Jan 9, 2020. It is with profound sadness that we have learned that several CUPE members were among the victims of Wednesday’s tragic Ukraine International Flight 752 crash at the Tehran airport in Iran.

In particular, this tragedy has struck at the heart of so many schools and post-secondary campuses across Canada, where many of the flight’s passengers were employed or studying, and where CUPE represents thousands of educational, teaching and research assistants, as well as working students. We are heartbroken to know that this tragedy has taken the lives of so many bright, talented people in our country’s learning institutions.

CUPE’s 15,000 flight attendant members, who work day and night to keep passengers safe in the sky around the world, are also in our thoughts at this time.

The CUPE family mourns the loss of all 176 people aboard Flight 752. As details emerge and an investigation gets underway, we extend our solidarity to our CUPE community and everyone touched by this tragedy. Our hearts are with the families, friends and loved ones of all those who are mourning this week.