The current situation in the Middle East is sad and heart wrenching. CBTU does not support the violence perpetrated on both sides and instead implores all parties to look at the human suffering and cost of life that has occurred. CBTU supports and echoes the sentiments of the International Trade Union Confederation. Please see their statement below:
ITUC Call to Action on Gaza:
The ITUC is horrified at the rising death toll in Gaza, which is now over 1,200 – the vast majority of them innocent civilians. Destruction of civilian and UN infrastructure in recent days, including schools, hospitals and the territory’s only power plant, will have grave ramifications for the Palestinian population now and long after this latest military operation ceases. The excessive attacks are unjustifiable, totally disproportionate, and have brought condemnation from even Israel’s closest allies.
Workers and their families are joining the gathering voices around the world which are calling for an immediate negotiated cease-fire and an end to the blockade imprisoning 1.9 million people. We also call on the international community to provide urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, including food, water, medical aid and generators. However, the only way for there to be a lasting peace and mutual understanding between the people of Israel and Palestine is for the occupation and blockade of the Palestinian territories to end.
The ITUC therefore calls on all governments to help broker an immediate, negotiated cease-fire. Attacks on civilians are against international law and we support the UN call for accountability and justice. Therefore, we call for an immediate ban of all transfers of weapons, directly or indirectly. But it cannot end there. The international community, not just the US and Egypt, must take immediate action to force the parties to the table and conclude a negotiated settlement that ends the occupation and that instils in both sides confidence in security and mutual respect. The ITUC is also calling on its affiliates worldwide to make urgent contributions to the humanitarian relief initiative launched by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) for Gaza.
April 22nd, 2025 is Earth Day. The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, Ontario Canada (CBTU), the Enrich Project and the Toronto Environmental Alliance call upon labour and the community to reconnect with and build a relationship to the earth. Why? It’s simple – the extraordinary benefits of time spent outdoors should be available to all. Outdoors, is a great big, beautiful earth, where children and adults can learn about themselves through the experience of exploring in nature. One cannot love what one doesn’t know. If we want children to become adults who will care for and protect the earth, we must encourage a strong relationship with the natural world.
The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU)-Canada stands in solidarity with all Canadian workers affected by the 47th US President’s recent application of 25% tariffs on all automobiles and auto parts made in Canada.
