Unions Condemn Anti-Mandate 'Freedom Convoy,' Drawing Teamster Members' Ire Online
As 'Freedom Convoy'-like protests expand globally, unions and the Left react surprisingly.
QUICK FACTS:
The ‘Freedom Convoy’ is a protest started by Canadian truck drivers that began on January 22 in opposition to Canada’s vaccine mandates aimed at truckers.
The Freedom Convoy has drawn thousands of supporters, including non-truckers such as farmers and other motorists, and blocked the Ambassador Bridge—a main artery between the United States from Canada—for several days.
On Wednesday, several auto plants in both countries were forced to close due to supply chain issues caused by the Freedom Convoy.
Several unions and the Left have harshly condemned the Freedom Convoy.
Protests continue to expand globally, and U.S. officials warn that a ‘Freedom Convoy’ could begin on Superbowl Sunday.
DETAILS
The ‘Freedom Convoy’—a protest that began with a series of blockades and protests by Canadian truck drivers angered by their government’s requirement to be vaccinated before re-entering their country, and has since been joined by others fed up and frustrated by COVID-19 mandates.
Last week protesters caused the closure of the Ambassador Bridge, a main artery between Canada and the U.S., causing the closure of several plants in both countries and drawing the wrath of government officials in both countries and several unions.
The Ambassador Bridge, according to the National Post, carries about US $360 million a day in two-way cargoes – 25 per cent of the value of all U.S.-Canada goods trade.
“As the protests have dragged on, officials at every level of government say they now pose a threat to public security and the economy,” reported CNN on Friday.
SEIU Local 2: Freedom Convoy Has ‘Taken Ottawa Hostage’
In Canada, SEIU Local 2—part of the U.S.-based Service Employees International Union—stated that the Freedom Convoy has brought incidences “intimidation, harassment and targeted racism” and is an ‘occupation.’
The union, which represents janitors in Ottawa stated:
“The convoy that has taken Ottawa hostage arrived nearly two weeks ago. While the dangers and annoyances it has caused have been well documented, not as evident is the impact they have had on the city’s working class – consider janitors for example….”
“The occupation has resulted in the shutdown of many buildings in downtown Ottawa and blockades have, at times, prevented workers from getting to their jobs. Hundreds of incidents of intimidation, harassment and targeted racism have been reported and made the downtown core unsafe for workers.”
The union also asserted that the ‘Freedom Convoy’ is not about “freedom.”
Freedom has nothing to do with not wearing a mask or refusing to get vaccinated – those are vital public health measures that helps keep us all safer. There is freedom, however, in being able to make a living with the respect, in being able to provide dignified housing for your family and putting healthy food on the table. There is freedom in the peace of mind job security and good medical benefits provide.
SEIU Local 2 respects everyone’s right to peacefully protest, but this occupation has been far from peaceful. The convoy has not provided freedom for anyone, and certainly not Ottawa’s working families – in fact, they have been robbing workers of their freedom. It’s time for the federal, provincial and city governments to step in and protect the public’s safety. [Emphasis added.]
UAW: Working families are ‘collateral damage’
Complaining about the blocking of the Ambassador Bridge, a United Auto Workers Local President in Ontario stated, "If these lines don't run and the workers are sent home, then these working families unfortunately become collateral damage to the protest that's going on at the bridge."
Teamsters’ International President ‘Denounces’ Freedom Convoy
On Thursday, retiring Teamster President James P. Hoffa issued a press release, stating:
“The Teamsters Union denounces the ongoing Freedom Convoy protest at the Canadian border that continues to hurt workers and negatively impact our economy. The livelihood of working Americans and Canadians in the automotive, agricultural, and manufacturing sectors is threatened by this blockade.
“Our economy is growing under the Biden Administration, and this disruption in international trade threatens to derail the gains we have made. Our members are some of the hardest workers in the country and are being prevented from doing their jobs. The Teamsters call on the organizers of this action to end this protest and instead, engage in meaningful political discourse with the Canadian government to find a solution.”
Even socialists—normally supportive of working-class protests—condemned the Freedom Convoy calling participants “right wing, selfish protesters.”
In Ottawa, a counter protest was launched by a public union on Saturday.
“A weekend counter protest against the Ottawa Freedom Convoy trucker occupation organized by a major union of federal employees openly showcased the Communist Party’s hammer and sickle flag of blood,” reported the Vision Times.
Although trucks were gone from the Ambassador Bridge by Saturday, hundreds of protesters were there on foot, according to the Detroit Free Press.
On Sunday, reported the National Post, arrests were made by Canadian police.
Teamsters’ Union Members Sound Off On Union
On a U.S.-based Teamsters’ member forum, commenters were mostly supportive of the Freedom Convoy, with many Teamster members commenting about the union’s public opposition.
“I think [incoming Teamster President Sean] O'Brien would hit the ground running, noted one commenter, “if he puts all Teamsters drivers in it. He can't allow the Independents all of the spotlight for such a passionate issue ....and the Independents are on the right side. Mandates must end....and these shots will be required for CDL DOT Physicals if not protested by us.”
Another wrote:
Sh*t... no wonder the left's so scared and panicking about it coming to the United States... a freedom convoy actually about freedom.
Yet another wrote [in reference to incoming Teamster President Sean O’Brien]:
Anyone else notice how relatively quiet the usually outspoken TDU has been lately? IMO... since Junior [Hoffa] has obviously felt the need to put his two cents in... even though his remaining time at the helm is short... now would be a perfect time for Obrien [sic] and the TDU to show just where they stand on this issue. If not... it will give an initial impression of weak leadership to come.
As the rapidly expanding protest extends to European nations and New Zealand on Saturday, Paris police fired tear gas as a convoy of “cars, campervans, tractors and other vehicles” converged on the nation’s capital.
As the New York Post noted on Saturday: "The protest has had such resonance because it is the first significant break in Canada’s long-standing, far-reaching regime of coronavirus restrictions. Unlike in the United States, very few people, either in elected politics or the media, have made the case against restrictions — until now.”
As of Sunday, instead of relenting, the protests seem to be spreading across the globe.
Only time will tell whether they have an impact or not.