OTTAWA, April 29 /CNW Telbec/ - The Canadian Union of Postal Workers
(CUPW) joined the international campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions
against Israel during their national convention this month.
Hundreds of delegates to CUPW's convention passed a resolution supporting
sanctions and calling on the union to work toward an end to suicide bombings,
military assaults and other acts of violence that take the lives of innocent
people.
"It's time to push for a fair and just settlement so that both
Palestinians and Israelis can live in peace," said Denis Lemelin, CUPW
National President. "There can't be a solution while settlements exist on
Palestinian land and while a security barrier restricts the movement of
Palestinian workers."
CUPW is the first national union in North America to pass a resolution
supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions. However, a number of
international and Canadian organizations support the campaign.
"Delegates at our convention listened to the call from Palestinian unions
and organizations in joining this campaign," said Lemelin. "This is a
non-violent tactic aimed at reaching a just peace," he added.
Over 170 Palestinian political parties, unions and other organizations
issued a call in July 2005 for a global campaign of boycott and divestment
against Israel similar to the one applied to South Africa in the apartheid
era. These measures are intended to continue until Israel recognizes the right
of Palestinian people to self-determination and fully complies with
international law.
CUPW represents 56,000 workers in the postal sector. From April 13-17,
postal workers voted on a vast array of resolutions at their national
convention held in Ottawa.
For further information: Richard McGrath, CUPW Communications, (613)
236-7230 ext. 7914
