Posted on: May 1, 2009  @ 09:00

“Solidarity is the Tenderness of the Peoples”

This expression, which has been quoted by many important Latin American revolutionaries, has a nice ring to it, particularly to workers around the world. Let me repeat it: “Solidarity is the tenderness of the peoples.” How comforting it is to hear. But it is also very forceful! For postal workers, it brings back a lot of warm memories.

Let’s remember… Our solidarity with the people of South Africa in freeing themselves from apartheid… Our unwavering support for the Cuban people who are fighting to build a different society, based on sharing… Our support of the struggle to free the people of East Timor… Our resolution to support the campaign of boycott, divestment and sanctions against Israel … Our strong position against all wars: Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka… Our unconditional support of the need for peace throughout the world… And our determination in building a better world that fulfills the aspirations of all people.

And closer to us… Our recognition of the ancestral rights of aboriginal people and of the Quebec people’s right to self-determination. We must be proud of our positions and policies.

CUPW must speak up and denounce inequalities everywhere they exist. But it must also offer an alternative, and the basis of our alternative is solidarity, “the tenderness of the peoples.”

 

cupe 1979 / cope 225