For the labour movement it is important on December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, to draw attention to the gender-based violence and harassment that workers in New Brunswick experience, every single day. It is a time to reflect on our role in the effort to eliminate gender-based violence and harassment in our homes, our communities, and our workplaces and unions.
“This year, the New Brunswick Federation of Labour is saying that it’s time to move from awareness raising to action by adding our voices to a global effort to end harassment and violence in the world of work;” says Heather Fraser, New Brunswick Federation of Labour Vice-President responsible for Women’s Issues. “Canada should ratify the international labour organization’s convention 190.”
The international labour organization’s (ILO) convention 190 (C-190) is the first international standard that aims to put an end to violence and harassment in the world of work. It recognizes that everyone has the right to a world of work free from violence and harassment. It also recreates an internationally recognized definition for violence and harassment.
“We can be proud of the work the labour movement has already done and will continue to do to end all forms of gender-based violence. For decades, unions have been negotiating collective agreement language on sexual harassment and raising awareness of all forms of gender-based violence at work,” says Daniel Legere, President of the New Brunswick Federation of Labour.
Every year, from November 25, (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (the World Human Rights Day), Canadians participate in the United Nations’ 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which was started by activists at the inaugural Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.
December 6, the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence against Women, falls within those 16 days of activism. It commemorates the École Polytechnique Massacre. On December 6, 1989, fourteen young women lost their lives simply because they were women. Since then, we take a moment on December 6 to mourn these 14 young women and all women and girls who were murdered or experienced various forms of violence in their homes, their communities, and workplaces. We also take this time to renew our commitment to work for change and to build a society based on respect, equality and peace.
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The New Brunswick Federation of Labour represents over 38,000 unionized workers and is the central voice of organized labour in the province.
For information, please contact:
Heather Fraser
Vice-President responsible for Women’s Issues
New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 381-4285 (cell)
Daniel Legere
President
New Brunswick Federation of Labour
(506) 857-2125 / (506) 381-8969 (cell)