The seniority rights of long-term employees are no up for grabs here. Instead of questioning their seniority rights, employers should reward longstanding workers for their service and beef up their opportunities for early retirement. An unstable economy is no reason to abandon the pursuit of justice. Members of the designated groups deserve equal access to employment and fair rewards, especially to employment times. In fact, it is well documented that such groups are particularly hard hit by an economic downturn.
All workers seek decent jobs, wages, and opportunities for transfer and promotion.
Employment equity, however, is necessary to achieve these goals for persons who face extreme barriers. Just like our battle against concessions a decade ago, we can negotiate effective employment equity, while building membership support and playing a firm role as leadership. While community groups and unions often sing the praises of employment equity, some members of designated groups are concerned that such programmes may set off a racist or sexist backlash. No doubt, some employers may hire members of the designated groups just to give the illusion of progress. But this is not what employment equity is about.