Warren Williams Interview: A Family Legacy of Railway Work and Union Leadership
Warren Williams’ labour activism came to him through his family, who has a deep connection to Canada’s Black community. Warren’s uncle, Lee Williams, fought for equal employment rights for Canadian sleeping car porters, and the formation of the Order of Black Sleeping Car Porters when Black workers were barred from membership in white railway unions. In this interview, Williams describes his family’s history and his own work experiences that led him to become the President of CUPE Local 15, one of the largest CUPE locals in Canada.
This interview was conducted by Rod Mickleburgh on February 19, 2021 via video conferencing from Burnaby, BC. It is part of our Oral History Collection.
Warren Williams’ labour activism came to him through his family, who has a deep connection to Canada’s black community. Warren’s uncle, Lee Williams, fought for equal employment rights for Canadian sleeping car porters, and the formation of the Order of Black Sleeping Car Porters when blacks were barred from membership in white railway unions. In this interview, Williams describes his family’s history and his own work experiences that led him to become the President of CUPE Local 15, one of the largest CUPE locals in Canada.