Ontario's Labour Minister David Piccini raised concerns and addressed comments and social media posts made by one of Ontario's union leaders regarding Israel..Piccini wrote a letter to Fred Hahn, the head of CUPE Ontario. .Hahn faced criticism about what he posted on social media during the weekend..Hahn shared supportive comments on Twitter ("X") after the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel..“Resistance is fruitful and no matter what some might say, resistance brings progress,” posted Hahn..“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”.That slogan is seen as a call to eliminate the State of Israel and is widely viewed as being anti-Semitic..“It is unacceptable for anyone, especially the head of a major labour union in Ontario, to support glorifying the persecution and murder of innocent Jewish people,” wrote Piccini..“What’s worse, instead of taking responsibility for the harm you have caused, you have doubled down and resorted to blaming others for your shameful comments.”.Piccini and Seamus O’Regan, federal Labour minister, both spoke up about Hahn's remarks..O'Regan expressed his disappointment with Hahn's comments and stated that they do not represent the views of the Canadian labour movement..“I stand with the many labour leaders calling Hamas’ attacks out for what they are: terrorism,” posted O’Regan..Piccini mentioned he's still willing to talk to CUPE workers and members but does not want to talk to Hahn..“I cannot in good conscience meet with you. I am asking you to issue a public apology for the harm you’ve caused the Jewish community,” wrote Piccini..As Hahn received criticism on social media for his remarks, he posted again, expressing disbelief that anyone would think he supported violence..“For anyone to imagine that I would ever endorse violence is horrific to me, it speaks volumes about the times we’re in, I have spent my adult life fighting for justice for workers, building power & solidarity for working people to resist, to win better,” posted Hahn..The disturbing images of events in Israel were already online when Hahn posted them because Hamas had shared them, spreading their violent actions widely..“I have never celebrated violence. Hoping for people to be free is not violence,” said Hahn..“As leaders, now more than ever, it is incumbent on all of us to speak with moral clarity and condemn the horrific acts committed by Hamas against innocent Israeli people,” wrote Piccini..“Labour union leaders across the province have rightfully made clear that your statements do not reflect the views of the labour movement or the workers you are supposed to represent. They certainly do not represent the values of the Ontario people.”
Ontario's Labour Minister David Piccini raised concerns and addressed comments and social media posts made by one of Ontario's union leaders regarding Israel..Piccini wrote a letter to Fred Hahn, the head of CUPE Ontario. .Hahn faced criticism about what he posted on social media during the weekend..Hahn shared supportive comments on Twitter ("X") after the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel..“Resistance is fruitful and no matter what some might say, resistance brings progress,” posted Hahn..“From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”.That slogan is seen as a call to eliminate the State of Israel and is widely viewed as being anti-Semitic..“It is unacceptable for anyone, especially the head of a major labour union in Ontario, to support glorifying the persecution and murder of innocent Jewish people,” wrote Piccini..“What’s worse, instead of taking responsibility for the harm you have caused, you have doubled down and resorted to blaming others for your shameful comments.”.Piccini and Seamus O’Regan, federal Labour minister, both spoke up about Hahn's remarks..O'Regan expressed his disappointment with Hahn's comments and stated that they do not represent the views of the Canadian labour movement..“I stand with the many labour leaders calling Hamas’ attacks out for what they are: terrorism,” posted O’Regan..Piccini mentioned he's still willing to talk to CUPE workers and members but does not want to talk to Hahn..“I cannot in good conscience meet with you. I am asking you to issue a public apology for the harm you’ve caused the Jewish community,” wrote Piccini..As Hahn received criticism on social media for his remarks, he posted again, expressing disbelief that anyone would think he supported violence..“For anyone to imagine that I would ever endorse violence is horrific to me, it speaks volumes about the times we’re in, I have spent my adult life fighting for justice for workers, building power & solidarity for working people to resist, to win better,” posted Hahn..The disturbing images of events in Israel were already online when Hahn posted them because Hamas had shared them, spreading their violent actions widely..“I have never celebrated violence. Hoping for people to be free is not violence,” said Hahn..“As leaders, now more than ever, it is incumbent on all of us to speak with moral clarity and condemn the horrific acts committed by Hamas against innocent Israeli people,” wrote Piccini..“Labour union leaders across the province have rightfully made clear that your statements do not reflect the views of the labour movement or the workers you are supposed to represent. They certainly do not represent the values of the Ontario people.”
