Dear Sisters and Brothers:
The United Nations established December 3 as the International Day for Persons with Disabilities in order to increase awareness of the struggles faced by people with disabilities around the world.
Canada was, in fact, the first country to include legal protection for workers with disabilities in its Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, an accomplishment of which all Canadians can be proud.
Last year, CUPE realized the benefits of a yearlong disability rights awareness campaign, “A Solidarity of Abilities”, launched by CUPE’s National Persons with Disabilities Committee. This successful campaign resulted in training for staff and members in the accommodation of disabilities; the creation of posters, fact sheets, and pamphlets dealing with disability issues; coalition-building with a number of disability-related organizations across the country, and a variety of local awareness-raising activities and events across the country.
This year, CUPE’s disability activities are focused on the international level, working with organizations like the Canadian Labour Congress, the Council of Canadians with Disabilities, and other civil society groups to ensure that the federal government lives up to its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was ratified by Canada on March 11, 2010.
On March 20, 2014, Canada released its initial report to the UN Committee, regarding its compliance with its Convention obligations.
During the fall, CUPE’s National Persons with Disabilities Committee will be working with Council of Canadians with Disabilities on a shadow report to the federal government’s official report. CUPE is committed to holding the government accountable and ensuring that Canada meets its obligations in a robust and meaningful way that provides real support to the millions of Canadians, and thousands of CUPE members, who live with disabilities every day.
What can CUPE members do?
- Ensure you understand disability rights. Attend CUPE’s weeklong Duty to Accommodate workshop or ask for it to be offered to your local. Visit cupe.ca/union-education for more info. Visit cupe.ca/disability-rights for fact sheets and other materials on disability rights in the workplace.
- Acquaint yourself with the federal government report to the United Nations at ccdonline.ca.
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Write your Member of Parliament about the need for Canada to develop concrete plans for significant and measurable action to advance its international obligations.
Together, we can insure that the rights of our members, and all people with disabilities, are protected and improved.
In solidarity,
Paul Moist
National President
Charles Fleury
National Secretary-Treasurer