March 30, 2021

 

From the very beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Asian people have been  unfairly vilified and scapegoated as responsible for the virus and its spread. This has led to an increase in anti-Asian racism, around the world, including in our country.

A new report from the Chinese Canadian National Council, tallied over 1,000 incidents of anti-Asian racism since the beginning of the pandemic. These incidents range from physical and public assaults, vandalism, and racial slurs and epithets to name a few. 

The CUPW membership includes a significant number of Asian-Canadians. This study tells us that in addition to facing workplace stress and the pressure of working and staying safe during a pandemic, they are also experiencing an increased level of racism, which has often been violent.

This means that our members may not feel safe at work, on transit, going shopping, out for a walk, or participating in any public activity. This is unacceptable. We know that racism is a disease that hurts everyone. CUPW knows that an injury to one is an injury to all. For these reasons, CUPW is taking a strong stand against anti-Asian racism. We must support our Asian members and we will do everything possible to make sure that they feel safe and supported, not only in the workplace but everywhere.

CUPW is asking everyone to oppose anti-Asian racism. We are asking you to speak up if you see or hear racist comments or behaviour. We are asking you to support our Asian-Canadian brothers, sisters, friends.
We all have an obligation to build a new world free of racism.

In solidarity,

Jan Simpson
National President
2019-2023_