CUPE 3906 expresses its solidarity with the people of Iran who are participating in peaceful protests in support of fundamental rights and basic freedoms.
We note with concern ongoing reports of violence, repression, arbitrary detention, and restrictions on freedom of expression affecting protesters, students, workers, and women. The rights to bodily autonomy, freedom of expression, and peaceful assembly are recognized international human rights and are central to the values of our union.
These concerns are further heightened by restrictions on communications, including digital and internet access, which have made it difficult for many people to maintain contact with family members and access reliable information.
In addition to the concerns already noted, reports from human rights organizations indicate that at least 12,000 people have been killed during the protests and their aftermath. This scale of loss of life highlights the urgent human rights implications of the ongoing repression.
As a local representing academic workers, researchers, and students, CUPE 3906 recognizes that these developments have direct impacts on members through family ties, academic relationships, and lived experience. We affirm our support for those who are seeking safety, dignity, and respect for their fundamental rights.
Many members of the CUPE community are directly affected through family, academic, and professional connections.
CUPE 3906 calls for respect for international human rights standards, including the protection of civilians and the right to peaceful dissent.
We reaffirm our commitment to solidarity, human rights and social justice, human dignity, and the principle that all people have the right to be heard.
In solidarity,
CUPE 3906 Executive
“Note: All CUPE 3906 members have access to the Employee Family Assistance Program, which includes some free, confidential mental health resources and supports: https://hr.mcmaster.ca/employees/health_safety_well-being/well-being/employee-and-family-assistance-program/
Members of Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3 have access to a number of leaves, such as sick leave and bereavement leave. Members can contact staff@cupe3906.org for more information.
Members of Unit 3 have access to the Post Doc Support Fund, which provides limited, one-time financial support for unexpected circumstances (such as needing to go home unexpectedly): https://cupe3906.org/postdocs-unit-3/post-doc-support-fund-unit-3/