CJLC Condemns the Participation of Unions at the June 22 'Hands off Iran' Rally

The Canadian Jewish Labour Committee (CJLC) condemns the participation of unions at the June 22 'Hands off Iran' rally in downtown Toronto, where attendees expressed support for the Iranian regime.

Following our previous statement regarding CUPE Ontario's official support for this event, we are deeply disturbed by the display of union flags at the rally. This misuse of union insignia fundamentally contradicts the values of Canada's labour movement and associates working people with messages of hatred, violence and antisemitism. Such participation is profoundly offensive to Jewish union members and all those who stand against extremism.

The CJLC urges all union leaders nationwide to ensure their organizations and symbols are never associated with messages that contradict our shared values of peace, human rights, and democratic principles. Unions should focus on their primary mandate: advocating for workers' rights, fair wages, safe working conditions and the economic interests of their members.