The Jewish community has long played a central role in labour struggles and in the fight against discrimination in Canada. For Jewish Heritage Month, CUPE honours the historic role of the Jewish community in the promotion and defence of labour rights and social justice, and we call on our members to take action against the alarming surge of antisemitism in Canada and around the world. We must remain united and vigilant in our collective struggle against anti-Jewish hate.
As part of our celebration this year, we encourage members to learn more about Canada’s Jewish Labour Committee (JLC). Founded in the 1930s and active through the 1960s, the JLC worked through the labour movement to confront antisemitism and advance human rights. In 1947, the organization successfully lobbied to pass the first anti-discrimination resolution at the Canadian Congress of Labour, demanding “vigorous action” in “the fight for full equality for all peoples, regardless of race, colour, creed, or national origin.” The committee’s work helped embed human rights principles in Canadian labour and its legacy continues to shape our movement today.