Holding Rogue CUPE Executives Accountable: A Call for Respect, Dignity, and Equality
Key Highlights :
The recent comments made by Fred Hahn, President of CUPE Ontario, have been nothing short of shameful. In the wake of the attack on Israel, Hahn posted a statement on social media that failed to condemn the terrorist organization Hamas and instead only focused on criticizing Israel's response. This statement has been met with widespread condemnation from members of CUPE, including Mike Merriman, President of CUPE 416, who has called for Hahn to resign.
It is the responsibility of the CUPE National Executive Board to uphold the CUPE Constitution, which stands for respect, dignity, equality, democracy, and a union free from discrimination, harassment, and anti-Semitism. If they are not willing to do this, then they should resign and start their own political wing elsewhere. The views expressed by Hahn and other rogue CUPE executives do not represent the views of the majority of CUPE members, and it is important that they are held accountable for their appalling comments.
It is also important to recognize that the conflict between Israel and Hamas is not a one-sided issue. The United Nations made a decision in 1947 to establish a Jewish state and an Arab state, and only one of those two states refused to accept the UN decision. It is the responsibility of the UN to enforce the 1948 ruling and stop this conflict from continuing, and perhaps a Peace Corps presence on the dividing line could help to achieve this goal.
At the end of the day, it is up to CUPE members to hold rogue executives accountable and make sure that their union is a safe and inclusive space for all. The comments made by Fred Hahn were shameful and should not be tolerated, and it is up to all of us to make sure that CUPE stands for respect, dignity, and equality.
