76 Palestine
Submitted by Fire Brigades’ Union
[NOTE: The General Council Statement on the Middle East passed by Congress takes precedence over this motion]
Congress condemns the Government of Israel’s January offensive in Gaza resulting in 1,450 Palestinians deaths and 5,000 injured and the massive destruction of infrastructure.
Congress further condemns the ongoing blockade that is in contravention of International Law.
Congress calls on the General Council to:
i) use its influence with the British Government to make appropriate representations to the international community to secure support for a negotiated settlement based on justice for the Palestinians
ii) build solidarity with the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions.
Congress condemns the Histadrut statement of 13 January 2009 in which it backed the attacks on Gaza and calls on the General Council to carry out a review of the TUC’s relationship with Histadrut.
Congress calls on the General Council to pressure the Government to:
a) condemn the Israeli military aggression and end the blockade on Gaza
b) end all arms trading with Israel
c) impose a ban on the importing of goods produced in the illegal Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories
d) support moves to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement.
Congress further calls on the General Council to encourage affiliation to the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and to develop an effective Boycott, Disinvestment and Sanctions campaign by working closely with the PSC to:
1) raise greater awareness on the issues
2) promote a targeted consumer-led boycott
3) encourage trade unionists to boycott Israeli goods, especially agricultural products that have been produced in the illegal settlements
4) encourage campaigns of disinvestment from companies associated with the occupation.
Amendment (Not Accepted)
From GMB
At the end of paragraph 1, insert: ‘and Hamas’ rocket attacks against Israeli civilians.’
At the end of paragraph 2, insert: ‘and prevents vital supplies from reaching the people of Gaza.’
In paragraph 3, at end of sub-paragraph ii), insert: ‘, including through project support and encouraging and supporting stronger relations with the Histadrut.’
In paragraph 4, line 1, replace ‘condemns’ with ‘regrets’. In line 3 insert a full stop after ‘Gaza’ and delete the remaining words in the paragraph.
In paragraph 5, delete sub-paragraph b). Renumber existing sub-paragraph c) as b) and insert at the start of it ’seek EU agreement to’. Renumber existing sub-paragraph d) as c).
In paragraph 6, delete all from ‘to develop’ in line 3 to ‘PSC’ in line 5. Delete sub-paragraph 2) and renumber sub-paragraph 3) as 2). In this new sub-paragraph 2), add ‘those’ before ‘Israeli goods’ and replace ‘,especially’ with ‘and’. Re-number sub-paragraph 4) as 3), inserting at end: ‘and pressure companies to withdraw from building the separation wall.’
Amendment (Accepted)
From: University and College Union
Add new final paragraph:
‘Congress asserts that in undertaking these actions each affiliate will operate within its own aims and objectives and within the law.’
[NOTE: The General Council Statement on the Middle East passed by Congress takes precedence over this motion]
I’m curious about your rule: who or what accepts amendments? The author(s) of the motion or a committee of the conference?
You do not need to be on “one side or the other” regarding Israel/Palestine to see that, by not accepting the amendment put forward by GMB, there is clearly no wish to see balance in debating this issue.
Thanks for your comment Derek. As a point of clarification, I think our jargon here might be a bit confusing… Basically unions can submit amendments to each others’ motions. If the original union is happy with the amendment, then it’s ‘accepted’, and what Congress ends up debating is the motion including amendment. If they don’t like the amendment, then Congress votes on the motion, and then votes on the amendment separately. In this case there will be two votes. One for the motion as a whole, and including the UCU amendment, and a separate vote on whether the GMB amendment should be included too. There’s more info on our jargon here.
Without condemning the war crimes committed by Hamas as they fire hundreds of rockets aimed at murdering Israeli citizens (men, women and children) this motion must itself be condemned as prejudiced, unbalanced and based on a single political agenda. I urgeall trade unuionists to read the leader in the Times this morning for an objective and accurate assessment of this outrageous motion. Please boycott this meeting and ensure that the Firemen don’t have their Union besmirrched by such an disingenuous motion.
I urge delegates to read the UN report on the Gaza onslaught. There is no proportionality, no equality of two sides, no justice involved in the occupation of Palestine by Israel. The TUC must take a stand against occupation, dispossession, mass killings and apartheid.
Fantastic news, I congratulate the great stand trade unionists in this country have taken for justice and dignity. The tide really is changing for the Palestinian struggle for equality and justice.
It was completely correct to reject the amendment condemning Hamas – we never condemned the South African resistance to oppression, no matter how violent it got, so why should we condemn the Palestinian resistance.
this is the best news I have heard in a long long time, well done the TUC, now release yourselves from Histadrut
Well said Diane, the mention of Hamas is totaly irrelevant when you consider themass evil and slaughter of Palestinian women and children, a grave crime against humanity. Hamas rockets are the only way they can tell the world that they are in a concentration camp of Israel’s making, this is a great day for justice
Great News End the siege
Both sides are NOT as bad as each other. Hamas is NOT occupying Israel in contravention of international law, Israeli citizens are NOT subjected to daily humiliation at roadblocks. These are NOT two conventional armies at war. Israel is occupying Palestine, they continue to build illegal settlements, athe IDF murdered hundreds of innocent Palestinian civilians in January just like they have done many times before.
This motion is based on the realisation that Israel will have to be treated like apartheid South Africa until Israel stops acting like apartheid South Africa.
I am a retired member of my union (UCU).
Congratulations to the TUC for grasping the nettle on this controversial issue and passing the FBU motion. When related issues have been raised in my union we have been subject to ferocious pressure from the hard-line pro-Israel lobby. I expect you were too. Well done for not giving in.
There is no proportionality between the (obviously disgraceful) rocket attacks on Israel – some of which were carried out by Hamas but some by other groups when
Hamas had called a cease-fire – and the Israeli onslaught on Gaza.
I hope this motion can lead to trades unions offering practical help to the suffering people of Palestine in both Gaza and the West Bank.
Great news. Please make sure all unions boycott Israel and demand fair peace negotiations with the Palestinians not the US!
As an Israeli activist against the occupation, Israeli expansionism, and ethnic cleansing, I greatly welcome this move. This is a way to build grassroots movements against Israel’s continued atrocities inflicted on Palestinians. For those commentators who express a desire for symmetry–I need only remind you that thanks to the US and others who supply Israel with arms, Israel has the 4th most powerful military in the world, and is one of the largest sellers of arms. There is no symmetry. I oppose violence, as do many Palestinians. But to compare Palestinian violence to Israeli terrorism is illogical. The Palestinians who have been suffering for over 61 years were not responsible for what happened to the Jews during WWII. Until Palestinians have security and justice, there can be none either for Israelis. More power to bds–a nonviolent means of pressuring governments.
Fantastic news and well done! just phones a friend of mine in the FBU and we are celebrating!!!
More should now be involved in the PSC and if you can go to the PSC web site for the Visit Palestine delegation http://www.palestinecampaign.org/index9b.asp?m_id=1&l1_id=3&l2_id=62&Content_ID=758
A sad day for the TUC – a statement based on ignored facts, emotional claptrap and I suspect antisemitic sentiments. FACT – Hamas is sworn to the destruction of Israel, FACT – its terrorists hide behind their own women and children to rain rockets onto Israeli towns, FACT – Israel returned Gaza to the Palestinians with fertile farmland and high quality housing only for Hamas to destroy it in case the Palestinians benefitted from Israeli legacy, FACT – Israel provides jobs and wellbeing for many thousands of Palestinians who elect to work with and for it peacefully, FACT – Hamas teaches nothing but hatred and self destruction to Palestinian children.
For all of you who supported this motion please look at the facts and use your intelleigence to assess them.
Yes, the only way forward is with a two state solution but just who should Israel be negotiating with and who will talk to Israel. The TUC statement should be revoked immediately by the membership.
Well done tuc in instigating boycott. Israel violates many international laws and deploys a system of violent arphateid. We fought this in south Africa through an effective boycott campaign and Palestinians and indeed Israelis have long deserved a boycott of this nature that articulates solidarity against racism.
Great news & and a moral decision by the tuc
How many rockets killed Israelis during the period in which 1,400 Palestinians were killed?
And when did the resistance in South Africa ever have to answer questions along that vein?
In fact some South Africans who witnessed apartheid say the conditions in Palestine merit little comparison, as the humiliation and oppression is much worse in Palestine.
BDS is the right way forward.
Hey, thank you, FBU!
This is such great news, and something many have been working for for years. Hopefully this vote will help us raise greater awareness of this whole issue and begin to build a broad movement against what has been – and is – happening to the Palestinians.
This is a really good day.
Jenny Hardacre UCU
Let’s see if I got this right. When Gazans fire back at Israel, that is considered a war crime and the US Congress jumps up and down, singing whatever song the Zionists declare, but when IOF fire on Gaza, all those shells, bombs, missiles, rockets, napalm and white phosphourous was for ‘military’ targets and therefore legit?
Is Gaza allowed to defend itself at all or should they just submit to ‘Massa’ and die from starvation, lack of meds and from not having fresh water to drink since that water treatment plant the IAF bombed was a ‘military’ target?
Great news – this is just the beginning.
I congratulate TUC and all concerened for their stand for justice and humanity. Thankyou
Fantastic news.
A great expression of human solidarity reflecting rising support for justice for Palestinians across the world.
It is great that so many ordinary trade unionists – many of whom will have protested against anti-Semites being allowed to visit Britain and having been involved in mobilisations against fascist marches through local working class areas – clearly understand that Gerald’s troll-like assumptions about anti-semitism are not only counter-intuitive but shameful.
The passing of this motion will surely be a springboard for further awareness about the impact of the US sponsored Israeli state on the lives of millions of oppressed people.
Freedom for Palestine! Thank you trade unionists.
I commend the TUC Congress for passing the motion condemning the Israeli government’s inhumane attacks on Gaza and its continuing blockade of Gaza.
The TUC is a beacon in the world of misinformation and spin which the Israeli government hides behind.
Your organisation is an example to unions everywhere in its protection of human rights.
Kathryn Kelly
I strongly endorse the the motion issued by the Fire Brigade’s Union and its demands to General Council
I congratulate Congress on passing this essential motion in an effort to promote and secure peace with justice for the people of Palestine and Israel.
Fascinating link from the PSC, a group most people passionate about Palestine leave in disgust after joining.
The link on their website takes you straight to an Israeli Government propaganda website about Hamas.
http://www.mfa.gov.il/gazafacts
Answers about the true nature of PSC on a postcard please to …
In defence of the PSC I’ve been a member for a few years and have never heard of anyone leaving in disgust. Their membership has increased significantly in recent years.
There is no harm in linking to Israeli government website if you are making a point about propaganda (or, in fact, any other point). In either case I can’t see the link on the PSC page.
That’s the view of PSC itself. The fact is most people passionate about Palestine support the many other groups now in existence, because of …
A lot of people resign from positions they held at PSC. Did you know about the Vice Chair resigning last month as well as one other person? And what about those who see no point in being on the executive and stand down? (happens every year)
Worth looking at; Britain Palestine Twinning network, Action Palestine, BRICUP, Stop the War.
Follow the link the advert is at the top.
What no mention of trade unionism in the rest of the Middle East?
No mention of the fiddled election in Iran?
No mention of the Iranian State’s attacks on trade unionists?
No mention of the street protests in Iran?
All countries that face an asymetric conflicts (whether it be Russia, China Saudi Arabia or Israel) are at a loss as to hold to avoid civilian casualties.Israel has tried harder than most to acheive their objectives at with minimal cost of life . It will no risk it’s own childrento salve the bleeding hearts of partyline towing hypocrites like the TUC. Ever since your defeat (saved by thew US & USSR) in WWII, England has kow towed to all aggressors… especially Arabs with money. Shame on you!
Need win-win situation for both parties. Hope for the best.
The Interanationaal Trade Union Confederation, ITUC stated on 14 September 2009 that it welcomes Israeli Trade Union Statement on “Peace and Cooperation”. But the real message of the cited Histadrut declaration is to put pressure on supporters of boicot, by expressing that the boicot would harm mainly the palestinian workers. The CSI should change its standing after TUC, COSATu, and other confederations and unions are calling for BDS.
very sad to see so meny people seporting this motion, aspecily as thay seem to totaly disregard the sofering on the israeli side. i was hoping that memmbers of unions weel be more sensetive to a 2 side sulotion, wich a boycott will never work toworeds.
I for one well still bay israeli goods wen haver i see them, as thay are very good .
and if you think all this boycott talk well halp, well you are very much mastaken.
and bay the way. as any of you reed the new eurpion roling aginst calling on boycotts??? you may want to look at it…
(and surry for my bad speling)
To the TUC in the United Kingdom
20th September 2009
The Netherlands Palestine Committee sends you its congratulations for the solidarity motion on Palestine adopted in your annual congress of September 17. Your decision to boycott Israeli goods is of great importance for the global movement towards free Palestine, and sets a shining example for trade unions in other countries. Thank you, workers of the UK!
Wim Lankamp,
Netherlands Palestine Committee
http://www.palestina-komitee.nl
P.S.
See http://www.bdsmovement.net
interesting to see if it pass!
i wonder
I believe this action of FBU is result of anti-jewish. Because, there was no whimper from FBU when 50, 000 Tamils were killed by Sinhalese Srilankans during forst 5 months of this year, when gaza siege was going on. There was a blockade of food and medicine against tamils by all the nations for past 3 years. Where were self-righteous leftist. Tamils have lost any faith on so called internationalist lefties
When will the TUC and Unions take a step back and look at how foolish they are making us all look. They call for boycotts on Israel that wont happen, they call for Union memers not to use Ryanair which wont happen they ask us not to use Primark which again wont happen they call for us not to drink Coke we still do. Start to fight for the things that matter to the members PAY, PENSIONS, TERMS& CONDITIONS
Pam maybe you need to live under the threat of rocket attacks and see if HAMAS are irrelevant. As some who lives in Northern Ireland I suppose you would say the IRA used to be Irrevelant and that the Splinter groups who are trying to drag us back to murder and mayhem are Irrelevant. You so need to get into real life mode.
The Hamas Charter could not be more revelant to peace. It calls for the TOTAL DESTRUCTION of all JEWS people need to read and understand what HAMAS stand for they not only hate JEWS but other non FANATIC Muslims. When they took power they MURDERED members of the PGFTU and Teachers who refused to Teach hate they also oppose Trade Unions. How on earth do you talk peace with groups like this? Hamas are a bigger block to peace than Israel ever has been.
to modernityblog
that is because its not in fasion to hamer iran.
its only in fasion to have a go at israel this days.
it may chang…..
People need to learn that the role of Unions is to talk not to boycott. If we boycott one country we dont like when do we stop. Iran, China, Russia, Sudi Arabia,USA and if you need to ask why we would boycott any of these countries please take your head out of the sand.
[...] and sanctions on Israel for a negotiated settlement based on justice for Palestinians. The motion was passed at the 2009 TUC Annual Congress in Liverpool today (17 September), by unions [...]
ramesh you are apsolotly right, wer were thay. i think the unions are piking and chosing on a basse that i for one do not understend. i think like terry the tuc needs to remember that thay are spose to work for the u,k work force, and if thay are geting involve in trobel in uther contrys thay sortenly need to be even in how thay condem and not just pick one target.
and yes thay sould have condem the morder of tamils.
as all blood spil is bad, and some people seem to think that jewsh blood is worth less then plastenian blood.
I would dearly like to know in which sense the proponents beleive an action like this will foster the much needed solidarity between israeli & palestinian workers and the solidarity of workers around the world for the workers thereagainst the reigning blockheads.
Everyone knows all the arguments for both sides – there’s nothing to add without inadvertantly taking sides in some way. What I really miss though is a constructive strategy to build solidarity beyond borders and small-mindedness. As such, I fear this move of the TUC does not add but rather detracts from hope and does not serve our common union cause to join together, become stronger in community and create a better life for each other.
Mark
ver.di Germany