“We demand a ceasefire, now!”
PSC Scotland
By Matt Willgress, Labour Outlook
On Wednesday, people in 100s of workplaces, universities and colleges walked out or protested for Palestine, with three national unions for the first time – the NEU, PCS and UCU – officially backing workplace action for Palestine. Speaking to Labour Outlook, CND’s Kate Hudson said it was “so inspiring to see thousands mobilising,” adding that “the Palestinian trade unions have called for our support and today we are stepping up to the mark.”
The PCS took the #CeasefireNow message to both to Westminster – with General Secretary Fran Heathcote amongst speakers at a London rally – and Scottish parliaments.
Meanwhile, the UCU General Secretary Dr. Jo Grady expressed her support for the people of Gaza,
and local UCU actions also took place all over Britain, with one example seeing Goldsmiths staff deliver a letter to Goldsmiths management demanding absolute divestment from Israel.
In terms of the NEU, support for the day of action was also taken up across the country.
In addition to the three unions nationally backing the #StandWithGaza day, activists in other unions also took part, including a number of UNISON, CWU and GMB branches and activists.
Inspiringly, school and university students also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, including through the School Strike for Palestine (SSP.)
Events included a gathering at Victoria Tower Gardens outside Parliament organised by Parents for Palestine. Those taking part highlighted the many thousands of children being killed by Israel’s bombs, as well as dying from starvation and lack of medical care due.
Part of the day of action also saw Media Workers for Palestine protest outside BBC Broadcasting House in Central London, to “demand the media starts telling the truth, that Israel stops killing journalists,” as well as an end to the war.
Additionally, the Palestine Solidarity Campaign held the first of a series of trade union solidarity seminars on Gaza which hear about the impact of Israel’s assault against the Palestinian people. The first session was entitled ‘Trade Unions Against the Arms Trade with Israel,’ and emphasised that Palestinian civil society, including trade unions, has called on the solidarity movement to work for a full military embargo through campaigns to stop arming Israel.
- Reporting with a massive thanks to the Stop the War Coalition Twitter Feed.
- Register for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s series of trade union online seminars here.
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