CUPE Ontario president to continue to 'fight side by side' with union members amid calls to resign
![Fred Hahn Fred Hahn](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2022/11/3/fred-hahn-1-6137362-1667488642708.jpg)
CUPE Ontario president Fred Hahn says he fully rejects "the charge of antisemitism," and said he will "continue to fight side by side" with his union members despite calls for his resignation by the national executive board.
On Tuesday, the Canadian Union of Public Employees' (CUPE) National Executive Board passed a motion expressing its lost confidence in the national union's general vice-president following a recent Facebook post he shared.
Earlier this month, Hahn shared a video of an Olympic diver with a prominent Star of David on their arm jumping off a diving board before turning into a bomb that falls on civilians. The narrator in the video calls the diver an "Olympic champion."
Days later, Hahn said he took the video down and said his intention in posting it was to shine a light on the "double standard" that the Russian Federation was barred from participating at this year's Olympic Games.
Premier Doug Ford commented on Hahn's post during an unrelated news conference, not only calling the post "bigoted" but also calling the trade unionist a "disgusting human being."
In a letter to Ontario union members Thursday, Hahn expressed the provincial union's long-standing history of solidarity with Palestinians.
"As has happened to our union in the past, those who spoke up against the actions of the state of Israel last fall were quickly labeled anti-Semitic and vilified, especially online. I was one of those people. This smear was nothing new to those of us who advocate for the cause of Palestine. But the charge became part of our union's national convention, with some members of CUPE's National Executive Board suggesting that I resign," Hahn said.
Shortly after the Hamas-led assault on Israel on Oct. 7, Hahn's social media activity landed him in hot water when he responded with a post about the "Power of resistance." Hahn wrote an open apology, but still dozens of CUPE members lodged a human rights complaint against the union alleging it engaged in systemic discrimination and promoted antisemitism.
In Thursday's letter, Hahn noted the national convention passed "an emergency resolution strengthening our union's support for Palestine and our call for a ceasefire," with CUPE Ontario voting to maintain its solidarity with Palestine at its annual convention in May.
Hahn was re-elected as CUPE Ontario's president this year, which is a position he has held since 2010.
"I cherish the cause of working people, the work we all do together fighting for justice here and around the globe. The power of our democracy deserves respect. It's why I'm both so sad and so angry. Trade unionists I have come to know and respect voted this week to overturn the democratic decisions of CUPE members," Hahn said.
"It is unprecedented in our union's history and I'm worried countless CUPE members who are active in the Palestinian solidarity movement could be left more vulnerable and exposed by the precedent as they face similar situations at work."
The union leader concluded his letter by saying he will "respect the democracy of our union" and continue to fight alongside its members.
Following Thursday's letter, Kathryn Marshall, the lawyer representing the CUPE members who submitted the complaint, said Hahn "put his ego and personal prejudices ahead of the needs of his members
"We are disappointed, but not surprised. We will continue in our legal action for justice and accountability," Marshall said.
'Revolting and unacceptable'
Following the premier's comments on voting to oust Hahn from his position, the union made clear it does not "take advice from a union-hating, public service-gutting Premier trying to distract from his own scandals and track record."
"CUPE's national executive board made the difficult decision to ask for Fred Hahn's resignation as General Vice President because he reposted a deeply problematic video that was a clear violation of our union's equality statement," the board wrote in a statement Thursday, adding the call was made long before the premier "chose to attack Fred Hahn, in a way that is completely revolting and unacceptable."
A spokesperson for CUPE National said told CTV News Toronto it has nothing to else to add following Hahn's statement, but said "there may be more to offer tomorrow.
With files from Hannah Alberga
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.4822761.1582326806!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
DEVELOPING Kingston, Ont. police investigate triple stabbing
Police in Kingston, Ont. say a standoff is underway between officers and a suspect following a triple stabbing Thursday morning.
Family of Sikh man speaks out against Toronto-area hospital after beard shaved
The family of a Sikh man from Brampton is seeking an apology, an explanation, and a promise to do better from the local hospital network after they say the facial hair of their loved one was removed without their consent.
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattles the Los Angeles area
A 4.7 magnitude earthquake rattled the Los Angeles area Thursday morning, unleashing boulders onto a Malibu road, visibly shaking Santa Monica's 1909 wooden pier and jolting some people from bed. No injuries or damages were immediately reported.
BREAKING 3 dead in Lloydminster, Sask., few details available
Three people are dead after an "incident" in Lloydminster, RCMP have confirmed.
Consul general to New York answering questions over $9M luxury condo purchase
After weeks of pressure, Canada's consul general Tom Clark is testifying on Thursday before a House of Commons committee about the purchase of his new official residence in New York that generated a lot of political attention over the summer.
Air Canada pushing for government intervention as clock ticks on labour talks
Air Canada is asking the federal government to be ready to intervene in its labour talks with its pilots as time is running out before a potential shutdown.
Realtor fined by B.C. regulator after property photos digitally altered
A British Columbia Realtor has been fined thousands of dollars after a property listing was found to contain photos that were digitally altered to hide peeling paint and show furnishings that did not exist.
Man charged after multiple child sex dolls seized from home: Winnipeg police
A Winnipeg man has been charged with multiple offences after sex dolls designed to look like children were seized from his home.
OPP constable charged after alleged assault at Santa's Village
A veteran OPP officer is facing an assault charge following an incident at an amusement park in Bracebridge.