Black employees want equality and representation
Black employees sue the Federal Government for decades damages include the wrongful failure to promote, intentional infliction of mental suffering, constructive dismissal, wrongful termination, negligence, and in particular, violations of employment law, human rights law, and Charter breaches.
There have been many class action lawsuits filed against the Canadian Federal Government but, never a class action on behalf of Black Public Service employees. The employees are seeking damages for decades of horrible treatment suffered at that hands of members of the federal government in positions of power.
In watching the video testimonials of several of the women who have decades of exemplary service to their department and country, it was quite disturbing to here how they were sexually and racially abused by members of the Government of Canada.
One employee recounted her 37 years of employment with the R.C.M.P and has never received a promotion. The R.C.M.P has also been no stranger to class action lawsuits for behavior and conduct that is in conflict to their of oath.
“The general belief solidly anchored within the police culture is that everyone should rely on individual merit alone in seeking employment or promotion. However, in the RCMP the reality is more “who you know” than “what you know”! In RCMP culture, “trust, norms, and networks” approved by the dominant group and those who hold the “keys to success”, determine who achieve advancement within the organization. Due to the lack of critical numbers throughout the ranks, BLACK members have always struggled with “acquiring” that essential “social capital” for career advancement!”
In statement obtained on the website for the plaintiffs said:
“A class action lawsuit has been filed in the Federal Court of Canada on behalf of Black federal employees. The lawsuit is seeking long-term solutions to permanently address systemic racism and discrimination in the Public Service of Canada.
This action concerns systemic racism in the Public Service of Canada, directed at self-identifying Black individuals who work for or with the Public Service of Canada – this includes current employees and those who have been employed within the past 50 years. Damages include the wrongful failure to promote, intentional infliction of mental suffering, constructive dismissal, wrongful termination, negligence, and in particular, violations of employment law, human rights law, and Charter breaches.
As a result of systemic discrimination, Canada has failed to achieve equality in the workplace, such that no person shall be denied employment opportunities or benefits for reasons unrelated to ability. In the fulfillment of the goal of workplace equality, Canada has failed to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment experienced by Black Canadians. See the FAQ questions on eligibility.”
The organizer for the Black Class Action lawsuit is Mr Nicholas Marcus Thompson. Thompson, an employee of the Canada Revenue Agency and labour union president, worked tirelessly to address systemic discrimination in the workplace to no avail.
Thompson made representation on behalf of Black workers to Commissioner of the CRA, the Minister of National Revenue, the Clerk of the Privy Council and the Hon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A lack of action by the employer and government led Thompson to mobilize workers ranging from the Canadian Human Rights Commission, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Department of National Defense and Public Prosecutions Canada to name a few.
Taking on the Federal Government is a monumental task which can take decades to before any amicable resolution or judgement is rendered. The group wants The Federal Government to adopt a policy for employment equity to further reflect the Black people in the general population that is 3.8%. This includes representation at all levels.
Additional details about the Black Class Action lawsuit can be found on the groups website. Mr Thompson has indicated that he remains committed to addressing systemic barriers that prevent Black workers from fully participating in Canadian life.
We recently wrote an article “95% of Black Businesses were denied funding by the Federal Government” which is a significant amount considering the under representation to this this sector.
Images sourced from https://www.blackclassaction.ca/
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