CUPE Ontario delegates support campaign against Israeli “apartheid wall”

Delegates to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) Ontario convention in Ottawa voted unanimously to support the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel until that state recognizes the Palestinian right to self-determination.

The global campaign started last July and has been supported by many North American churches, 20 Quebec organizations, and others. The Israeli “apartheid wall” has been declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.

The resolution approved by delegates states:

CUPE Ontario will:

1. With Palestine solidarity and human rights organization, develop an education campaign about the apartheid nature of the Israeli state and the political and economic support of Canada for these practices.

2. Support the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions until Israel meets its obligation to recognize the Palestinian people's inalienable right to self-determination and fully complies with the precepts of international law including the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and properties as stipulated in UN resolution 194.

3. Call on CUPE National to commit to research into Canadian involvement in the occupation and call on the CLC to join us in lobbying against the apartheid-like practices of the Israeli state and call for the immediate dismantling of the wall.

Because:

· The Israeli Apartheid Wall has been condemned and determined illegal under international law.
· Over 170 Palestinian political parties, unions and other organization including the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unoins issued a call in July 2005 for a global campaign of boycotts and divestment against Israel similar to those imposed against South African Apartheid.
· CUPE BC has firmly and vocally condemned the occupation of Palestine and have initiated an education campaign about the apartheid-like practices of the Israeli state.

The resolution now goes to the CUPE Ontario Executive Board to develop a plan for implementing support for the boycott and developing an education campaign.

CUPE Ontario is the political wing of the Canada’s largest union in the country’s most populated province. On behalf of the more than 200,000 members in Ontario, the division campaigns at the provincial level for legislative change and adequate funding. Privatization of public services continues to be a key issue.

CUPE Ontario coordinates campaigns at the provincial level. Activist members are involved through both jurisdictional and issue-oriented committees. The division’s direction and plan of action is debated and approved each year at convention. Elections for executive officers and board are held in even-numbered years.
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada’s largest union.

The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) is Canada’s largest union.

With around 590,000 members across Canada, CUPE represents workers in health care, education, municipalities, libraries, universities, social services, public utilities, transportation, emergency services and airlines.

Source : http://www.archives.cupe.on.ca/Background_on_resolution_50

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