Interrupt Hate on Pink Shirt Day – February 25

Toronto – February 20, 2026 – Each year, on the last Wednesday of February, Canadians mark Pink Shirt Day - a global day of action to stand up against bullying and promote kindness, inclusion, and respect in our schools, workplaces, and communities.

Pink Shirt Day began in 2007 in Berwick, Nova Scotia, after a new student was bullied for wearing a pink shirt. In response, two Grade 12 students bought dozens of pink shirts and encouraged their classmates to wear them in solidarity. The next day, the school was filled with pink—a powerful reminder that collective action can challenge hate and create change.

In 2026, UFCW Canada is proud to once again stand with members across the country in support of this important day. This year, UFCW Canada created special pink shirts emblazoned with the message “Interrupt Hate”—a call for workers and allies to take action when they see bullying, discrimination, or harassment in any form. Because when we interrupt hate, we protect each other and strengthen our workplaces.

UFCW knows that bullying at work often shows up as discrimination—through favouritism, reprisals, inappropriate jokes, or violations of human rights. Bullies rely on silence and isolation. But there is nothing stronger than workers standing together to say “no” to bullying and discrimination.

Understanding Bullying: What It Is and What It Is Not

Workplace bullying includes any inappropriate conduct or comment that a person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause a worker to feel humiliated or intimidated. It does not include reasonable management actions related to directing work or the workplace.

Bullying can take many forms, including verbal insults, spreading malicious rumours, sabotaging someone’s work, vandalizing belongings, targeted social isolation, aggressive gestures, harmful initiation practices, personal attacks, or even threats and physical assault. Some behaviours are overt; others are subtle.

Pink Shirt Day is more than just wearing pink, it’s a call to action. Speak up when you witness bullying. Support those affected. Learn about prevention. Enforce anti-bullying policies and advocate for stronger protections.

Bullying is not part of anybody’s job. On Pink Shirt Day, and every day, UFCW members are committed to interrupting hate, standing in solidarity, and building workplaces rooted in dignity and respect for all.