Disability Justice Priorities 2023

Toronto – January 24, 2023 – UFCW Canada remains committed to strengthening disability justice and the tireless work of labour activists challenging systemic ableism in society.

CBC live recently aired a radio segment hosted by UFCW 832 member Carlos Sosa. In this program, Carlos explores how people with disabilities are forced to get by with less and less in this time of inflation alongside service gaps that are deepening the experience of poverty amongst persons with disabilities in Canada. Listen to the segment here.

Recently, The Disability in Canada National Conference convened hundreds of disability justice activists working in various areas within society to advance disability rights across Canadian communities. UFCW Canada activists and leaders of the Canadian Labour Congress led a workshop entitled, “How unions advance disability rights at work and build fairer more inclusive workplaces.” Union activists engaged workshop participants in a discussion on essential strategies to create disability affirming workplaces.

The session recording is now available for viewing here. 

UFCW Canada also continues to join disability organizations in advocating for the passing of The Canada Disability Act (Bill C-22). Show your support for the campaign here

Furthermore, while the federal government of Canada has increased Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits from 15 to 26 weeks for claims starting December 18, 2022, UFCW Canada continues to advocate for a lowering of the 360-hour kick-in provision. Support the campaign here.

Check out the UFCW Canada Disability Justice Questionnaireto see what UFCW members had to say about their experience with disability inclusion at work hereand refer to the Canadian Labour Congress guide entitled “Doing Things Differently: A Disability Rights at Work Handbook”to support cba inclusion strategies.