Fred Hahn Retains CUPE Ontario Presidency Despite Resignation Demands

TORONTO – Despite intense pressure from national union leadership and public figures, Fred Hahn remains the President of CUPE Ontario, navigating a deep internal divide over his social media conduct.

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The Catalyst

The controversy peaked in August 2024 following Hahn’s social media activity during the Paris Olympics. He shared a video depicting a diver with a Star of David transforming into a bomb, which critics—including Ontario Premier Doug Ford and several Jewish advocacy groups—denounced as antisemitic.

The National-Provincial Standoff

The fallout created a rare public rift between the national and provincial branches of Canada’s largest union:

• The National Demand: The CUPE National Executive Board (NEB) passed a “loss of confidence” motion, formally requesting Hahn’s resignation as General Vice-President.
• The Provincial Defense: Hahn refused to step down, asserting that he is accountable only to the Ontario members who democratically elected him.
• The Legal Layer: Hahn’s supporters argue that the National Board lacks the constitutional power to remove a provincially elected leader, while dissenting members have filed human rights complaints alleging a toxic environment.

Current Outlook

As of early 2026, Hahn continues to lead CUPE Ontario, focusing his recent platform on provincial labor issues and university funding. While he has expressed regret for the “distraction” caused by his posts, the underlying friction between union factions remains a defining challenge for the organization’s unity.