After two decades at the helm, Fred Hahn, the president of CUPE Ontario, announced he will not seek re-election this May. The decision follows a period of intense scrutiny and controversy surrounding his public statements regarding the conflict between Palestine and Israel.
Hahn’s departure also comes after losing a bid for a national leadership position within CUPE last October. He had faced mounting accusations of antisemitism, fueled by his vocal criticism of Israel and support for the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement.
In a letter addressed to union members, Hahn described his 20 years as president as a profound honor, acknowledging the demanding and often exhausting nature of the role. He expressed deep gratitude for the trust and solidarity he received from the membership.
Hahn framed his decision as a necessary step towards renewal, emphasizing that the strength of the union lies not in any single individual, but in the collective power of its members. He urged them to choose a new generation of leaders to address the ongoing challenges they face.
Hahn’s involvement with CUPE stretches back to 1991, with his ascent through the ranks beginning in 1998 as a member of the Ontario Executive Board. He became secretary-treasurer in 2006 and, in 2010, made history as the first openly gay president of CUPE Ontario.
Throughout his tenure, Hahn positioned himself as a staunch defender of union members, battling against employer demands, government austerity measures, and attempts to weaken collective bargaining rights. He specifically cited the government’s use of the notwithstanding clause against CUPE education workers as a particularly egregious example.
The most recent wave of criticism erupted in August when Hahn shared a video on his personal Facebook account. The video spliced footage of an Israeli diver with imagery of a bomb dropping on civilians, sparking outrage and calls for his resignation.
Hahn swiftly removed the video, acknowledging that it had caused pain to Jewish union members. However, he vehemently denied accusations of antisemitism, asserting that conflating the actions of the Israeli state with Jewish identity was itself antisemitic.
In his farewell letter, Hahn reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the union, stating that despite stepping down as president, “CUPE pink” would remain in his blood. He pledged to continue standing in solidarity with members, in struggle, and in hope.
