OPSEU/SEFPO condemns all acts of violence against civilians, and the alarming rise of Islamophobia and Anti-Semitism in Canada and around the world.
As members of the labour movement, our national union National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and the Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL), we’re sharing the following statements, which call for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.
NUPGE Statement on the Escalation of Violence in Israel and Palestine
NUPGE condemns the Hamas attack on Israel as well as the retribution by the State of Israel on the people of Palestine – denouncing any acts of violence against innocent civilians.
We condemn the Hamas attack on Israel as well as the retribution by the State of Israel on the people of Palestine. We denounce any acts of violence against innocent civilians. NUPGE has long called for a resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine that respects and follows all UN resolutions and international law.
Ontario Labour Joins the Call for Immediate Ceasefire
The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) is speaking out to oppose the rapidly escalating violence in Israel-Palestine, and joining the call for an immediate ceasefire, aid to Gaza, and an end to the blockade.
Across Canada, workers are experiencing a sharp spike in Anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian racism, Islamophobia, and antisemitism. We vehemently condemn these acts.The labour movement has a long tradition of speaking out against war. In our own organizations, we pledge to create safer, welcoming, and inclusive spaces for members to continue discussing this issue.We firmly believe a just and lasting peace is possible in Israel-Palestine, where people of all backgrounds and faiths can live peaceably side by side, in safety and security, and with justice for all.
Ceasefire Now, End the Siege, for a Just and Lasting Peace
Representatives of leading pan-Canadian labour, faith, Arab, Jewish, and civil society organizations – including our national union NUPGE – have signed on to call on the Government of Canada to:
- Call for an immediate ceasefire of all hostilities in Israel-Palestine
- Call for an end to the blockade of Gaza and for the restoration of humanitarian aid and access to the basic necessities of life
And we endorse the Canadian government’s call for humanitarian aid to Gaza and the safe return of all hostages