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Dismantling Anti-Black Racism in Construction (Download PDF)

Toronto Community Benefits Network applauds industry for diversity and inclusion initiatives but say more needs to be done.

TORONTO – The Toronto Community Benefits Network (TCBN) is appalled that yet another noose – an odious symbol of oppression and anti-black racism – was recently found on a jobsite of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Construction Project, a Project that is subject to a Community Benefits Agreement.

These types of incidents, which are motivated by hate, serves as a disgraceful reminder that Black, Indigenous and other racialized people are often overlooked for workplace opportunities and discriminated against on jobsites because of their ethnicity and colour. The Ministry of Labour’s Chief Prevention Officer and a recent IHSA bulletin confirmed that racism on the jobsite is a form of workplace harassment and violence.

Following strong public outcry including from Black leaders and community groups across Toronto, several developers, construction unions, and industry associations denounced the nooses and took steps towards addressing systemic racism in the workplaces. They developed internal policies, hosted townhalls, and mandated anti-racism training for supervisors and/or all members. In February, they collaborated to create and sign onto the City of Toronto Declaration of Inclusive Workplaces and Communities, demonstrating their commitment to fighting racism.

In line with TCBN's recommendations for Dismantling Systemic and Anti-Black Racism in Construction, our Board of Directors, comprising 50% labour and 50% community, has endorsed the Declaration for Inclusive Workplaces.

“It is vital that these incidents are strenuously addressed. At the same time, reacting to them must be accompanied by proactive and preventative measures.” said Rosemarie Powell, Executive Director of TCBN. “One of the best deterrents will be for the industry to accelerate actions that will increase the diversity of their workforce.”

TCBN works with unions, employers, and governments to ensure historically disadvantaged communities and equity seeking groups get access to jobs and economic opportunities created from investment in major infrastructure and urban development projects. NexGen Builders, TCBN’s flagship mentoring program, is now in its fourth year and prepares Black, Indigenous and racialized youth, women, and newcomers to enter and succeed in unionized skilled trades and professional jobs made accessible through Community Benefits Agreements.

“Systemic and anti-Black racism has no place in our industry.” states Chris Campbell, Labour Co-Chair of the TCBN and Equity and Diversity Representative of the Carpenters’ District Council of Ontario. “The time is now to proactively root out any racist hiring, layoff and advancement practices and create a welcoming environment for current workers and the future generation of skilled workers.”

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The Toronto Community Benefits Network is a community/labour coalition of over 120 member organizations which initiated successful Community Benefit Agreements for the Eglinton Crosstown and Finch West LRT transit project, West Park Healthcare Centre and Woodbine Casino expansion.

For more information or to arrange an interview with one of our leaders please contact:

Michelle Francis, TCBN Tel.: 647-955-3873; [email protected]

Reporting to the Communications Manager, the Volunteer and Network Administrator is responsible for assisting with Volunteer Coordination, Administration and Data Management for all departments; Programs, Capacity Building, Membership and Campaigns. Working closely with the Communications Manager and entire TCBN Team, the Volunteer and Network Administrator will coordinate the administrative functions, ensuring that TCBNl objectives are addressed, planned activities occur, and outcomes are tracked and evaluated against proposed results and timelines. Additionally, the Volunteer and Network Administrator will convene and support staff meetings, working groups or committees, develop systems and procedures for various programs and organization practices, provide training for staff on procedures and data management tools, and assist in other ways to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the organization. Download Job Posting Here.

The Construction Industry Liaison is primarily responsible for active liaison with external stakeholders including general contractors, sub-contractors, trade unions, trades training centres, construction sector intermediary, construction and development bodies, developers, builders and site personnel to ensure the successful implementation of the Community Benefits Apprenticeship Plan.

* Note this position is a secondment contract with your current employer who must be a partnering union, industry association or contractor. In this case, an agreement must be negotiated between TCBN and your current employer for a specified term to be paid by TCBN to your current employer at the same rate and benefits as your current position. Download the job posting here.

Janvier Kenmoe is a Business Representative of LiUNA Local 183. He is a certified Blueprint Reader. He has been a member of LiUNA Local 183 for over 20 years and a union organizer for over nine years and is a current member of the LiUNA African American Canadian Caucus (LAACC). On behalf of the LAACC, Janvier volunteers with the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists as well as with the Toronto Community Benefits Network, where he has supported a number of community based initiatives through fundraising and program development. He was a guest speaker with Ontario Works, Tropicana, Building up, Trade Linx as well as various high schools in the GTA, churches and African community organizations. As the Director, Skill Development & Apprenticeship with ANCHOR - African-Canadian Coalition against Hate, Oppression & Racism, Janvier advocates for better treatment of Black youth in the school system.

Sherwin Steele is a Sheet Metal journeyman, Sheet Metal and Roofer Local 30, and S.M.A.R.T international member. As a member, he has served on numerous committees within his local union. He is the longest member on the education committee for 21 years, and also held the position of chair of this committee. He sits on the By-Law Committee and is one of the first people of colour fully certified as a steward in his union. As a former Executive Board member, he was also Vice President and the first person of colour to hold an office position in the 121 years of Local 30. Sherwin is also a mentor to apprentices who feel the challenges of being a person of colour in his union. He currently sits, and is the Secretary Treasurer for Hamilton Urban Core Healthcare services. This is all part of his work towards being involved in what concerns all people of colour. Sherwin has been relentless in his pursuit of engaging and helping young people of colour seeing trade as a viable future.

COMMUNITY BENEFITS RESEARCHER

1 POSITION

DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 5, 2021

Reporting to the Director, Community Benefits Campaigns, the Community Benefits Researcher is primarily responsible for leading community benefits research activities by supporting TCBN campaigns, initiatives and public policy goals. Learn more. Download the full job description HERE.

Janvier Kenmoe
Posted by Rosemarie Powell · February 25, 2021 10:36 AM

Sherwin Steele
Posted by Rosemarie Powell · February 25, 2021 10:35 AM

Mamadou Bah
Posted by Rosemarie Powell · February 10, 2021 3:51 PM