Content Warning: Mentions of Violence, Genocide, Racism, Colonialism, Islamophobia, etc.
Let us begin by offering our sincere condolences to all those who are mourning the losses of loved ones, family and community at the hands of white supremacy, colonialism, through murder, genocide, terrorism and hate.
This past Sunday three generations of a Muslim family were murdered by an act of hate and domestic terrorism. This family is being remembered as a loving kind and generous family; beloved in their community. Those who knew them describe them as a family that were always giving and participating in spreading goodness. They were targeted and killed because they were Muslim. UNIFOR 2025 mourns with our Muslim members and all members who are hurting by this latest act of white terrorism.
UNIFOR 2025 has a diverse membership who are not strangers to the pain and violence that befalls our communities. It has been particularly difficult these past few years, with mainstream media picking up on the atrocities that our communities have faced for decades, centuries even. Seeing them played back at each turn not only wounds and hurts our hearts, but also strengthens our resolve to fight harder against white supremacy and the violence that our communities continue to face.
Words are not sufficient to convey how we feel. It is actions that speak volumes. I encourage us all to continue moving beyond allyship and become anti-racist, anti-oppression, anti-colonialist activists. To be vocal, to educate, to stand beside our comrades and know when to step up or step back. UNIFOR 2025 executive members will continue to provide opportunities for learning and walk the path with you to building an anti-racist union, workplace and society.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Desmond Tutu
Our union will not remain neutral.
On behalf of UNIFOR Local 2025
Lori Walton (she/her)
UNIFOR 2025
VP – Human Rights
