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TYRLC 150 years

In 1986, he became the first Black person in Canada to be elected head of a union.

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Herman Stewart

President, International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union

Originally from Jamaica, Herman Stewart got his first taste of union involvement when he played a key role in organizing his workplace into the United Steelworkers. In 1986, he became the first Black person in Canada to be elected head of a union, the International Ladies’ Garment Workers Union, where he implemented many progressive changes. Stewart continues to be a strong advocate on behalf of the Afro-Caribbean community in Ontario, speaking out and lobbying governments on issues such as employment equity, human rights, police/community relations and immigration.

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