Ontario Union Members Push for Divestment from Israeli Occupation

Union members from various post-secondary institutions in Ontario are advocating for the University Pension Plan (UPP) to divest from companies associated with Israel's occupation of Palestine. This initiative, known as the Workers’ Campaign for UPP Divestment, includes members from unions such as the United Steelworkers (USW) local 1998, Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) locals 3902 and 1230, and faculty associations from the University of Toronto, University of Guelph, Trent University, and Queen’s University. The campaign seeks compliance with UPP's responsible investment policy, urging divestment from military industries and illegal occupations.

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The Workers’ Campaign aligns with the broader Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, which calls for action against Israel until it recognizes Palestinian rights and adheres to international law. The campaign draws parallels to Ontario's historical divestment from apartheid South Africa, highlighting that legal frameworks exist to facilitate such actions without breaching fiduciary duties.

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The coalition comprises various labor organizations, including CUPE and USW, representing over 44,000 members. Key figures include Fraser McCallum from USW 1998, Kirsten Francescone from Trent University, and Samantha King from Queen’s University, all of whom emphasize the moral and economic imperatives for divestment.

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The Workers’ Campaign estimates that approximately $790 million of UPP's portfolio is invested in companies that violate its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles. Notable investments include $10-25 million in Safran Corporation, which supplies arms to Israel, and $5-10 million in Booking.com, which lists hotels in illegal settlements. The UPP's holdings also include major defense contractors like General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin, which are implicated in the Israeli occupation.

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Despite the campaign's efforts, the UPP has not responded to demands for divestment. Critics argue that the fund's inaction contradicts its reported commitment to sustainable investing. Members express frustration that the UPP has not engaged with their calls for accountability, despite the clear alignment of their investments with militarism and occupation.

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Campaign members assert that divestment is a necessary step to uphold ethical investment practices. Samantha King stated, “The historical legal precedent for refusing complicity with apartheid demonstrates that it is indeed possible for the province to divest pension funds without compromising fiduciary duty.” Jessica Copley added, “Divestment works. It applies both economic and moral pressure, thereby increasing the financial and reputational risks for companies profiting from human rights abuses.”

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The Workers’ Campaign for UPP Divestment plans to maintain pressure on the UPP and expand its coalition efforts. The campaign aims to ensure that the voices of union members are heard and that their pensions are not tied to investments in conflict and occupation. As McCallum noted, “We do not want our pensions paid with blood money.”

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