12 February 2026 8:00am–5:30pm
On 12 February UNISON branches will be supporting the TUC endorsed workplace day of action for Palestine. Branches and activists are encouraged to take part in actions to demand a permanent ceasefire, an end to the occupation, respect for international law and for a viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.
UNISON is calling on the UK government to:
- Ban trade with the illegal settlements;
- Suspend the arms trade and the UK-Israel trade and partnership agreement until international law and human rights are respected;
- Call for the state of Palestine to be recognised by the United Nations, contributing to a two-state solution;
- Ensure that reconstruction in Gaza is Palestinian led, involves trade unions, and delivers decent work and quality public services.
Over the last 28 months Gaza has been devastated. Over 71,600 Palestinians have been killed and more than 171,300 injured in a situation described as genocide by a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry. Healthcare and other critical public services have been decimated and 81 percent of structures and homes destroyed or damaged. Despite the fragile ceasefire, airstrikes, shelling and gunfire have continued, with at least 492 Palestinians reportedly killed since the ceasefire began. Palestinians in the West Bank have also been severely affected, with a huge increase in settler and military attacks, thousands displaced, homes demolished, severe restrictions on freedom of movement and major settlement expansion.
On the day of action branches are encouraged to:
- Take part in a photo action calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestinian territory, an end to the genocide in Gaza and respect for international law;
- Write to your local MP to promote UNISON’s demands (above);
- Fundraise in support of the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians;
- Hold a meeting with a speaker from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC);
- Call for ethical investment and procurement that respects human and workers’ rights and international law. And call for pension funds to divest from companies that sell arms used in violations of international law and companies on the UN list of businesses involved in the illegal settlements.
For more information see Ceasefire Now: A UNISON guide for activists campaigning for peace