Endorsed via motion by CUPE 3903 membership at the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
CUPE 3903 endorses and wishes to expand on the CUPE National President Mark Hancock and CUPE National Secretary-Treasurer Candace Rennick March 3rd, 2026, statement on the situation in Iran and the Middle East:
“CUPE 3903 condemns the US and Israel’s escalation of hostilities across the Middle East. The implications for peace and security in the region, and around the world, are enormous.
We are deeply troubled by the recent escalation of violence involving military strikes and retaliatory attacks that have engulfed Iran and the broader Middle East. We unequivocally condemn the US and Israel’s targeting of densely populated areas in Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, resulting in significant loss of life, mass displacement and the destruction of vital civilian infrastructure, including elementary schools and hospitals.
Illegal military attacks only bring more devastation for workers and civilians whose lives have already been severely impacted by sanctions and economic hardship. Escalating violence strengthens hardliners, deepens suffering, and undermines the democratic aspirations of ordinary people.
We express solidarity with the people of Iran, Lebanon and Palestine, including the workers and trade unions who continue to fight for freedom, equality, and self-determination.
We must defend the right of all people to self-determination, sovereignty, human rights, and protection under international law.
CUPE 3903 urges York University and the Government of Canada to not only stand against the illegal and immoral escalation of violence in the Middle East but also use all resources available to defend the right of all people to self-determination, sovereignty, human rights, and protection under international law.”