Dear Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,

In light of recent events, we feel it is critical for us to clearly communicate to you CUPE’s position on events in Israel and Palestine. We remain steadfast in our condemnation of the unfolding genocide and call for Israel to halt the bombardment of Gaza with an immediate and permanent ceasefire, a release of all hostages held by Hamas, the suspension of arms and military equipment to Israel, an end to the blockade of Gaza, and the immediate restoration of humanitarian aid.

We also feel it is incredibly important for us to stress that nothing about the position taken by our National Executive Board recently has been about silencing voices – Brother Fred Hahn’s or otherwise – on the issue of Palestine.

There is no place in our union – or in society as a whole – for antisemitism, anti-Palestinian racism, or any expressions of discrimination or hate.

We are deeply saddened to have heard from many of you about the profound hurt that has been caused by the conflict within our union. We have seen a conservative, anti-worker government use this moment to attack and attempt to further divide us by interfering in internal union business. None of this has been good for CUPE, or for the labour movement generally.

Across the country, conservative politicians have repeatedly shown their disdain for working people. Their attacks on collective bargaining and attempts to suppress wages disrespect the constitutionally-protected rights of our members and of all workers. No one else is coming to save us from these attacks on worker and human rights – our movement must stand united, and we cannot be distracted from these critical responsibilities by internal division.

Our path forward as a union must be guided by our National Constitution. The National Executive Board’s motion of non-confidence in Brother Hahn remains in place. At the same time, Brother Hahn has said he will not resign, and as a result, he remains a General Vice-President elected by members from Ontario. Under CUPE’s current constitution, both these contradictory realities can exist.

It is clear that we have work to do within our union to rebuild and strengthen our solidarity. In the coming weeks and months, we will be working internally to do exactly that. This work will include training on antisemitism and anti-Palestinian racism because we agree that the opportunity to deepen our understanding of these issues and their impacts can only serve to help us grow and strengthen our work as a union.

Recent news indicates that a federal election could be right around the corner – and as we move forward in our work together, we must be united in the face of Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives and their anti-worker agenda.

In solidarity,

MARK HANCOCK National President

CANDACE RENNICK National Secretary-Treasurer