Unite executive calls emergency meeting as Graham remains silent on Gaza

Meeting rumoured among Unite insiders for over a week crystallises – and union general secretary’s silence over slaughter of Gazan civilians continues

— Taj Ali (@Taj_Ali1) October 21, 2023

An Urgent Call from Palestinian Trade Unions: End all complicity, stop arming Israel

Refuse to build weapons destined for Israel. This is relevant for Unite as Leonardo and Babcock, two employers where Unite is active and has recognition, have links with the Israeli military. Unite has endorsed BDS and it is essential that as a union we adhere to this by ensuring our members are supported by our union in refusing to make weapons that are being used for war crimes. Refuse to transport weapons to Israel. With considerable membership in the docking and shipping industry, we call upon Unite to honour this call by taking steps to encourage and support our members in refusing to build or transport weapons to Israel while it is so clearly committing acts of genocide. Pass motions to this effect in our trade union.

Take action against complicit companies involved in implementing Israel’s brutal and illegal siege. Pressure governments to stop all military trade with Israel. The UK government has already signalled it will give military support to the Israeli state. We must oppose this in the strongest terms as a trade union.

Why has there not been a statement recognising and condemning the frequent attacks by Israel against Palestinian civilians ? By making a statement condemning the actions of Hamas but not doing so on the frequent occasions in which the Israeli state has undertaken atrocities you appear to place the lives of Israeli civilians above those of Palestinian civilians.

Why has Unite referred to Israeli civilians as “innocent” but not Palestinian civilians ? All civilians (Israeli and Palestinian) are innocent. This appears, at first glance, to repeat and amplify a stereotype that Palestinians and Muslims are not and cannot be “innocent”. We ask that you correct this and explain why there is no reference to “innocent” Palestinian civilians.

The statement ‘unreservedly’ condemns and expresses its ‘revulsion at the recent appalling acts of violence by Hamas’ whilst only managing to ‘deplore’ the deaths of Palestinians from Israel’s merciless bombing of Palestinian civilians ? Unite does not express its “revulsion” at the “appalling acts of violence” by the Israeli state at all. Why ? Unite appears to ignore well documented war crimes documented by neutral international organisations such as the UN, Amnesty International, Red Cross and many other respected bodies.

Throughout the statement Unite refers to Israelis and Jews first and only secondly refers to Palestinians and Muslims. The first paragraph is the most glaring example and is problematic. Why ? There must be equality in language used because Israelis and Palestinians are equal and must be treated as such.

At no point does the statement call for a ceasefire or seek to stop continued Israeli bombardment and war crimes against Palestinian civilians.

Unite has not expressed support for Palestine Solidarity Campaign or Stop the War in your recent statement and ask that you do so immediately.

Supporting the clear message(s) contained within this letter at the emergency meeting of the Executive Council this Thursday and at any and all future Executive Council meetings and Unite meetings;

Issuing a clear statement calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Encouraging and pledging practical support to Unite members who refuse to build or handle weapons destined for Israel.

Providing education about the occupation of Palestine to members in workplaces involved in the building and transportation of weapons destined for Israel, including video conversations with representatives from Palestine’s trade unions.

Examining Unite’s contractual agreements to ensure we are not engaged in business with companies involved in implementing Israel’s brutal and illegal siege on Gaza, particularly military companies.

Examining Unite’s investments to ensure we are not financing companies involved in implementing Israel’s brutal and illegal siege on Gaza, particularly military companies.

Issuing a public statement of solidarity with the Palestinian people, and expressing support for Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions against Israel to bring it in line with its obligations under international law. This would be reiterating Unite’s policy of supporting Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions that was agreed earlier this year.

Make clear that Unite the union opposes and condemns Islamophobia (and specifically anti-Palestinian racism) as well as apartheid in Israel.

Expressly supporting and attending demonstrations that oppose war crimes and genocide committed by Israel.

Contacting Palestinian trade unions urgently and ask what material and political support Unite can offer and thereafter undertake any and all reasonable requests;

Make a sizeable donation to Medical Aid for Palestinians;

Make a sizeable donation to the prosecution of any politician or individual complicit in Israeli war crimes. You will be aware that the International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has written a notice of intention to prosecute any UK politicians or those who hold a prominent position who aid and abet war crimes against Palestinian civilians.

— Zak (@BoufontZak) October 18, 2023

2023-10-25 | Analysis, Breaking, comment | English |