CUPE National President Mark Hancock and CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick made the following statement on the situation in Iran and the Middle East:
CUPE condemns the bombing of Iran and the escalation of hostilities across the Middle East. The implications for peace and security in the region, and around the world, are enormous.
We are deeply troubled by the recent escalation of violence involving military strikes and retaliatory attacks that have engulfed Iran and the broader Middle East, resulting in significant loss of life and the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and essential public services.
We unequivocally condemn the reported killing of more than 150 elementary school girls in Minab, along with education workers. The targeting of a school and the killing of children and workers is an unthinkable and unjustifiable crime and a grave violation of international humanitarian law.
At the same time, we recognize that the people of Iran have long endured repression under an authoritarian mullah regime that denies fundamental democratic freedoms, suppresses independent unions, and silences dissent. Workers, women, students, and minority communities face intimidation, imprisonment, and violence for demanding basic rights and dignity.
Illegal military attacks only bring more devastation for workers and civilians whose lives have already been severely impacted by sanctions, economic hardship, and state repression. Escalating violence strengthens hardliners, deepens suffering, and undermines the democratic aspirations of ordinary people.
We express solidarity with the people of Iran, including the workers and trade unions who continue to fight for freedom, equality, and self-determination – free from both domestic authoritarianism and foreign military intervention.
We must defend the right of all people to self-determination, sovereignty, human rights, and protection under international law.