UNIFOR's Hot Cargo: Labour Internationalism
The work behind the Arms Embargo Now Report revealed that there are unionized workplaces in Canada making weapons destined for Israel. World Beyond War organizer called this information, along with a recent letter from Unifor's President "an opportunity" for positive action.
Activists from Labour for Palestine are going into this week's UNIFOR convention in Vancouver with this top of mind. They are working on a campaign to have any goods or services coming from, or going to Israel, declared 'hot cargo'.
They know the majority of Canadians, and thus UNIFOR members, are against the genocide, but that doesn't mean there aren't going to be obstacles in their way. In a political climate defined by fear and heightened nationalism, it has been a challenge getting workers to prioritize Palestine. Hear what work is being done to pave the way for more Internationalism not just inside UNIFOR, but within all Labour institutions.
Guests:
- Pamela Arancibia, CUPE member, Labour for Palestine GTA
- Shaheen Lotun, UNIFOR local 2025 President, Labour for Palestine
Hosted by: Jessa McLean
Call to Action: Tell the CLC to Declare Israeli Goods 'Hot Cargo'
Related Episodes:
- Answering the Call (Jan 2024) with Anna Lippman of Labour for Palestine
- Nationalism and the Working Class (Mar 2023) with Chris Fairweather
More Resources:
- Unifor letter to Prime Minister Carney Re: Urgent Canadian intervention to end the genocide in Palestine | Unifor
- Hot cargo agreements 101: a practical legal overview - Rights Navigator
- CJPME: Canadian Labour Congress Endorses sanctions on Israel
- Report - Arms Embargo Now
- People's Voice: Internationalism, identity politics and anti-apartheid organizing
- Rabble: Paramedic fired for pro-Palestinian speech fights for reinstatement
- The Maple: Israeli Products Should Have No Place In Canada
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