Rev Left Radio Union Organizing, Islamic Faith, and the Collective Vision of Socialism
Oct 29, 2025
Aminah Sheikh, the Vice President of the Canadian Freelance Union and a dedicated labor organizer, discusses her transformative journey from a devout Muslim upbringing in Toronto to active participation in the labor movement. She explores how her Islamic faith aligns with socialist principles, offering a compelling perspective on solidarity and justice. Aminah shares experiences organizing in rural and Indigenous communities, insights from her work in Cuba, and the importance of face-to-face organizing in today's political landscape. Her hope is fueled by global movements for justice.
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Pay Equity Moment Sparked Her Organizing
- Aminah describes receiving large retro pay from a full-time union action that saved her financially and moved her to tears.
- That payout led her to connect with the union, offer to help with Instagram, and begin organizing work.
Faith And Socialism Can Reinforce Each Other
- Growing up religious and later working as a temp exposed Aminah to both exclusionary Islamist influences and the liberatory roots of Islamic teachings.
- Her union work revealed strong overlaps between Islamic concepts of wealth distribution and socialist principles.
Present Palestine As A Universal Labor Issue
- Frame Palestine solidarity as a universal workers' and human-rights issue rather than only an identity-based Muslim concern.
- Teach members that laws and definitions (like IHRA) criminalize ordinary debate and threaten all workers' rights.
