STUC Black Workers Conference resolves to take practical BDS actions

28 September 2024

Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) welcomes the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Black Workers’ Conference unanimous vote to adopt a raft of actions in solidarity with Palestine. These include taking practical action by stepping up the BDS campaign, endorsing the Apartheid Free Zones campaign, and campaigning for divestment of Union and workers pension funds from complicit companies, in addition to supporting workers who refuse to build, handle and transport weapons destined for Israel, as well as workers who are prevented by their employers from fundraising for humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Delegates also voted unanimously to encourage affiliated unions, branches and individuals to support SPSC.

Conference delegates instructed the STUC Black Workers’ Committee to work with the STUC General Council and affiliates to take these practical solidarity actions.

The motion was moved by Hussein Ezzedine on behalf of ASLEF and seconded by Hector Wesley on behalf of the Public and Commercial Services Union.

All delegates spoke powerfully in support of the motion, highlighting the brutality of Israel’s ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people, of the destruction of schools and universities in Gaza and the massacre of children, young learners, teachers and academics.

There was also acknowledgement that the issue of Palestine is tough and seen as controversial; workers face restrictions in displaying their solidarity in the workplace, students are shut down from discussing the situation and teachers targeted for being “antisemitic” or “terrorist sympathisers”. Despite this, delegates insisted that much more needs to be done and that trade unions need to be more agile and respond to the unfolding situation in Palestine and wider Middle East with a sense of urgency.

Conference delegates also discussed and passed motions on the threat of the far right and the government’s extremism definition. Speakers spoke powerfully about personal experience of racist attacks and highlighted the need for mobilisation, political education and agitation. Hussein Ezzedine of ASLEF emphasised the need for education particularly on the role of the state of Israel in the far-right movement, and the nature of Israeli apartheid and genocide.

Following the discussion on international motions, delegates heard a message from trade unions in Occupied Palestine.

Are you a trade union member?  Get in touch and join the SPSC trade union network: husseine@scottishpalestinesolidaritycampaign.org

Find out more about the Apartheid Free Zones Scotland campaign: apartheidfree.scot