Hello fellow workers,

We have received a lot of feedback regarding our previous statement and we want to clarify our intentions with the statement and the process by which it was made. The statement was endorsed collectively by GEO staff and in consultation with union representatives. Neither this statement, nor any political action related to it, can be endorsed by the co-chairs or any other members of leadership alone. This particular statement was issued by GEO staff, without a steering committee vote. The ability to take a stance on the Palestinian cause came from a previously held referendum by which GEO membership democratically voted to back BDS and take a stand against Israeli occupation of Palestine. You can read more about this history and these referenda here: https://www.geouaw.org/3632/.

We would like to make clear that our thoughts lie with all those who have loved ones in the Palestine-Israel region. We mourn the deaths of all innocent Israeli and Palestinian lives, along with other migrant workers in the area. In no way does our solidarity for Palestine amount to an endorsement of Hamas’ actions. We are a fundamentally anti-war organization. No one should draw any conclusions to the contrary based on our previous statement.

We reiterate the core spirit of our previous statement in that we firmly believe that the violence that has taken place does not exist in a vacuum. It is located in a long history of Israeli occupation and militarism. The current and escalating colonial retaliation has led to a growing refugee and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As such, we affirm GEO membership’s long-standing position of supporting calls for divestment from Israeli occupation in general, and of backing the BDS movement in particular.

We welcome those who disagree with our previous statement or GEO’s position to come have a dialogue with GEO staff and each other as fellow union members. GEO’s political standpoints, including this position, have historically been shaped and voted on by the mandate of membership. We continue to encourage all members to participate in these processes. We issue this clarificatory statement in the hopes that we find a way to move forward together.

in solidarity,
GEO staff

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In solidarity, GEO Leadership
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