What Rights Do I Have: As an Asian-Canadian worker? As a union member?
This workshop is for Asian newcomers to Canada and Asian Canadians who are new to working in either unionized or non-unionized workplaces. Come join us to share your experiences and learn about your rights and ways to improve conditions in the workplace and in a union.
Artists and presenters
Monica Urrutia, Core member, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
Monica Urrutia is a core member of the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance in B.C. She acknowledges the long history of ACLA. With her experience in community organizing she helped revitalize ACLA in B.C. in 2020 when the pandemic and a rise in anti-Asian racism hit Metro Vancouver. She wishes to organize Asian Canadian workers against racism (and other isms) and continue to connect struggles against anti-Indigenous and anti-Black racism and more. She currently works in the labour movement and is active in her staff union, the Canadian Union of Labour Employees.
Julie Diesta, Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights (CDWCR)
Julie arrived in Canada in 1991 from Singapore under the Foreign Domestic Movement Program or FDM. She is a steering committee member of the Vancouver Committee for Domestic Workers and Caregivers Rights or CDWCR since it was established in 1992.CDWCR was formed to empower other domestic workers and caregivers so that they can collectively fight for justice and equity. The demand for landed status upon arrival and to those who are already here has continued to be our rallying call for justice and equity. Julie worked in the childcare field for 26 years (nanny, operated family daycare, out of school care, pre- school) and is currently working at South Vancouver Neighbourhood House as Migrant Worker Team Lead and Community Engagement Programmer.
Coly Chau, Core member, Asian Canadian Labour Alliance
Coly Chau (she/they) researches, writes and facilitates on race, migration, gender, sexuality and media. Coly strives to learn, work and organize alongside others in their communities towards liberatory futures.
Eric Seto, Communications/WCB Advocate Union representative for UFCW L247
Since it’s relaunch in 2020, Eric has been a part of the Asian Canadian Labour Alliance BC. With ACLA BC he has worked towards developing the Asian Canadian Labour Identity and generating Labour positive presence in the Asian Canadian Community. He identifies as a second generation Chinese Asian Canadian and has worked within the labour movement as a shop steward, Health & Safety officer, Executive Board Vice President, Union Organizer, and Union Staff Representative. Currently Eric is the Communications/WCB Advocate Union representative for UFCW L247.