Motion demands action to oppose the “catastrophic destruction of Gaza” and Israeli settler violence.
The umbrella organization representing trade unions across the United Kingdom has approved a resolution calling for an end to complicity in Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza and settler violence in the occupied West Bank.
The Trades Union Congress, which represents over 5.3 million workers, approved the motion on Wednesday at its annual conference in Brighton, southern England. This vote marks the first time the congress has endorsed the Palestinian-led Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement.
“It is essential for the trade union movement to respond to the call from the BDS movement, challenge all forms of complicity, and utilize our collective power to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and support their cause for freedom,” said Zita Holborne of Artists’ Union England, which introduced the motion.
The unanimous resolution demands that the Trades Union Congress take action to oppose the “catastrophic destruction of Gaza” and Israeli settler violence “supported by the IDF [Israeli army]” as described in the motion.
Proposed measures include campaigning to terminate military cooperation and arms agreements with Israel, urging the government to impose comprehensive sanctions, and supporting trade union-led initiatives in solidarity with Palestine.
Omar Barghouti, co-founder of the BDS movement, welcomed the decision.
“This widespread movement of solidarity with the Palestinian people, led by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign with numerous affiliated trade unions, compelled the British government to take minor steps in the right direction to end its complicity,” Barghouti stated.
“However, this falls far short of the UK’s legal obligations to end its complicity in genocide, apartheid, and illegal occupation. Therefore, we must continue to work toward expanding the BDS movement.”
The resolution adds further pressure on the government to adopt a stronger stance against Israel’s actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
Last week, UK Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband announced a ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. Addressing Parliament, Miliband condemned “settler terrorists” for what he described as “ethnic cleansing” in parts of the West Bank.
However, the foreign secretary stated he “wholeheartedly” opposes the BDS movement, emphasizing that the UK would continue to “support important and valued trade” with Israel in accordance with international law.
Peter Leary, deputy director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, told Al Jazeera that Wednesday’s vote represented a “tipping point.”
“In stark contrast to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s attempt to dismiss the Palestinian BDS movement, trade unions are forging a path to secure real change. We must maintain pressure to compel the government to take meaningful action and end all military, diplomatic, and economic support for Israel,” he said.
Al Jazeera contacted the Trades Union Congress and the UK government for comment but did not receive a response by the time of publication.
