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December 3 is the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations theme for this year is “Break Barriers, Open Doors,” and calls on us to work together to build an inclusive society for all.
This is a theme that we, as union members, can easily embrace. For 50 years, CUPE Ontario has been standing up for fairness and together we have made important advances in accessibility and equity for workers with disabilities.
By bargaining for equity language and accommodation, we help to open doors within workplaces. Through political action, we support laws that break down barriers throughout society.
In October, the CUPE National Convention recognized the dedicated work of Brother Ray Smith from Local 1750. His work included helping launch the “A Solidarity of Abilities” campaign nationally. The campaign was created to help CUPE members across Canada understand how disabilities can affect them and their colleagues, and how the duty to accommodate – an important employer responsibility enshrined in Canadian law – can help improve working life.
Despite the important advances we have made, the road to equality for persons with disabilities remains a long one.
Approximately 15 percent of people have some form of disability. Persons with disabilities already struggle with very high rates of unemployment and poverty. The austerity agenda of federal, provincial and municipal governments has meant cuts to services that persons with disabilities rely on.
In short, austerity is closing doors and raising barriers.
On this day, we call on all CUPE Ontario members to renew their commitment to bargaining language and supporting legislation that will do what governments are failing to do: Open doors and break barriers.
You can start by writing your MPP and asking for the government to clearly lay out its plans to implement the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. We also urge Locals to send workers with disabilities to the CUPE Ontario Human Rights Conference in December, where they can work with our sisters and brothers to continue our pursuit of fairness.
