The Teaching Support Staff Union (TSSU) at Simon Fraser University stands in solidarity with the Palestinian people and their long struggle for liberation.

The current bombing campaign and siege perpetrated by the Israeli regime is devastating Gaza,
killing thousands, and displacing millions. TSSU stands with the people of Gaza and calls on the
Canadian government to advocate for an immediate ceasefire to stem the tragic loss of life.
But we recognize that this violence does not occur in a vacuum. It is a recurrent symptom of 75
years of settler colonial occupation. A ceasefire cannot be an excuse for the Israeli regime to
simply seize more Palestinian land, nor is the October 6th status quo an acceptable state to
return to. As such, we call not just for a ceasefire, but for an end to the blockade of Gaza, an
end to settler incursions and violence in the West Bank, and an end to the occupation of
Palestinian territories.

The occupation, the apartheid nature of the Israeli regime, and the constant violence and
destruction, make it impossible for Palestinian workers to secure the rights they deserve. In
spite of seemingly insurmountable barriers, their labour movement has proven itself to be as
inspiring as their liberation movement.

All struggles for liberation are connected. As the Palestinian General Federation of Trade
Unions (PGFTU) noted, the Palestinian liberation struggle isn’t just about Palestine; it “is a lever
for the liberation of all dispossessed and exploited people of the world.” We stand in solidarity
with those fighting for workers’ rights, peace, and justice everywhere.

We echo the call of the PGFTU in Gaza to refuse to take part in work that contributes to the
production or transport of armaments that will be used in Israel.

We encourage our comrades in the labour movement to join us in standing against war crimes, genocide, and oppression. The people, united, will never be defeated.