CUPE Ontario’s Statement for the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia

CUPE Ontario stands in solidarity with communities from coast to coast on the National Day of Remembrance of the Quebec City Mosque Attack and Action Against Islamophobia, observed on January 29th. This day serves as a solemn reminder of the tragic events that unfolded in Quebec City in 2017, when a gunman entered a mosque…

Statement from CUPE Ontario and the International Solidarity Committee on the war in Israel and Gaza

In the true tradition of trade unionism, CUPE Ontario will always choose justice over injustice, side with the powerless over the powerful, and support the colonized over the colonizer. Throughout the world, CUPE Ontario’s International Solidarity Committee (ISC) links members to workers’ global struggles so that we may stand in solidarity with all oppressed peoples.…

“Justice for Mahsa Amini and women in Iran”: CUPE Ontario sends a message of solidarity

The recent killing of Mahsa Amini by Iran’s “Guidance Patrol”, also known as the ‘morality police’, for “improper” wearing of the hijab has led to another important uprising in the country. Led by women demanding freedom from patriarchy and from all forms of systemic oppression and the regime that upholds it, bravely risking their lives…

“We are in solidarity with Sri Lanka’s students, education workers, and trade unionists”: CUPE Ontario condemns the government’s violence in the face of legitimate mass protests

CUPE Ontario, representing over 280,000 workers in Canada’s largest province, is adding its voice to the call for the government of Sri Lanka to end its repression of students, teachers, and trade unionists in the country. On September 25, the Sri Lankan police violently dispersed hundreds of demonstrators a day after severely curtailing protest rights…

“We Must Reach Beyond Partial Liberation”: CUPE Ontario celebrates Emancipation Day 2021

One hundred and eighty-seven years ago today, on 1 August 1834, the Slavery Abolition Act took effect marking the legal end slavery across the British Empire. The Act emancipated over 800,000 enslaved Africans across the Caribbean and South America. As educator and historian Natasha L. Henry notes, many enslaved Africans in British North America received…

“Recognizing and extending solidarity”: CUPE Ontario’s statement for Asian and South Asian Heritage Month

Asian and South Asian Heritage Month has been celebrated in May since the 1990s and was formally recognized by the Canadian government in 2002. The occasion is an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of people of Asian descent while recognizing the struggles and unique histories of these communities. Although Canada likes to present itself as…

CUPE Ontario sends message of solidarity to Indian farmers

Following the largest protest in human history, demonstrations have continued across India for nearly 50 days, with solidarity actions around the world. CUPE Ontario is proud to build on the solidarity statements of our National Union and to pledge our active support for the hundreds of thousands of Indian farmers impacted by devastating changes to agriculture laws. Passed by…