CUPE is donating $50,000 to the global labour movement’s humanitarian relief effort in Ukraine. Our union joins Public Services International (PSI) and the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) in supporting workers and their families affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Donations are going to a common solidarity fund established by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC).
To date, more than two million people have been forced to flee their homes. Funds will be sent to trade unions that are providing food and water, medical supplies and hygiene items to people injured and displaced by the violence. We are particularly concerned about Black, racialized and other marginalized people who are facing discrimination as they try to flee the violence.
CUPE condemns Russia’s military invasion. The most effective way to end this humanitarian crisis and ensure the safety and security of innocent civilians is for all Russian forces to leave Ukraine immediately.
CUPE again calls on the Canadian government to make every effort to de-escalate this situation. We support and encourage diplomatic non-military solutions leading to peace. We join activists in Russia and around the world calling on all governments to end war and militarism.
Contributions from CUPE locals and chartered organizations to the union Solidarity Fund should be sent by wire transfer to:
ITUC-CSI account n°: 068-9007804-23
Belfius Banque SA, Boulevard Pachéco 44, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
BIC/Swift code: GKCCBEBB - IBAN Code: BE92 0689 0078 0423
Mention “PSI-EPSU Ukraine” in the transfer document.