decide is this landmark class action can move ahead.
What is the Black Class Action?
For over 50 years, Black people have been denied hiring, promotions, and suffered unequal treatment in Canada’s public service. Despite reports from the Senate and Treasury Board confirming systemic racism, the federal government has already spent over $8M fighting this lawsuit.
Why This Matters for All of Us:
The very people who serve us every day are being discriminated against by the government, and our tax dollars are fueling this injustice. This fight is about more than one case—it’s about holding the government accountable for systemic racism. Unions representing over 3 million workers have already called for the settlement of this lawsuit—now, we need your help to amplify this call for justice.
We are inviting you to a webinar to discuss the landmark case and to mobilize support: RSVP here for our Community Call For Justice on October 15, 2024, at 7PM EST.
In the meantime:
You Can Take Action:
1. SIGN THE OPEN LETTER: Click here to review and sign an open letter from Black Community Organizations to the Canadian government demanding immediate action and accountability for the ongoing injustice
2. SEND AN EMAIL: Click here to send an email to Prime Minister Trudeau, Attorney General Virani, Treasury Board President Anita Anand, and your MP.
3. TWEET AT CANADA'S LEADERS: Click here to send a tweet to tweet and demand action.
4. SIGN THE PETITION: Add your name to our growing petition, (over 30,000 signatures to date).
5. SHARE AND AMPLIFY: Pass these actions to your network and help us build momentum.
To learn more, please visit our Action Hub and follow us on Instagram, X and LinkedIn for updates.
Thank you for standing with us in the fight for justice, fairness, and equality.
Nicholas Marcus Thompson
President and Chief Executive Officer | bcas-srcn.org
T: (888) 975-2227 Ext. 1
M: (647) 823-6787
A: 2300 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4P 1E4 Canada
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