August 13, 2021
In 2011, at the Union of National Employees’ (UNE) Triennial a resolution was passed, with no challenges that allowed UNE members to observe August 14 as UNE’s Multiculturalism Day.
The intention behind this resolution was to foster a sense of pride, continued pride in UNE’s commitment to the rights of all of its members. More particularly, recognizing UNE’s contributions in the Human Rights arena, and more importantly acknowledging its very own Human Rights Committee and the work accomplished within that committee.
Canada as a country of diverse peoples and cultures celebrates Multiculturalism Day on June 27; however, UNE has gone a step further. As a union aware of its privilege, its place and its the role in the lives of its diverse membership, UNE has allocated another day whereby its membership, through its regional and Local representatives, is reminded to encourage the celebration of diversity throughout the rank and file of its Regions’ membership.
Let us as union comrades, UNE members, commemorate August 14 as a day to herald the diversity of our membership and celebrate our achievements, especially those won under the umbrella of Human Rights. A re-commitment to this day, August 14, as UNE’s Multiculturalism Day needs to be established and encouraged; always with focus, for with all that we have accomplished is as far as we still need to go.
Hayley Millington
UNE National Equity Representative for Racially Visible People