Thompson Electrifies 1,500 Delegates at CBTU Convention in Houston

May 24, 2024 – Houston, Texas. Nicholas Marcus Thompson delivered a commanding keynote to a standing-room-only audience of over 1,500 delegates at the 53rd International Convention of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU), held in Houston, Texas.

The convention, themed “Never Back, Always Forward: Hate Cannot Erase Us,” marked a crucial moment for Black labour leadership across North America. CBTU represents approximately 2.4 million Black trade unionists in the United States and Canada, making it the most powerful Black-led labour organization on the continent.

Following a moving video on Canada’s Black Class Action and a formal introduction, Thompson stepped onto the stage with fire and focus. His opening words sparked the room:

Together we can dismantle the barriers that were put up to oppress us. Together we can build new systems with us in mind—because nothing about us, without us.

Thompson spoke about the historic legal and organizing efforts he leads in Canada, aimed at dismantling systemic anti-Black racism in the federal public service. Since filing the class action in 2020, the movement has overcome deep resistance from unions, government institutions, and political leaders alike.

Our unions told us no. Our workplaces told us no. Politicians told us no. But we did not take no for an answer. We organized. We persisted. And now, they’re standing with us.

He detailed hard-won victories that followed:

• Amendments to the Public Service Employment Act, reforming how hiring and promotions are conducted.

• A $50 million mental health and career development fund for Black federal workers.

• The historic proposal to formally recognize Black people in Canada’s Employment Equity Act, a move that would correct decades of erasure in workplace equity legislation.

Thompson called on workers to send a message to the Government of Canada to settle the Black Class Action.

What followed was thunderous. Hundreds of voices roared in unison:

“Settle the Black Class Action! Settle the Black Class Action!”

The chant echoed through the convention hall: powerful, unwavering, unforgettable.

From Houston to Ottawa, the message was clear:

The world is watching. And the time for justice is now.