CUPE Board Demands Fred Hahn To Resign Over Offensive Video
The Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) has called for the resignation of Fred Hahn, its national vice-president, following a controversial social media post that has ignited a firestorm of criticism and accusations of antisemitism. This move by CUPE’s National Executive Board underscores the gravity of the situation and reflects the union’s effort to distance itself from the escalating controversy.
The controversy began on August 11, when Fred Hahn shared a digitally altered video on his Facebook page, depicting a Jewish athlete with a Star of David tattoo transforming into a bomb during the Paris Olympics. The post, which was widely condemned as antisemitic, has led to a widespread backlash from both within and outside the union.
Despite removing the video and posting an apology, Hahn’s explanation did little to quell the outrage. In his statement, Hahn expressed “deep regret” for the pain caused by the post but attempted to clarify that his intent was to criticize the actions of the Israeli state rather than Jewish identity.
“It is a terrible mistake, and antisemitic, to conflate abhorrent actions by the state of Israel with Jewish humanity or identity,” Hahn wrote.
However, by then, the damage had been done. CUPE’s National Executive Board convened on August 20 to discuss the matter and voted to demand Hahn’s resignation as a national vice-president. The board’s motion stated, “The National Executive Board has lost confidence in the ability of Fred Hahn to represent the national union in his role as a General Vice-President, and consequently calls for his resignation from that position.”
CUPE National President Mark Hancock has been vocal about the board’s decision and the seriousness of the situation. Speaking to The Toronto Star on Wednesday, Hancock stated, “We’ve given him pretty strong direction,” referring to the resignation request. Hancock further emphasized the need for Hahn to step down, expressing optimism that Hahn would “do the right thing.”
Hancock also shared that he had personally spoken to Hahn on Wednesday morning after the board’s decision, although Hahn chose not to participate in the board meeting the previous night.
“This is a really sad day. Fred is a colleague and a friend,” Hancock said, acknowledging the personal and professional weight of the decision.
The implications of this controversy extend beyond Hahn’s role as national vice-president. While the resignation demand is specific to his national position, there are concerns about the potential ripple effects on his leadership within CUPE Ontario, where Hahn was re-elected as president earlier this year.
A union source speaking on background mentioned, “It’s hard to see how he would have the legitimacy to stay on,” highlighting the potential for a broader leadership crisis within CUPE’s Ontario wing.
Reactions to the post and CUPE’s subsequent actions have been swift and varied. The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs took to X to accuse Hahn of having “an anti-Israel obsession,” while the Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center praised CUPE’s decision to seek Hahn’s resignation, stating that it “sends a clear message that antisemitism and the toxic environment he created for Jewish CUPE members are no longer acceptable.”
However, the controversy has also drawn criticism from Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who did not mince words in his condemnation of Hahn. Ford labeled Hahn as “a disgusting human being” and urged CUPE to fully discipline him, praising the union’s move to demand his resignation.
This is not the first time Hahn has been embroiled in controversy. In October 2023, CUPE members were urged to redirect their union dues to local charities as protest to Hahn’s posted messages on social media that appeared to support Hamas. These posts, including a controversial slogan and messages of solidarity with Palestinian resistance, have sparked widespread criticism, leading some to question the union’s leadership and its stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The fallout from Hahn’s post has also led to legal and political consequences. The video, which many have condemned as antisemitic, has spurred additional CUPE members to join an ongoing human rights complaint against the union. Kathryn Marshall, the lawyer handling the case, reported that her inbox has been “flooded with people who want to join the action,” indicating a growing discontent among union members, not limited to the Jewish community.
Furthermore, Ontario Labour Minister David Piccini directly confronted Hahn during a meeting at the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference in Ottawa, accusing him of antisemitism in a video that Piccini later posted on social media. The video captures a heated exchange, with Hahn defending his actions by stating, “I am representing my members and I’m not talking about Jews, I’m talking about the state of Israel.”
CUPE’s National Executive Board has given Hahn until noon on Thursday to respond to the resignation demand.
Information for this briefing was found via Toronto Star and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
