Letter from Unifor National President Lana Payne:
Dec. 5, 2023
Nasser Abu Baker
Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate
Dear President Nasser Abu Baker,
Re: Letter of support and solidarity
Unifor, Canada’s largest private sector union, would like to express our deepest condolences and sorrow over the loss of life in Gaza.
We stand in solidarity with the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate, and we condemn the mass civilian casualties.
We are particularly concerned over the alarming number of journalists who have been harassed, threatened, targeted, and killed.
As trade unionists, we believe all journalists and media workers have the right to work, free from attacks and threats. We also note that willful killing or murder of civilians, including journalists, constitutes a violation of international humanitarian law.
We have always been clear that press freedom is essential in upholding democracy, and it is particularly crucial in times of conflict.
Unifor is also calling for a ceasefire and an immediate end to indiscriminate bombing that has claimed the lives of at least 11,000 people, including an estimated 5,500 children, and 67 journalists and media workers.
Lastly, Unifor is donating $10,000 to the International Federation of Journalists’ safety fund in to help media workers and journalists in Gaza, who are just trying to do their jobs in the midst of a worsening crisis.
Please know that the world is watching. You are not alone. We stand with you.
In solidarity,
Lana Payne
National President
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