CUPE Ontario joins with allies across Canada and around the globe who are standing in solidarity with the people of Iran and against the illegal war being waged against their country.
Traditionally, unions have stood against war and militarism, recognizing that working people everywhere bear the brunt of conflicts orchestrated by powerful elites. As trade unionists, we believe the Iranian people have the right to determine their own destiny without foreign interference or military aggression.
We express our deepest concern for the safety and wellbeing of Iranian workers, families, and communities, and indeed all peoples in the region who are caught in the crossfire of this illegal war.
The approach of the Carney Liberals to this conflict is deeply troubling. While the federal New Democrats have emphasized dialogue, diplomacy and adherence to international law, the federal Liberals have aligned our country with those that use military might to incur civilian casualties, destroy communities and increase humanitarian suffering.
With his endorsement of this unlawful action against Iran, Prime Minister Carney – despite his fine words about the importance of rules-based international order – has put Canada on the wrong side of history. Whatever his “regrets,” he has committed our country’s support to a grave violation of international law and an increased the threat to global peace and stability.
Nothing about CUPE Ontario’s solidarity should be misconstrued as support for the brutality of the Iranian regime. The horrific crackdown on those protesting for change, and the deaths of tens of thousands who lost their lives fighting for a better future, are not things that our union or any of those expressing solidarity with the people of Iran would ever ignore.
However, we must stand on the side of those who speak truth when they assert that change will not come from states with long histories of creating strife and unrest in the region. A government that has committed genocide for years against the Palestinian people and a government that funds agencies that kill its country’s own citizens are never to be trusted to “bring peace and democracy.”
CUPE Ontario echoes the calls for respect for international law and diplomatic solutions. The current conflict threatens to engulf the region and destroy hopes for a society in Iran that respects the rights of working people.
With our allies in the labour movement and beyond, we call on the Carney government to honour Canada’s commitment to human rights and international law and respect Iran’s sovereignty and right to self-determination.
