Human Rights

Anti-Racism Pamphlet

October 2001

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is deeply concerned about the recent rise of acts of racism and violence against our brothers and sisters who are from Arab, Sikh, Muslim and other racially visible communities. In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, more and more of our racially visible members are the target of racial harassment and discrimination at the workplace and in the community. And while this intolerance may be manifested in different ways, from the attacks on mosques and community centres to racial slurs and physical attacks made against individuals, the general trend is the same: acts of racism are on the rise everywhere.

Our union stands against racism as a matter of fundamental principle. Racism and xenophobia contradict and undermine our union struggle for equality, inclusiveness and social justice. Hatred, intolerance and discrimination lead to the denial of basic human rights and fundamental freedoms, endanger peace and economic and social security. We do not have any doubt that the acts of terror and the aftermath will have a detrimental effect on all working men and women and their families.

The PSAC calls on its members to step up the fight against racism and xenophobia at the workplace and in society. Racially visible members are very much part of our labour movement and history. We must demonstrate our solidarity and our leadership in sensitizing our co-workers, our neighbours and members of our communities to the injustice of racism and hatred. We’ve learned painful lessons from past treatment of racially visible and Aboriginal communities.

PSAC - Living up to its Anti-Racism Commitment

The Public Service Alliance of Canada is committed to ensuring that the dignity, respect, equality and inclusion of racially visible and Aboriginal peoples are protected and embedded in our Union’s mandate and our work. We oppose those who unleash attacks on entire racialized communities and we condemn the backlash that has been provoked.

The PSAC also denounces those employers and corporations who are using the events occurred on September 11 to trigger massive and irresponsible job cuts in processing, transportation and communication sectors, and thereby contributing to panic and uncertainty.

In the face of fear and war mongering, the PSAC will continue to support human rights, employment equity, the right to freedom of association, free speech and peaceful forms of dissent. We stand in solidarity with all who have been and continue to be affected by the horrific events of September 11 and its aftermath.

What Can PSAC Members Do?

1. Challenge our own racist assumptions and beliefs;

2. Learn more about racially visible people and their communities;

3. Stand with racially visible communities and speak out against hatred and racism;

4. Act against racist incidents;

5. Learn and make use of PSAC’s and your employer’s human rights policies, such as anti-harassment policy, policy/protocol related to assaults in the workplace or anti-racism policy;

6. Contact public institutions and officials to encourage their continuing support for human rights and anti-racism;

7. Make a long-term commitment to ending racism in our workplaces, our institutions and our communities - GET INVOLVED;

8. Join or support organizations that are working to build inclusive communities;

9. HAVE COURAGE! Stand up against hate and racism!