Dear ACLA members and allies,
2025 was a difficult and yet inspiring year. Airline flight attendant workers almost brought us to a nationwide general strike, backed by strong public support and a growing antagonism against corporate elites and their agents in government. The fight reminded each of us about the power of working people when we act collectively.
Trump’s tariffs, which really represent an attempt at resolving the financial untenability of the American Empire and its endless militarism – has led to job losses and economic suffering across the globe. Here as elsewhere, governments have tried to get workers to pay the price. From factory blockades to other forms of direct action, workers are refusing to accept the rotten deal governments and bosses have tried to impose. Meanwhile, right wing forces have pushed anti immigrant and xenophobic sentiments which have manifested into devastatingly harmful government policies and social sentiments. The rise in anti-south Asian/Indian racism has also intensified. Labour and the left must be resolute in saying no to the scapegoating of migrants, no to racism and white supremacy – including in our own ranks.
This year also saw major shifts in the house of labour, perhaps unsurprising given the tumultuous times we’re facing. More than ever we need to be committed to building a militant multi racial, gender diverse working class movement that can take on the bosses and billionaires. This can only be done when we are in action and committed to building genuine solidarity across differences and with migrant and other marginalized workers. As we turn to 2026, let us continue to build institutions and structures that can take on capitalism and build a better world free from the injustices of the old.
Here’s a summary of ACLA Ontario’s key activities and highlights for 2025:
Role of Forming Unions Across the Food Sector
Guest presentation delivered in the University of Toronto course Food Justice: Labour, Solidarity and Sustainability Across the Food Chain, focusing on union organizing and worker power in the food sector.
January 20, 2025
Celebrating Lunar New Year
ACLA Ontario, together with Injured Workers Action for Justice (IWA4J), celebrated the Year of the Snake through a banquet gathering and organizing discussion exchange.
February 2, 2025
New One Community Fair – University of Toronto
Participated in a community fair hosted by New One: Learning Without Borders at New College, University of Toronto. The event connected students with grassroots organizations and offered insights into social justice movements in Canada.
March 6, 2025
ACLA Ontario and British Columbia Chapters Joint 25th Anniversary Statement
ACLA Ontario and British Columbia Chapters issued a joint statement marking the 25th anniversary of the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, recognizing 25 years of grassroots organizing, advocacy, and leadership development.
May 17, 2025
PSAC Ontario – Toronto Racialized Members Committee Asian Heritage Month Event
Presentation delivered in recognition of Asian Heritage Month at PSAC Ontario’s Toronto Racialized Members Committee event.
May 22, 2025
Documentary Screening: Exclusion: Beyond the Silence
In partnership with labour and community organizations, ACLA Ontario co-sponsored a free screening of Exclusion: Beyond the Silence. The documentary examines the human impact of discriminatory immigration policies and their lasting intergenerational trauma on Chinese Canadians, their families, and communities.
May 23, 2025
Unifor Asian Heritage Month Webinar
Participation in a panel discussion organized for Unifor members marking Asian Heritage Month, with a focus on the relationship between Asian immigration, labour, and the Canadian workforce.
May 27, 2025
Picnic in the Park
Provided greetings at a community picnic organized by Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW), Injured Workers Action for Justice, IAVGO, and Injured Workers Consultants, strengthening cross-movement solidarity.
August 16, 2025
Decolonizing History and Personal Memory: A View from the Global South
Organized a community event featuring Jojo Geronimo, Dr. Gyal Lo, Elizabeth Ha, and Winnie Ng, who shared reflections shaped by their connections to their homelands, their adopted country, and Indigenous peoples.
August 20, 2025
25th Anniversary Community Picnic
ACLA Ontario celebrated its 25th anniversary with a community picnic at Dufferin Grove Park in Toronto, bringing together members, allies, and supporters to reflect on ACLA’s history, achievements, and future directions. The gathering also featured a presentation by Winnie Ng and Salmaan Khan, The Importance of Unions in Reducing Racial Inequality: New Data and Best Practices.
September 13, 2025
PSAC-UTE National Equal Opportunities Conference
Designed and co-facilitated a workshop for the PSAC Union of Taxation Employees’ National Equal Opportunities Conference, focusing on resilience and resistance in advancing equity for racialized workers.
October 25, 2025
KDLC Eastern Ontario Labour Health & Safety School
Facilitated a multi-day workshop on environmental racism and building Asian solidarity as part of the Kingston & District Labour Council’s Eastern Ontario Labour Health & Safety School.
November 1–5, 2025
ACLA BC and Ontario Joint 25th Anniversary Event
ACLA British Columbia and Ontario Chapters celebrated our 25th anniversary together with an online discussion exploring questions of labour and racial justice. The event featured ACLA union leaders and guest speakers involved in advancing worker justice within their communities and beyond.
November 15, 2025
Wishing you peace, love, and joy this holiday season and throughout 2026.
In solidarity,
Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, Ontario Chapter
