“As Paris tries to come to terms with the appalling events of Friday night, our hearts go out to all the people caught up in the horror which saw the indiscriminate killings of ordinary people enjoying themselves on a typical Friday night in the capital,” UNISON said today in a message to French sister unions.
Speaking on behalf of the union, general secretary Dave Prentis told French colleagues: “We pay tribute to the people of Paris who opened their doors to those who were injured and stranded as a result of the killing spree.
“Special attention must be given to the brave public-service workers of Paris, including those in our sister unions, the CGT, FO and CFDT.
“The simple fearlessness of the medics and hospital staff, the ambulance crews, the police and fire fighters, is testament to the essential role public services play in society.
“It is during atrocities like this that we witness how crucial public services are, and the need to strengthen rather than weaken their provision.
“We condemn all acts of terror but will not let siren voices divide our communities.
“At a time of heightened tensions, and the continuing instability in Syria and beyond, it is crucial that we do not make scapegoats and jump to ill-conceived conclusions.
We need to come together and strengthen our resolve to work for a peaceful solution to the conflicts that are seeing the largest exodus of people since World War Two.
“On behalf of UNISON’s members, we send our deepest sympathy to all those who lost their lives or loved ones, who were injured or traumatised.
“While you are still coming to terms with the terrible events of Friday evening, we stand in solidarity with you, our sisters and brothers in the CGT, FO and CFDT.”
