Palestine: our commitment to justice and humanity
Mohammed writes about how the trade union movement is rooted in principles of solidarity and internationalism and how we will encourage and defend our members' rights to support our policy of standing with Palestine.
The recent events unfolding in Israel and Palestine since 7 October last year are deeply distressing and a violation of human decency. Every human life, whether Israeli or Palestinian, is sacred, and it is crucial to treat all lives with equal respect. Urgently, the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the unjustly held Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons must be prioritised.
As a member of the national executive committee, I am proud that our union reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people, a commitment held since our establishment in 2002. We issued a statement in October condemning the massacres of civilians and the taking of hostages by Hamas, and the response by Israel. We believe there will not be peace until there is a political settlement that includes a free and independent Palestine and an end to the occupation.
The humanitarian cause in Palestine deserves our solidarity, especially considering the devastating toll of over 26,000 lives lost, including 10,000 children, due to actions by Israeli military forces. According to the United Nations there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and each day the violence goes on the worse it gets.
Despite the geographical distance, the connection between global events and our union in the UK is evident. Our stance against the injustices in Gaza is a reflection of our commitment to justice and humanity. The trade union movement is rooted in principles of solidarity and internationalism. Disturbingly, members have faced threats of disciplinary action for supporting Palestine through protests, social media posts, and even wearing symbols of solidarity; as a union we are challenging these with the employers.
I assure you that as a union, we will vigorously defend our members' rights to support our policy of standing with Palestine. We will challenge disciplinary actions and we encourage our members to advocate for Palestinian rights through protests and social media. If you are not already a member of PCS, joining immediately will provide an added layer of protection for engaging in activities supporting Palestine.
For those in need of support, please reach out to me at mohammeds@pcs.org.uk.
Additionally, PCS is supporting the Stop the War workplace day of action for Gaza on 7 February and encourages the following:
• A lunchtime gathering outside a workplace with banners and posters.
• A lunchtime protest inside a workplace. Speakers from Stop the War can be requested.
• Protest outside your work at another appropriate time.
We are holding an online event on Wednesday, February 7, from 12 - 1:30 pm. The PCS national black members’ committee will host a meeting featuring insights from Louise Regan, vice chair of the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, John Moloney the PCS assistant general secretary, and a speaker from Stop the War has been invited.