“Never underestimate the power of a woman. As the world is on fire we will burn, but we will rise and we will accomplish and achieve.” – Megan Whitfield
Megan Whitfield embodied all of these characteristics and so much more, and the void her passing has left at CUPW, and within the labour movement, will never be fully filled.
Megan began her career at Canada Post in 1998 as a postal clerk at the South Central Letter Processing Plant in Toronto. It didn’t take her very long to become involved with the union – first as a shop steward, then as a health and safety representative, and finally as chief shop steward. In 2014, she became the first Black woman elected President of the Toronto local, the largest local in Canada. It is never easy to lead a large local, but Megan did it with tenacity, professionalism, and integrity. She was a dynamic and fearless leader at the forefront of struggles for pay equity, health and safety, full-time staffing, and respect at the workplace.
In addition to fighting for the rights of postal workers, Megan understood the need for a strong, united, and active labour movement that would fight for all working people. She represented CUPW on the Executive Committee, and also served as Equity Vice-President of the Ontario Federation of Labour. She worked with our allies, including ACORN, in their struggle to end poverty, and supported our joint campaign to create a postal bank that would promote social and financial inclusion.
She was a tenacious and tireless champion in the struggle against racism, sexism, and intolerance. She was a strong advocate for greater diversity in the leadership of the labour movement. She was a long-time member and Board member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ Canadian Chapter and was part of the Coalition’s Regional Women’s Committee and its International Constitution Committee. She also previously sat on CUPW’s National Human Rights Committee.
She was admired by so many for her commitment and fearless advocacy of worker’s rights and social justice. Her work must not go unfinished.
We must continue the great work that Megan was part of, and keep pushing for fair and equitable treatment of all people.
Our thoughts go out to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
In solidarity,