Workplace Day of Action: Make the ceasefire work, recognise Palestine now

13 February 2025

On Thursday, 13 February trade union branches across the UK will be taking part in a workplace day of action for Palestine, to demand renewed international pressure to make the ceasefire work and the immediate recognition for the State of Palestine. The TUC is supporting the event.

The 15 months of conflict, since the heinous attack by Hamas in October 2023, have had a devastating impact on the people of Palestine and Israel. In Gaza over 47,300 people have been killed, 111,500 injured and almost the entire population displaced, many multiple times. The crisis has had a devasting impact on workers. In Gaza over 1,060 health workers, 519 education workers, 385 aid workers and many other public service workers have been killed.

Homes, critical infrastructure, public services and businesses have been decimated. The UN estimate it will take up to 20 years to remove the 50 million tonnes of debris in Gaza.

Since the announcement of the ceasefire the situation in the West Bank has escalated. Access restrictions have intensified and military operations in Jenin, Tulkarm and other communities have resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinians.

UNISON joins Palestinian trade unions in their continued demands for:

  • Renewed international pressure to ensure the ceasefire is permanent.
  • Full access to humanitarian assistance, accommodation and critical public services.
  • Full recognition of the Palestinian State, contributing to a two state solution.
  • The safe release of hostages.
  • Revoke the ban on UNRWA.
  • Full adherence to international law, including the rulings of the international court.
  • The suspension of the arms trade and the UK Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement, until international law is respected.
  • A ban on trade with the illegal settlements.
  • The release of Palestinian political prisoners and civilian detainees, including public service workers held in arbitrary or administrative detention.

UNISON branches could support these calls on 13 February by:

  • Doing a fundraising activity for the UNISON appeal in support of the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross.
  • Writing to your local MP to encourage them to support UNISON’s demands.
  • Consider holding a meeting with a speaker from the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

For more information about the actions you can take see ‘Ceasefire Now: A UNISON guide for activists campaigning for peace’. https://www.unison.org.uk/content/uploads/2024/10/541_Palestine_briefing_document-2.pdf