It is with great sorrow that we have learned about the passing of Mary-Jo (MJ) Nadeau.
Mary-Jo was a member of CUPE 3903 at York University and then a staff representative at CUPE 1281. As a CUPE member, she was an uncompromising force against anti-worker employers, and a compassionate and caring comrade to her fellow colleagues and allies.
Mary-Jo was also an uncompromising international solidarity activist who pushed for unions to play more proactive and authentic roles in building solidarity with workers and progressive movements around the world. Together with other committed CUPE activists, MJ was instrumental in building alliances, campaigns and organizations in support of the Palestinian people, playing a leading role in the formation of Faculty for Palestine, Labour for Palestine and the Coalition Against Israeli Apartheid (CAIA).
This was work Mary-Jo continued despite her illness in recent years, underscoring her immense and passionate commitment to the Palestine solidarity movement and to fighting racism.
We express our heartfelt sympathies and condolences to Mary-Jo’s partner, Steven Tufts, to family and friends, CUPE 3903 and 1281 members, the Palestinian Solidarity movement, and other international allies.
A life so very well lived, and an example for us all. Rest in Power and Peace, Mary-Jo.
CUPE Ontario,
CUPE Ontario International Solidarity Committee
