Coalition of Racialized Workers (CORW)

Dr. Ashford Kerr
[email protected]
Region 1

Simone Warner
[email protected]
(226) 350-5675
2nd Vice-Chair
Region 1

Donna D’Abreu
[email protected]
(289) 680-6141
Region 2

Genea Hylton
[email protected]
Region 2

Robert Fong
3rd Vice-Chair
Region 3

Shyane Misick
[email protected]
Region 3

Ala Qadi
1st Vice-Chair
Region 4

Francis Kamara
[email protected]
(236) 878-8610 
Region 4

Toni Pettit
[email protected]
(647) 685-8574
Chair
Region 5

TJ Taylor
[email protected]
Secretary
Region 5

Carol Mundley
[email protected]
(647) 625-6582 
Region 5

Dr. Neivin Shalabi
[email protected]
(905) 932-3888
Treasurer
Region 5

Eramanan Ragukandan
[email protected]
Region 7

The Coalition of Racialized Workers (CORW) within OPSEU/SEFPO aims to empower, educate, and organize Black and racialized workers, ensuring their adequate representation and participation in the union. We also focus on dismantling racism and discrimination within the union’s systems and structures.

Advocacy and Representation

The CORW advocates for the rights and needs of Black and racialized workers within OPSEU/SEFPO, ensuring we have a voice in decision-making processes.

Organizing and Education

The CORW organizes and educates Black and racialized workers, empowering them to participate fully in union activities and advocate for their rights.

Anti-Racism and Equity

The CORW works to dismantle anti-Black, and all forms of racism within OPSEU/SEFPO’s structures and policies.

Data Collection and Analysis

The CORW promotes the collection and analysis of data to monitor the situation of Black and racialized groups within the union and identify areas where systemic barriers need to be addressed.

Policy Review

The CORW reviews OPSEU/SEFPO’s policies, constitution, and regulations to identify and address any discriminatory practices.

Coalition Building

The CORW collaborates with other equity-seeking groups to broaden its goals and build stronger coalitions within the community.

OPSEU/SEFPO has a strong history of challenging racism. Over two decades ago, the Workers of Colour Caucus was created to address the evolving demographics and to promote the involvement of Black and racialized members in the union. It aimed to secure the union’s future by embracing diversity, organizing, educating, and empowering Black and racialized members to fully participate in the union’s activities. Since that crucial milestone, our union has challenged racism through a wide range of initiatives.

We must build on this work and do more. The devastating effects of colonization are ongoing. Racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia hate crimes are a harmful reality in Canada and across the world. Canada’s history continues to be shaped by all forms of racism, including anti-Black Racism, anti-Indigenous racism, anti-Asian racism and other forms of racism. Black and racialized members continue to experience discrimination in and outside the union, and those who are women, persons with disabilities or LGBTQ2+ members are likely to face more discrimination. Anti-racism work needs a strong intersectional lens. Black and racialized members are overrepresented in precarious jobs and less likely to be involved in the union. Black and racialized workers are underrepresented among our membership compared to their representation in our workplaces. The Social Mapping Project (SMP) suggested that Black and racialized members are under-represented in local elected positions and face challenges in becoming more involved in our union. As trade unionists, we know that we cannot achieve economic justice without achieving racial justice.

For more information about the Coalition of Racialized Workers (PDF).