Union leaders meet to discuss trade unions’ role in peacebuilding

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote has been meeting today (16) with other senior trade union leaders from across Europe in Dublin to discuss a plan to develop trade union capacity in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

The project is led by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) and aims to develop a "trade unions for peace" toolkit to help trade unionists and others actively promote peace and contribute to conflict resolution locally, nationally and internationally.

The meeting also discussed developing the trade union role in humanitarian actions and defending international humanitarian law.

Fran Heathcote said: “From Palestine to Ukraine, our members tell us they want peace – and an end to unjust wars. PCS and the wider trade union movement in the UK has played a leading role in the anti-war movement, and by uniting across Europe we can have an even greater impact in our calls for peace and justice.

“This conference in Dublin has brought together 28 union organisations from 15 countries, under the auspices of the ETUC which represents 45 million workers across Europe. This is the start of something big.”

ETUC general secretary Esther Lynch said: "Now and throughout history, trade unions have played a vital, but often invisible, role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

"In the workplace, in the community, in the regions and nations, and internationally, peace is a trade union issue, and conflict resolution is a trade union responsibility.

"We are committed and determined to play our active and constructive part in promoting peace, democracy, justice, rights, prosperity and inclusiveness during and beyond the present crises."