“This is a great day for our great union,” exclaimed Fred Hahn of CUPE 2191 following the creation of two new diversity seats on the National Executive Board.
Delegates to the 1999 national convention approved a constitutional change creating two diversity positions on the NEB.
The two people elected to fill the spots are Marie Clarke Walker, a worker of colour from CUPE 4400 and Fred Loft, an Aboriginal worker from CUPE 5.
Fred Loft, who has been a long-time activist in Hamilton’s outside municipal local, says he’s been waiting for this day for 20 years.
One of the original members of CUPE’s Rainbow Committee, Loft says when the two new seats carried at convention he was elated.
For Marie Clarke Walker, the two new seats represent an acknowledgement that CUPE is prepared to “take a good look within.” Says Walker, “We’re good at making change outside – that’s what makes us good trade unionists. But we’re not as good at changing our union on the inside.
“By creating these two positions, we are saying there are systemic barriers and CUPE as an organization is willing to confront those,” adds Clarke Walker.
As co-chair of the National Pink Triangle Committee, Màire Kirwan of CUPE 3966 couldn’t be more thrilled about the diversity seats.
“I understand those who have reservations about these changes, but I truly believe that in time people will come to value what these seats represent,” she adds.
Fighting racism in the workplace will be one of CUPE’s top priorities, following adoption of a policy statement at national convention.
“As long as we allow racism to exist in our workplaces, we will face our enemies divided and weakened,” says the statement.