CUPE Ontario and the International Solidarity Committee (ISC) issued the following statement of support and solidarity with the Pinay Collection, a feminist social justice enterprise based in Canada and the Philippines:
CUPE Ontario and the ISC stand in solidarity with the Pinay Collection and their mission to support the rights of Filipino workers both at home and in Canada. Migrant workers make up the backbone of the Canadian economy yet suffer from chronic low pay and poor working conditions. This situation exists because of repressive work permits that are issued by Canada and that Amnesty International and the United Nations have equated to modern slavery
Filipinos have traditionally made up a huge part of Canada’s international labour. Through their sacrifice, they have played a massive role in creating the nation we know today. As a public service union, CUPE Ontario recognizes that all workers are united in their fight for better pay and working conditions and that it is only through international solidarity among workers that we can overcome the immense barriers that confront us all.
The Pinay Collection’s efforts work to organize and mobilize migrant workers in Canada and transportation and agricultural workers in the Philippines, all while centering the rights of women and LGBTQ people. The Pinay Collection is an inspiration to the movement and a model of what true solidarity can be. CUPE Ontario and the ISC affirm their dedication to fighting for the rights of workers in Canada, the Philippines, and around the world.
With international solidarity, we will win.
