Fred Hahn, the President of CUPE Ontario, is under attack. Hahn is being painted as a supporter of terrorism and anti-Semitism for tweeting on Thanksgiving that resistance is fruitful. The Thanksgiving Day tweet was about resistance and was not commenting in any concrete way about unfolding events. The tweet should be read in full:
“As we all think about reasons to be thankful this #thanksgiving2023, I know I’m thankful for the power of workers, the power of resistance around the globe. Because #Resistance is fruitful and no matter what some might say, #Resistance brings progress, and for that, I’m thankful.”
For anyone familiar with Hahn’s social media, this was perfectly in keeping with vocal advocacy for social justice and his principled support of resistance against bigotry and hate.
Hahn also retweeted a CUPE 3906 (an affiliate to CUPE Ontario) tweet that said “long live the resistance” with a Ghassan Kanafani quote and picture of the Gaza fence being torn down. Hahn also shared someone’s cover photo on Facebook that contained the Palestinian slogan, “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Will be Free”. This slogan is not anti-Semitic. It points to opposition to a fragmented Palestinian land and is used by Jewish and Palestinian groups to show support for a free Palestine for all people – Muslims, Jews and Christians.
Hahn days later issued clarification of his tweet, saying “he has spent his life fighting for justice for workers – building power & solidarity for working people to resist – to win a better world.” He further articulated he does not celebrate violence.
Over the course of the next few days the attacks against Fred Hahn grew into a firestorm. This was building upon recent bigoted attacks directed against Hahn for his support of trans rights. Right-wing media, mainstream outlets and politicians began to denounce Hahn. Online right wing trolls began attacking Hahn and CUPE, demanding that he resign. CUPE Ontario issued a statement outlining its position supporting the basic right to resist, which the UN recognizes. It also outlined the root causes of the conflict, called for free speech for Palestine and an immediate ceasefire.
Seamus O’Reagan, the Federal Labour Minister, said Hahn glorified violence and that CUPE Ontario was “spreading anti-Semitic conspiracy theories”. Premier Doug Ford said Hahn’s comment were “glorifying and celebrating the rape, abduction and murder of innocent Israeli people.” B’nai Brith Canada and Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs have called for Fred Hahn to be ousted. It’s worth noting that neither of these organizations has said one word about the overwhelming violence directed at Palestinians.
All over “X” there are right wingers posting attacks on Hahn and CUPE. They are also organizing to pressure affiliates to disaffiliate from CUPE Ontario. There is even an online petition demanding Hahn resigns because he supports Hamas.
Defend Jama and free speech for Palestine
What is happening to Hahn is just a high profile example of what is happening to any supporter of Palestine right now. NDP MPP Sarah Jama was the only politician in the country to issue a statement that put the present crisis in the context of apartheid and occupation. Jama’s principled stand drew massive criticism from the media and other politicians, even those within her own party. Ford has introduced a motion to censure Jama.
Regular workers who have vocalized support for Palestine have been targeted. I know of dozens of people who have had their employers contacted by right wingers demanding they be fired because they dared to show solidarity with Palestinians. Workers have been fired for attending pro-Palestinian rallies. Students are being targeted for speaking up on campuses.
The attack on Jama and Hahn is just the most high-profile attack on free speech for Palestine. This is unacceptable. Workers have the right to voice solidarity for Palestine. The vitriolic attacks must be challenged. If we can’t defend Hahn and Jama from rightwing attacks over Palestine it will send a chilling message to all workers that we can’t speak up about Palestine either.
Defending union democracy
If the attack on Hahn and CUPE is left unchallenged, it will be a blow to the entire labour movement and the struggle for social justice.
The attack on Hahn really is an attack on unions themselves. CUPE Ontario has democratically decided upon its position on Palestine. It defends the right to resist and has a position opposing apartheid policies by the state of Israel. In 2006, CUPE Ontario passed a Boycott Divestment and Sanctions of Israel motion at its convention. This was the product of years of discussion, debate, rank and file organizing and education about the apartheid policies of the Israeli government and its ongoing occupation. The position was subsequently debated and remains the position. The position of CUPE Ontario is a democratically decided position and Fred Hahn’s is simply representing that position.
When Hahn is attacked in the way has been attacked, it is really an attack on CUPE and the principle of union democracy. Right wing lobby groups, politicians and the media shouldn’t decide what CUPE Ontario’s position on issues are. Members and members only democratically decide this. This is a fundamental union principle that all trade unionists must defend.
Defending Palestine solidarity
The attack on Fred Hahn has wider implications for the Palestinian solidarity movement. If Hahn is forced out due to right wing pressure or forced to retract, it will be a massive setback for the entire Palestinian solidarity movement. Student unions that have spoken up are now under attack from the administrators and the government. Other unions and leaders who take stands on Palestinian solidarity will be targeted. It will also make it harder to build support for Palestine within our union movement.
Inside our unions this will only embolden the minority of right wing voices that support Israel to demand our unions take the side of the oppressor over the oppressed. Palestine is a trade union issue. Trade unionists, like postal workers and hospital workers, are right now being killed by the IDF. “Workers of the world unite” is not just a slogan; it is a core principle of a strong trade union movement.
Emboldening the right
Hahn is a longtime advocate and organizer for queer rights. He, along with many other queer trade unionists, have helped transform the labour movement into a force that can fight for and defend the rights queer and Trans workers.
The right wing has been targeting Hahn, in a vile homophobic manner, for his support for Trans rights. Hahn is one of the most prominent voices in the trade union movement taking on the growing tide of hate and bigotry directed against the trans and queer community. He showed up to the counter protests and helped build the confidence of people to fight back.
If Hahn is pushed out, it will not only be a victory for all those who oppose Palestinian solidarity; it will embolden the far-right in their attacks on trans rights.
Defend Hahn and Jama
The attacks on Hahn and Jama concern every trade unionist and social movement activist in the country. Outspoken activist leaders are being targeted because they are voicing solidarity with the Palestinian people. In Hahn’s case he is articulating his own union’s position on Palestine. This is an attack on CUPE, an attack on union principles and union democracy, an attack on free speech, an attack on all those who stand in solidarity with Palestine and an attack on every union activist who stands up against the far-right and their bigoted agenda.
Jama has been a longtime social justice organizer in Hamilton, She is an outspoken anti-racist activist and disability rights advocate. Her election as an NDP MPP in Hamilton was a victory for social movements and all of us fighting against injustice. She has voiced solidarity with Palestinians at a time when no other politician would, and because of this, she has endured a tide of racist and bigoted attacks.
As a leader of CUPE Ontario, Hahn has never hesitated to show up for workers on a picket line. He has shown up to rallies big and small to build the confidence of workers. He has helped strengthen the links between social movements and trade unions.
It’s time to defend Hahn, to defend Jama and to defend CUPE. Those attacking Hahn and Jama aren’t just attacking them; they are attacking all of us who are fighting for a better world.
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