Unifor’s anti-apartheid legacy recognized with South African government award

Unifor’s commitment to social justice and international solidarity has been recognized internationally. Trade union activists Ken Luckhardt and Brenda Wall received the Order of the Companions OR Tambo award from the South African government on April 30, 2024, for their key roles in the anti-apartheid movement.

“This award is a powerful reminder of the impact that collective action and solidarity can have in the fight for justice,” said Lana Payne, president of Unifor National. “It is a tribute to all members of our union and the wider public who stood up to apartheid, and a call to continue our efforts against oppression in all its forms. I want to congratulate and thank both Ken and Brenda for all their efforts.

The apartheid era in South Africa refers to a period of deep institutionalized racial segregation in the country and policies of social, economic and political discrimination implemented by the ruling all-White National Party starting in 1948 and continuing until the early 1990s.

This award highlights the historic work and lasting impact of Canadian labor in the fight against apartheid and CAW’s role in mobilizing support against the repressive regime in South Africa. The union’s involvement ranged from organizing boycotts of South African products to providing financial and logistical support to the anti-apartheid movement.

Former CAW president Bob White was an integral part of the Canadian anti-apartheid movement. Recognizing the significant role that trade unions played in the fight against apartheid in South Africa, he led the cause for change on behalf of the Canadian labor movement, becoming an outspoken advocate of boycott and solidarity, including on behalf of the Southern African Congress of Trade Unions (SACTU). . Recorded messages of solidarity from Bob were played at train stations across South Africa, encouraging workers to stay strong in the face of adversity and promising Canada’s support.

“We knew that every action we took, from boycotting South African goods to supporting local strikes, was a step toward dismantling a system of racial oppression,” said Ken Luckhardt, former CAW PEL director and International Department staff representative. “It was about more than just economic pressure. It was a moral imperative.”

The efforts of Unifor’s predecessor union were not limited to economic sanctions. The union also focused on member education and awareness, helping to shape public opinion and influence government policy in Canada.

“Meeting Nelson Mandela and seeing first-hand the impact of our work was incredibly humbling,” said Brenda Wall, a long-time activist, researcher and writer with extensive experience in trade union and social justice work. “It reinforced the importance of international solidarity and the difference we can make when we act together.”

CAW’s efforts were part of a broader international movement that included the involvement of various sectors such as postal workers, communications workers and longshoremen’s unions. These groups took significant risks, often defying their own governments and employers, to show solidarity with South African workers.

“As Unifor continues to fight for social justice, recognizing the efforts of Ken Luckhardt and Brenda Wall serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of solidarity. The award from the South African government not only honors past achievements, but also encourages ongoing efforts to combat oppression around the world,” Payne said.

More information about Unifor’s social justice initiatives can be found at unifor.org/sjf.