CUPE Ontario condemns U.S. aggression against Venezuela

Union calls actions unlawful, dangerous to workers, and a violation of international law

ONTARIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The more than 300,000 members of CUPE Ontario are proud to add our voices to the growing condemnation of the unlawful actions stemming from the United States’ escalating aggression against the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

We join our national union, the Canadian and international labour movement, and many others in denouncing this grave violation of international law, the United Nations Charter, and the core principles of national sovereignty and self-determination.

This brazen act of imperialism, involving the use of military force, economic coercion and political intimidation, including the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores, is deeply dangerous for working people around the globe. First and foremost, we express our solidarity with the people of Venezuela, who are in the crosshairs of this attack.

It is critical to be clear: these actions are not about “democracy” or “human rights.” They are driven by U.S. corporate and political interests seeking control over Venezuela’s oil, land and energy resources.

This was a unilateral act of U.S. imperial aggression. There was, and is, absolutely no “international consensus” to justify military action. History shows that even claims of consensus, when examined with the benefit of time, are often rooted in falsehoods and fabrications. In every case, it is working people, young people, women, other marginalized communities and the planet itself that bear the greatest costs.

CUPE Ontario recognizes these actions as part of a broader pattern of imperialism and colonialism that undermines peace, destabilizes economies and erodes democratic institutions. History has shown that military interventions of this nature lead only to violence, repression and long-term instability.

Our members and our union stand in unwavering solidarity with Venezuelan workers and the Venezuelan people. The future of Venezuela must be decided by Venezuelans themselves, through their own processes and collective struggles, free from foreign interference.

CUPE Ontario calls on the government of Canada to fully uphold its responsibility under international law. Canada must clearly and publicly condemn U.S. aggression, reject unilateral military action, and push for a return to diplomacy, the safe return of those taken from their country, and a peaceful resolution. We also call for consequences for any Canadian politician, including Pierre Poilievre, who publicly applauds this illegal and immoral act.

We further call on the Legislative Assembly of Ontario to condemn this dangerous and blatant violation of international law, and on Premier Doug Ford to sanction and dismiss from cabinet — and, indeed, from the provincial legislature — any member of the Crown who has celebrated U.S. aggression against the sovereign state of Venezuela.

Workers everywhere have a stake in resisting imperialism and defending peace, sovereignty and self-determination. We know we have far more in common with workers in Venezuela than we will ever have with oil barons or oligarchs. CUPE Ontario members understand that our collective future depends on the strength of our resolve and our solidarity at this moment.

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