The USJE Equity Committee met for the very first time at the beginning of January this year. Members from all regions attended the meeting, which was chaired by Regional Vice President Lynette Robinson.
After a brief recognition of the Indigenous land on which the meeting was taking place, the members got to work discussing USJE’s commitment to equity issues, and how the union can better serve marginalized groups.
The committee heard from presenter, Nancy Peckford, Technical advisor and USJE Director of Policy, Projects, and Media Relations on topics such as USJE’s Operational Stress Injuries Report, federal employment equity legislation, federal harassment legislation, and pay equity legislation. Each topic brought it own set of challenges to ensure equity groups are represented, language is current, the committee discussed ways to address these through departmental committees, speaking to MPs and addressing standing committees.
The committee then heard from Morna Ballantyne, Executive Director of the Child Care Advocacy Association of Canada for the PSAC, she presented on the representation of equity groups in leadership roles within the union. She concluded that in order for equity group representation to be successful, they need strong representation in their constituencies and in their leadership. She addressed the fact that despite increased diversity among union membership, the same diversity does not seem to be reflected in union leadership. The committee addressed the need to increase mobilization among all members at the local level. The committee also brought up ideas to ensure all equity groups are represented within USJE, especially during key meetings, such as convention.
The Committee also heard from Patricia Harewood, a legal officer at PSAC, who presented on recent and significant human rights cases based on family status, disability, and race. The committee then discussed the impact of these cases and the general direction USJE was taking when it comes to discrimination.
The committee also came up with the terms of reference which not only addresses equity related topics for the employer but within USJE as well.
One of the first orders of business was to ensure that all USJE members knew a meeting had taken place, and also that all members of the committee be listed on the USJE website along with contact information, should members have equity-related questions or concerns (available here).
The first meeting was productive. USJE would like to thank members Dave Paul, Tony Lawrence, Laurie-Ann Wesselby, Anne Blouin, Sonia O’Brien-Colterman, Sharon Lahey, and chair Lynette Robinson for dedicating their time to this important initiative. USJE looks forward to a more equitable future!