In light of Doug Ford’s recent comments about internal CUPE matters and CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn, CUPE wishes to be clear about several things:
We do not take advice from a union-hating, public service-gutting Premier trying to distract from his own scandals and track record. Doug Ford and his ministers can concentrate on re-opening the rural ERs they have closed, funding the public schools they continue to neglect, addressing their Greenbelt scandal, and reversing their decision to give public land in Toronto to a private mega-spa no one wants.
CUPE’s national executive board made the difficult decision to ask for Fred Hahn’s resignation as General Vice President because he reposted a deeply problematic video that was a clear violation of our union’s equality statement. Further, our decision to ask for the resignation was made before Minister Piccini and Premier Ford chose to attack Fred Hahn, in a way that is completely revolting and unacceptable.
Nothing about this decision negates Fred’s lifelong commitment to CUPE members and union activism.
Nothing about this decision changes CUPE’s clear, consistent position on the bombardment of Gaza by Israel, either: CUPE continues to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire; a release of all hostages from Gaza; and an end to the blockade of Gaza and the restoration of humanitarian aid. CUPE also calls on the Government of Canada to suspend the sale of arms and military equipment to Israel as it committed to doing in March 2024.
To suggest that asking for Fred’s resignation as a GVP is to throw in with those who support the genocide in Gaza, or is in response to a conservative Premier’s bullying, is frankly ludicrous.
CUPE will continue to advocate its position on Israel-Palestine, which has been re-affirmed numerous times through democratic processes at our conventions.