28 November 2024
On Thursday, 28 November trade union branches across the UK will be taking part in a workplace day of action to demand a ceasefire to end the war in Gaza and Lebanon. The TUC is supporting the event.
The last 13 months have had a devastating impact on the people of Palestine, Israel and now Lebanon. In Gaza over 43,000 people have been killed and almost the entire population displaced, many multiple times. Housing and public services have been decimated, and access to food and clean water continues to be denied to many, particularly in the north of Gaza.
The crisis has had a devasting impact on workers. In Gaza over 1,000 health workers, 440 education workers, 320 aid workers and many other public service workers have been killed. Unemployment rates in the occupied Palestinian territory have surged to 51 percent and 79 percent in Gaza.
Workers in the West Bank have also been affected by the withdrawal of work permits to work in Israel, restrictions on freedom of movement, attacks by soldiers and settlers, the withholding of tax revenue owed to the Palestinian Authority, and the impact of restrictions on the Palestinian economy.
UNISON joins Palestinian trade unions in their continued demands for an immediate ceasefire, access to humanitarian assistance and for the arms trade with Israel to be suspended. We also support the calls for the immediate and safe release of hostages held in Gaza, the release of Palestinian political prisoners, full recognition of the State of Palestine and an end to trade with the illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.
UNISON branches could support these calls on 28 November by:
• Holding a lunchtime photo action in support of a ceasefire – use our template
• Writing to your local MP to encourage them to support UNISON’s calls for a ceasefire, full access to humanitarian assistance, the immediate and safe release of hostages, the release of political prisoners, an end to the occupation and blockade of Gaza and recognition of the state of Palestine as a contribution towards a two state solution.
• Holding a meeting with a speaker from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
• Fundraising or donating to the UNISON appeal in support of the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross.
For more information about the actions you can take see: Ceasefire Now: A UNISON guide for activists campaigning for peace