On October 20 to 23, Abudi Awaysheh a member of our local in Vancouver, attended the Canadian Labour Congress’ 2nd National Human Rights Convention titled “Rise Up! 2016 – Live the Change” in Ottawa. Over one thousand people were in attendance, including guests from Canada’s Territorial and Provincial Federations of Labour, as well as Delegates and elected Union leaders from every National, Provincial and Territorial Union across the country, including many Unifor locals.
“Rise Up!” hosted more than 30 different workshops on a wide range of themes and topics that were dynamic, innovative, and informative providing a wealth of information to empower members on matters affecting workers at the workplace on matters including: Violence against Indigenous Women and Indigenous Rights, Mental Health at the Workplace, Islamophobia, Uber and the “gig economy”, Labour’s Feminist Agenda, Black Lives Matter, and inclusivity for LGBTQ members at the workplace and the union. Abudi also attended the Disability Rights and Workers of Colour Caucus.
Many inspirational speakers gave excellent speeches. Hassan Minhaj Senior Correspondent on the Daily Show spoke about the generational dichotomy in his own family: fear vs fearlessness in standing up to Islamophobia. Hassan Yussuff, CLC President spoke about how despite the fact that immigrants continue to change the face for the country for the better, some politicians and media outlets continue to spread misleading information that stirs bigotry and fear and the labour movement has to rise up to this challenge. Danny Glover, Human Rights Activist and Actor, spoke about how celebrities by their actions and words (or lack thereof), play a direct role in framing the public’s perception on the rights of workers, women, and minorities, and his role as an activist in the Civil Rights Movement. Lastly, Reverend Terry Melvin, President of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Secretary-Treasurer of New York State AFL—CIO transformed the Shaw Centre’s Canada Hall into a frenzy with his excellent oratory skills urging participants to “Rise Up” against more than 20 different injustices, and fears, that workers, people of colour, immigrants, women, LGBTQ persons, and people of various faiths experience on a daily basis.
Respectfully submitted by Abudi Awaysheh
