The National Racial Justice Committee works to combat racism and discrimination, and to promote employment equity.
They review, evaluate, monitor and assist in developing CUPE policies and programs to ensure our commitment to the rights of all workers of colour in our communities, locally, nationally and internationally.
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Racial equality
CUPE represents thousands of racialized workers in Canada. We work hard to make sure they have the same opportunities as other workers. We’ve taken action to make our workplaces and all levels of our union reflective of Canada’s diverse and changing demographics. Our work extends to our communities, where we advocate for fair and equal rights for all members, regardless of race or ethnicity.
Eric Ravelojaona : Union activism that brings people together
With a passion for defending workers’ rights, Eric Ravelojaona arrived in Canada 23 years ago. Originally from Madagascar, he first worked in the hospitality sector under a closed work permit, where he endured thankless and demanding working conditions. At the time, like many newcomers, he did not know his rights and was not unionized, a situation where he felt he needed to accept everything his employer demanded and avoid asking questions.
Cora Mojica: For all the workers who have struggled
As part of our union’s commitment to learn from the experiences and celebrate the successes of Black, Indigenous and racialized CUPE members, CUPE is profiling members of the National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council. This month, meet National Racial Justice Committee member Cora Mojica.
News
Calvin Scott: Planting the seeds of change
“What really drives me is knowing I’m there to help guide students who look like me and may suffer some of the same experiences I had,” says National Racial Justice Committee member Calvin Scott in this profile, part of a series sharing the stories of members of the National Indigenous Council and National Racial Justice Committee.
Member profiles
Marcela Quinonez: Keep moving forward, even with small steps
Marcela Quinonez knows what it’s like to not be able to turn to anyone who looks like you at work. It lit a fire inside her. “I made it my mission to be a visible representative of racialized people.” Learn more in this profile, one of a series sharing the stories of National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council members.
Member profiles
Edward Avinesh Parsotam: Trust builds engagement
Edward Avinesh Parsotam is deeply involved in our union. But it wasn’t always that way. Learn how Edward persisted in the face of racism to become an activist and leader. This profile is part of a series introducing the members of CUPE’s National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council.
Member profiles
Sharon Stanley: Be a listener, not just a talker
Sharon Stanley is a seasoned activist and leader who lives by one important rule when she’s fighting for racial and social justice: “If you’re going to use wisdom you have to be a listener. You can’t just be a talker.” Get to know Sharon in this profile, one of a series sharing the stories of National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council members.
Member profiles
Debra Mason: Your value is as a human being
From her early days as a community activist to fighting concessions during a tough round of bargaining, Debra Mason has always helped workers fight for their rights. Find out what drives her in this profile, one in a series sharing the stories of National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council members.
Member profiles
Valerie Joseph: We must tackle the root of racism
Valerie Joseph is a seasoned activist who isn’t afraid to have difficult conversations and speak hard truths, because she knows that’s what it takes to build a strong, anti-racist union. Get to know her in this profile, one in a series profiling members of the National Racial Justice Committee and National Indigenous Council.