The president of the African Community Organization of Windsor says he has no doubt what the noose represents after three incidents at the Windsor Assembly Plant.
Kenny Gbadebo believes it's undoubtedly racism and he says it's still happening in many workplaces.
Police and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Canada are investigating the alleged cases of racial harassment that occurred at the plant over the past week. Investigators believe a black sub-contractor is the intended target.
“After so many years of being in Windsor, I wasn't surprised,” says Gbadebo. “It's something that is happening all the time, and is something that is happening more and more."
Two nooses were found last week and one this week, according to Rob Petroni, business manager for Liuna Local 625. The union says this could be a really bad joke, but they believe it's likely racism.
Petroni says a noose was placed near a black sub-contractor's work station three times and it has workers and union officials shaken.
“It sickens me to no end that somebody's that much of a coward to do that," says Petroni.
Petroni expressed shock, disappointment and anger at the situation - a feeling shared by his membership.
Meanwhile, police and Fiat-Chrysler look for the person or people responsible.
"My main focus is on the members, and the member's family,” says Petroni.
Petroni says Liuna 625 is likely the most diverse union in Windsor. He estimates about 50 per cent of his workforce come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.
Despite being the fourth-most multicultural community in Canada, Gbadebo says Windsor is still a city where racism is rampant.
He claims he's experienced racism while working for different employers and can relate to the alleged victim.
“I used to come home, cry every day,” says Gbadebo. “Psychologically you're affected by the whole thing. You feel worthless, you feel unloved, you feel this sense of not belonging."
Gbadebo says historically, the noose is a symbol of repression and dominance and to see it in this context is like "history itself is repeating itself, as we continue this type of practices."
He says he commends the sub-contractor for having the courage to report the incident to management and police.
He says change will only happen through education at school and in the workplace.
"People out there still very ignorant and what we need to do it intensify education to hope we can make a change for the better," says Gbadebo.
Legally this cannot be labelled a hate crime at this point. Right now police say there's no suspect and therefore, no motive.
But union officials believe it's only a matter of time before the culprit or culprits are found.
