Dear ACLA members and allies,
As we come to the end of 2024, the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance would like to share some highlights from the year with you.
2024 has been a challenging year on multiple fronts, reminding us once again how crucial it is that we educate, agitate, and organize. Over this year, ACLA has organized and participated in several actions and events, and continued our work of strengthening a principled labour movement, grounded in anti-racism and social justice.
Here are some highlights:
Rabble Radio: Examining Asian labour history and challenging white supremacy
In recognition of Asian Heritage Month in Canada celebrated annually during the month of May, ACLA was invited to share our thoughts on Rabble Radio on the history of Asian labour in Canada. Listen to the two-part podcast conversation between rabble’s labour reporter Kiah Lucero, and Patricia Chong and Karine Ng from ACLA’s Ontario and BC chapter – May 2024
PART I: https://rabble.ca/podcast/asian-canadian-labour-history-part-1/
PART II: https://rabble.ca/podcast/asian-canadian-labour-history-part-2/
Documentary screening of Big Fight in Little Chinatown
ACLA together with our labour and community partners held a free documentary screening of Big Fight in Little Chinatown. Filmmaker Karen Cho was available to discuss current land struggles and issues in Chinatown – May 3, 2024
Community Rally at WSIB organized by Injured Workers Action for Justice, Justice for Migrant Workers, and IAVGO Community Legal Clinic
ACLA members joined the community protest and rally to demand action for injured workers at the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB) – Sept 27, 2024
New ACLA website
Launched at the beginning of this month, check out ACLA’s new website www.asianlabour.ca which prominently features ACLA news and activities from the Ontario and British Columbia chapters. This year-long project was a collaborative effort by both chapters to update the look and function of our website. A special thank you to Website Developer, Samantha Bangayan for guiding and building ACLA’s new website – Dec 1, 2024
PSAC Ontario Anti-Harassment Summit
ACLA was a panelist at the PSAC Ontario Anti-Harassment Summit. The talk was focused on identifying racist microaggressions, providing insights on how to address different situations – Dec 7, 2024
RAW Taiko’s Sustain Salon
ACLA members attended RAW Taiko’s “Sustain Salon” showcasing special performances and discussion on RAW’s history and future plans. RAW Taiko mobilizes “the sound and power of taiko as a challenge to systemic and internalized racism and as a catalyst for social action. We look forward to a renewed and strengthened ACLA and RAW Taiko partnership – Dec 8, 2024
J4MW’s Bad Boss Tour
ACLA participated in the Justice for Migrant Workers (J4MW) ‘Bad Boss’ Tour, which began at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB). The tour visited several locations across Toronto that are notorious for denying fairness and justice to migrant workers – Dec 13, 2024
Chinese Workers’ Network Annual Year End Gathering
ACLA members attended the Toronto and York Region Labour Council Chinese Workers’ Network (CWN) Year End Gathering – Dec 13, 2024
CUPW Strike Solidarity Rallies
ACLA members joined the Scarborough and Toronto solidarity rallies in support of striking CUPW workers fighting to keep good jobs and benefits, decent and safe working conditions – Nov 25 & Dec 16, 2024
ACLA’s Traveling Exhibit
ACLA’s traveling exhibit showcasing stories about Asian Canadian workers has made its way across Canada. Brilliantly laid out by artist/activist, Emmie Tsumura, a set of 4 pull up banner scrolls have been on display at numerous union conventions and conferences. Book it for your next union or community event by contacting info@asianlabour.ca. Check out our brochure for more info.
Wishing you peace, love, and joy this holiday season and throughout 2025.
In solidarity,
Asian Canadian Labour Alliance, Ontario Chapter
