CUPE Ontario Leaders Pledge Solidarity With York Region Paramedic Fired for Her Support for Anti-War Rally
TORONTO — Leaders of Ontario's largest union have unanimously condemned the firing of one of their fellow executive board members, vowing to support the dedicated frontline paramedic who spoke out on social media in favour of an anti-war rally in Toronto. Board members have also called for her full reinstatement by York Region.
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A Facebook comment by CUPE Local 4900 member Katherine Grzejszczak included criticisms of Israel's genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. On June 20 she was fired by York Region Paramedic Services management, after being questioned about the comment.
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'Katherine is a strong, brave and principled CUPE member who was elected democratically by fellow CUPE Ontario members to be a leader in our union. She is also someone whose life's work is saving others from harm, and yet she's being punished for using her voice to oppose the mass harm of others,' said CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn.
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CUPE Ontario's executive board was unequivocal that this discriminatory treatment of a CUPE member is an affront to every worker who believes in the right to speak out for peace and justice, or on any matter of conscience. Executive members also pledged their support for efforts to overturn the termination.
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'To dedicate your professional life to emergency response and preserving life, and then to be fired for giving voice to opposition to an ongoing genocide, exposes chilling contradictions,' said CUPE Ontario Secretary-Treasurer Yolanda McClean. 'It's the inconsistent position of York Region Paramedic Services that makes no sense.'
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'As outraged as we are about Katherine's unjust termination, this dangerous situation has broader impacts,' said Hahn. 'No employer should be able to silence any worker for challenging injustice.'
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