On October 7, Jewish OPSEU members launched legal proceedings at the Ontario Human Rights Tribunal against their union for discrimination and antisemitism. It is the third union (after CUPE and PSAC) to be taken to a human rights tribunal for such reasons. 1/2
🧵1/ We are Jewish members of the labour movement. For decades, we've been tireless advocates organizing for the rights of working people across 🇨🇦. But for the last ten months, our identities as Jews have been under assault in the movement we've dedicated our lives to advancing.
Enough is enough.
Jewish workers across the country are fed up with the labour movement being hijacked by attacks on Jews, including Jewish workers.
For the good of our movement, Fred Hahn must step down.
🧵4/ We unequivocally call on Fred Hahn to resign. His actions are a betrayal of the inclusive and just principles that the labour movement stands for.
Jewish workers deserve better.
The entire movement deserves better.
🧵5/ We call on our brothers and sisters in the labour movement to stand with us now. Our struggle is one for justice, dignity, and respect for all workers. We will continue to fight for a labour movement that stands against all forms of hatred and discrimination.
On Yom Kippur while Jews were gathering with their families to begin observing the most solemn day of the year, a post appeared by an OPSEU member actively promoting a centuries-old antisemitic trope in response to the recent Human Rights filing. 1/4
1/ Today marks the official launch of the Canadian Jewish Labour Committee (CJLC), an organization formed to unite Jewish workers, foster inclusion within unions, and combat antisemitism in the Canadian Labour movement.
🧵3/ Damaging actions and words from CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn have brought us to a breaking point. The rhetoric he’s deployed, using our movements and dues as a vehicle for hatred is unacceptable, damaging to labour solidarity, and devastating to Jewish workers across 🇨🇦.
🧵2/ The Jewish Labour Committee was originally founded nearly a century ago as a critical response to Nazism within the labor movement. Today, we feel a fierce urgency to revive this tradition and organize Jewish workers to defend our community from vile hatred once again.
Jewish Canadians have long been at the center of the struggle for justice for working people.
This Labour Day, we ask workers across Canada to join us in continuing this fight.
🌐:
It would have been good if
@LindaMcQuaig
had bothered to talk to Jewish CUPE members and ask them how they feel about Fred Hahn.
Or, mentioned the human rights proceedings against CUPE initiated by Jewish members.
It’s simply irresponsible not to.
For over a century, the goals of the labour movement and Jewish liberation have been intertwined.
Don’t let antisemitism set us back.
Solidarity with Jewish workers from coast to coast to coast.
CJLC is concerned that CUPE has adopted a one-sided, polarizing narrative that does nothing to advance Palestinian self-determination nor peace in its recent “International Solidarity Report”.
Read our response:
CUPE Ontario’s executive board centers Fred Hahn, while willfully ignoring the many Jewish members of CUPE that Fred Hahn’s behaviour has harmed.
One for all and all for one is meaningless if it ignores the damage done to vulnerable Jewish workers.
We demand better. Join us.
NEW: CUPE Ontario executive board issues statement of support for Pres. Fred Hahn, says it passed motions this wk “in support of Brother Hahn as both CUPE General VP and as CUPE Ontario's president. We passed these motions as recognition of the democratic will of CUPE members.”
It is also an attempt to shame Jewish union members exercising their right to file last week’s complaint. The CJLC calls on JP Hornick to condemn this post, and to ensure that this and any similar posts on any OPSEU related media site are promptly removed. 4/4
The promoted material, written by a former CUPE Ontario President, accused the “Israel lobby” of attacking unions with “false claims of antisemitism” and “tarnishing” their reputations. The organizations were warned that the “lobby” will come for them too. 2/4
Nowhere does the writer define this "lobby" because it is fictitious, and antisemitic.
This post is an attempt to intimidate, while under the watch of OPSEU’s president JP Hornick at a time when antisemitism has skyrocketed in Canada, and is unacceptable. 3/4
3/ Geopolitical ideologies and anti-Israel sentiments have increasingly infiltrated unions, shifting their focus from essential labour issues and creating environments where antisemitism is thriving.
2/ The CJLC, a grassroots organization, was founded by Jewish union members and allies to address the urgent need among Canadian Jewish union members for protection as they face challenges to inclusion with their peers and union leadership.
Fin/ The CJLC invites Jewish workers, Labour organizations, and allies to join this important initiative. For more information about the Canadian Jewish Labour Committee, please visit .
6/ “As we celebrate Labour Day, the launch of the Canadian Jewish Labour Committee is both timely and essential,” said Chelsea Rosen, representing the CJLC.
8/ By confronting these issues now, we aim to foster a Labour movement that is truly equitable, where all members, regardless of their background, can work without fear of discrimination or exclusion.”
7/ “The alarming level of antisemitic ideologies within our unions proves the urgent need for this committee. Our goal is to address these dangerous currents head-on, ensuring that Jewish workers have a strong voice.
14/ “The launch of the CJLC reinforces the vital need for collective action in overcoming the challenges specific to Jewish workers. It signifies a decisive step toward advancing genuine equity within the Canadian Labour movement.”
11/ The CJLC will equip members with the knowledge and tools needed to participate in their unions and advocate effectively for meaningful change.
Combating antisemitism is a central focus of the CJLC.
13/ By engaging with members from various unions, the CJLC aims to share effective practices and create a unified voice pushing back against antisemitic trends that threaten the cohesion and integrity of the entire Labour movement.
10/ This effort will involve promoting dialogue and collaboration with union leadership to ensure that Jewish perspectives and experiences are integrated into the broader framework of Labour solidarity, countering the negative impact of recent divisive ideologies.
9/ The CJLC is dedicated to fostering inclusion by increasing the representation and participation of Jewish workers in unions and Labour organizations across Canada.
5/ This troubling trend has led to instances of discrimination and demonstrated the need for a forum dedicated to addressing these challenges, sharing best practices, and advocating collectively to restore the core values of inclusivity and respect within Canada’s Labour movement
4/ If the decision of non-confidence against him still stands, why is CUPE National doing so little to follow through and repair the damage? Members deserve more than this political distraction and defense of the indefensible.
3/ It is disappointing that CUPE National appears to tolerate Hahn's actions, seemingly prioritizing appeasement over addressing his antisemitic and hateful behaviour.
1/ In a statement from its national officers late last week, CUPE National admitted it cannot force Fred Hahn to resign. However, it egregiously failed to specify how it will address Hahn's ongoing antisemitic posts, which have been widely condemned within the union and have
2/ further alienated many Jewish members. CJLC believes this glaring omission underscores CUPE National's troubling lack of commitment to confronting this serious issue.