The Black Class Action Secretariat (BCAS) has spearheaded a landmark class action lawsuit against the federal government to address decades of systemic racism and discrimination faced by Black public servants.
This $2.5 billion class action represents the largest discrimination case in Canadian history. It seeks justice for Black public servants who have been denied promotions and opportunities due to their race. The lawsuit aims to address the pervasive issue of anti-Black racism in our institutions and calls for transformative changes to create an equitable workplace for all.
In light of this lawsuit, PIPSC consulted its Black members to better understand their needs.
Two consultation sessions, one in English and one in French, were facilitated by Paige Galette, an anti-black racism activist and independent facilitator. The consultations were led thanks to the initiative of the PIPSC Black caucus, a subcommittee of the national Human Rights and Diversity Committee.
The consultations acknowledged that PIPSC had to do better at welcoming Black members to the union. They also underscored the importance of PIPSC intensifying its advocacy efforts with employers – whether the federal government, provincial governments, or separate employers – to ensure that they provide Black members with equal access to career advancement opportunities.
“We are extremely preoccupied with the lack of career advancement reported by our Black members,” said Din Kamaldin, Black caucus co-chair. “Even those with over 20 years in the federal public service haven’t been promoted.”
“Employers must understand the profound impacts of workplace discrimination on our members’ family lives,” added Jennie Esnard, Black caucus co-chair. “It was heartbreaking to hear that members had to take sick leave to deal with the unbearable stress that they faced due to discrimination.”
“PIPSC is committed to supporting its Black members, and as Human Rights and Diversity Committee Chairperson, I’ll work with our teams and our Black caucus to address the report’s findings and move them forward,” said Stacy McLaren.
Thanks to the leadership of the Black Class Action Secretariat and the public service professionals who initiated this call for justice, we can support this critical lawsuit, stand in solidarity with our Black colleagues, and push for a more just and equitable Canada.