STUC – Apartheid Free Zones Scotland – No Turning Back

As the Scottish Trades Union Congress convened from 20–22 April 2026, once again, resolutions on Palestine passed in previous years remained unimplemented. The persistent disconnect between stated policy and meaningful action apparent to all. In this context, the Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign message; “No more policy without action” resonated strongly with delegates.

This frustration and determination to do better was articulated in the ‘‘Apartheid Free Zones Scotland’’ motion which was powerfully moved by former Labour MSP Neil Findlay on behalf of West Lothian Trades Council.

Congress voted to reaffirm the STUC’s commitment to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), including Apartheid Free Zones (AFZs) and for existing commitments to be fully implemented.

There is an explicit commitment to declaring all STUC workplaces as Apartheid Free Zones (AFZs).

There can be no turning back.

Delegates were reminded that they all return to a branch where they can propose declaring an AFZ. 

Meanwhile, the General Council holds a clear mandate to act and must do so in line with conference decisions.

Though AFZ had been endorsed at last year's Congress, things have now been taken further and the pressure is on to deliver.

We believe this represents a “fork in the road” moment, one that will lead either to a collapse of remaining union credibility or to a profound and transformative breakthrough.

SPSC will continue to work relentlessly on this and look forward to playing our part in turning policy into action.

Motion 112:

Apartheid Free Zones Scotland

“That this Congress notes and welcomes the many motions carried last year cementing our continued and committed support for the Palestinian people and the commitment to Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) of Israeli goods and services.

“Congress believes declaring your workplace, trade union, or community group an Apartheid Free Zone (AFZ) is pledging to support the principles of the BDS Movement and boycotting Israeli products and institutions, and those international companies who profit from Israel’s human rights abuses.

“Therefore, Congress calls on the General Council to:

• uphold the previous commitments and STUC policy to support the BDS movement and increase the visibility of the STUC and wider trade union movement in the BDS campaign;
• declare all STUC workplaces as Apartheid Free Zones;
• encourage all affiliates to declare their respective unions and workplaces as Apartheid free zones; and
• work with affiliates, AFZ, and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) to promote and encourage the campaign.”

Mover: West Lothian Trades Union Council

Relevant resolutions on ethical procurement and the International crisis were also adopted, and can be found in the Library of Motions