Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON

UNISON is extremely concerned at recent reports that Lord Walney, the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, has proposed that MPs, councillors and Labour-affiliated unions cut ties and no longer engage with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

UNISON completely opposes these proposals and limits on the right to peaceful protest, and urges the government and opposition parties to reject them.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign does not support protests outside the homes of elected representatives.

UNISON defends the right to peaceful protest outside MPs offices, town halls and Parliament. It also upholds the right of MPs and their staff to work without fear of intimidation or harassment.

UNISON was one of the first UK unions to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. It has also repeatedly called for full access to humanitarian assistance, the immediate and safe release of hostages and an end to the blockade of Gaza.

The union has encouraged branches and members to participate in peaceful protests in support of these demands and appealed for support for the emergency medical response in both Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel has always been an international priority for UNISON and the union has consistently called for an end to the occupation and for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel.

UNISON condemns the appalling rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia seen in recent months.

The article Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON

UNISON is extremely concerned at recent reports that Lord Walney, the government’s independent adviser on political violence and disruption, has proposed that MPs, councillors and Labour-affiliated unions cut ties and no longer engage with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

UNISON completely opposes these proposals and limits on the right to peaceful protest, and urges the government and opposition parties to reject them.

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign does not support protests outside the homes of elected representatives.

UNISON defends the right to peaceful protest outside MPs offices, town halls and Parliament. It also upholds the right of MPs and their staff to work without fear of intimidation or harassment.

UNISON was one of the first UK unions to demand a ceasefire in Gaza. It has also repeatedly called for full access to humanitarian assistance, the immediate and safe release of hostages and an end to the blockade of Gaza.

The union has encouraged branches and members to participate in peaceful protests in support of these demands and appealed for support for the emergency medical response in both Palestine and Israel.

The situation in Palestine and Israel has always been an international priority for UNISON and the union has consistently called for an end to the occupation and for a viable, contiguous Palestinian state alongside Israel.

UNISON condemns the appalling rise in antisemitism and Islamophobia seen in recent months.

The article Proposals that seek to limit the right to peaceful protest must be rejected, says UNISON first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia

UNISON has produced a new guide to help members and activists understand antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As both antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise and regularly discussed in the media, the briefing has been produced with Hope not hate to help activists better understand specifically how racism manifests itself in the context of the current conflict in Gaza.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle the unprecedented increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia we have seen in recent months.

“Education is the first stage on that journey. I hope this guide helps to increase our understanding and awareness, so we are better able to confront and avoid antisemitism and Islamophobia in our union and communities.”

Members can contact their local branch or region if they experience either antisemitism or Islamophobia – or you may also wish to contact the national equality team by emailing equality@unison.co.uk

The article Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia

UNISON has produced a new guide to help members and activists understand antisemitism and Islamophobia.

As both antisemitism and Islamophobia are on the rise and regularly discussed in the media, the briefing has been produced with Hope not hate to help activists better understand specifically how racism manifests itself in the context of the current conflict in Gaza.

UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said: “We all have a responsibility to tackle the unprecedented increase in antisemitism and Islamophobia we have seen in recent months.

“Education is the first stage on that journey. I hope this guide helps to increase our understanding and awareness, so we are better able to confront and avoid antisemitism and Islamophobia in our union and communities.”

Members can contact their local branch or region if they experience either antisemitism or Islamophobia – or you may also wish to contact the national equality team by emailing equality@unison.co.uk

The article Understanding antisemitism and Islamophobia first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON women pass emergency motion on Gaza

On the second day of UNISON’s women’s conference, delegates passed an emergency motion on solidarity with women in Gaza.

The motion calls on the union to condemn the recent statement made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that the Israeli army must shoot anyone approaching the border, including women and children.

In a cabinet meeting earlier this week, he said: “We cannot have women and children getting close to the border … anyone who gets near must get a bullet”.

Tamsain Hussain Gul, speaking through tears as she introduced the motion, said: “Women are watching their children be killed, and then having to collect the pieces of their children’s bodies.”

Ms Hussain Gul’s speech received a standing ovation.

Speaking in support of the motion, NEC member Jordan Rivera said: “We have 180 women in Gaza giving birth every day and there is no pain relief. Women are giving birth with no medical care. Our hearts break for women losing their children. Over 10,000 children have died. This is completely unacceptable.”

Rakiya Suleiman, supporting the motion on behalf of UNISON Scotland, said: “This is what makes me part of this union. We are a platform of equality. We must do what is right.”

UNISON women's conference delegates hold Palestinian flags and signs reading 'ceasefire now'

Conference delegates held Palestinian flags and signs reading ‘ceasefire now’

The emergency motion calls on the national women’s committee to:

  1. Ask the NEC to condemn the statement made by the Israeli national security minister on 12 February 2024
  2. Work with the international committee to provide solidarity with women who are on the frontline in demanding trade union rights, peace and social justice in Gaza
  3. Work with the NEC and other self-organised groups to show solidarity with women and children adversely affected by conflict in Gaza and explore the ways to help them fight oppression and discrimination.
  4. Lobby the future government through Labour Link to ensure all humanitarian aid arrives “at the place most needed”.

The article UNISON women pass emergency motion on Gaza first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON women pass emergency motion on Gaza

On the second day of UNISON’s women’s conference, delegates passed an emergency motion on solidarity with women in Gaza.

The motion calls on the union to condemn the recent statement made by Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir that the Israeli army must shoot anyone approaching the border, including women and children.

In a cabinet meeting earlier this week, he said: “We cannot have women and children getting close to the border … anyone who gets near must get a bullet”.

Tamsain Hussain Gul, speaking through tears as she introduced the motion, said: “Women are watching their children be killed, and then having to collect the pieces of their children’s bodies.”

Ms Hussain Gul’s speech received a standing ovation.

Speaking in support of the motion, NEC member Jordan Rivera said: “We have 180 women in Gaza giving birth every day and there is no pain relief. Women are giving birth with no medical care. Our hearts break for women losing their children. Over 10,000 children have died. This is completely unacceptable.”

Rakiya Suleiman, supporting the motion on behalf of UNISON Scotland, said: “This is what makes me part of this union. We are a platform of equality. We must do what is right.”

UNISON women's conference delegates hold Palestinian flags and signs reading 'ceasefire now'

Conference delegates held Palestinian flags and signs reading ‘ceasefire now’

The emergency motion calls on the national women’s committee to:

  1. Ask the NEC to condemn the statement made by the Israeli national security minister on 12 February 2024
  2. Work with the international committee to provide solidarity with women who are on the frontline in demanding trade union rights, peace and social justice in Gaza
  3. Work with the NEC and other self-organised groups to show solidarity with women and children adversely affected by conflict in Gaza and explore the ways to help them fight oppression and discrimination.
  4. Lobby the future government through Labour Link to ensure all humanitarian aid arrives “at the place most needed”.

The article UNISON women pass emergency motion on Gaza first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON statement on the situation in the Red Sea

UNISON is extremely concerned at the risk of the situation in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandab Strait escalating into a broader regional and global conflict, following the attacks on civilian seafarers and commercial shipping.

On 19 November Houthi fighters hijacked the Galaxy Leader and took its crew hostage. Since then multiple cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandab Strait have been attacked.

A large proportion of the world’s trade passes through the Red Sea and the diversion of shipping routes could lead to an increase in prices of manufactured goods and food heightening the cost of living crisis.

UNISON stands in solidarity with the International Transport Workers Federation and its affiliates, including Nautilus International, whose members have come under attack.

We welcome the ITF’s role in securing additional pay and benefits for affected crew. We note the call of ITF for governments to guarantee security for shipping in the area and ensure the release of seafarers who have been taken hostage. The United Nations Security Council has also condemned the attacks and called for them to cease.

UNISON calls for the release of the hostages from the Galaxy Leader, an end to the attacks on shipping and for the safety of seafarers. We urge all parties to act with restraint and avoid any escalation that risks a wider regional conflict or exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The article UNISON statement on the situation in the Red Sea first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON statement on the situation in the Red Sea

UNISON is extremely concerned at the risk of the situation in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandab Strait escalating into a broader regional and global conflict, following the attacks on civilian seafarers and commercial shipping.

On 19 November Houthi fighters hijacked the Galaxy Leader and took its crew hostage. Since then multiple cargo ships in the Red Sea and the Bab El-Mandab Strait have been attacked.

A large proportion of the world’s trade passes through the Red Sea and the diversion of shipping routes could lead to an increase in prices of manufactured goods and food heightening the cost of living crisis.

UNISON stands in solidarity with the International Transport Workers Federation and its affiliates, including Nautilus International, whose members have come under attack.

We welcome the ITF’s role in securing additional pay and benefits for affected crew. We note the call of ITF for governments to guarantee security for shipping in the area and ensure the release of seafarers who have been taken hostage. The United Nations Security Council has also condemned the attacks and called for them to cease.

UNISON calls for the release of the hostages from the Galaxy Leader, an end to the attacks on shipping and for the safety of seafarers. We urge all parties to act with restraint and avoid any escalation that risks a wider regional conflict or exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

The article UNISON statement on the situation in the Red Sea first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns the resumption of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire

UNISON condemns the end of the humanitarian pause between the Israeli government and Hamas and the resumption of ground operations and bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli state.

For seven days the artillery and missiles largely fell silent, allowing just a fraction of the humanitarian assistance that is so desperately needed into the strip. Since then, hundreds more Palestinian civilians have been killed and homes destroyed.

Gaza’s healthcare system is only partially functioning, due to bomb damage, the killing of almost 200 health workers, and a shortage of medical supplies, electricity and clean water.

Health workers continue to risk their lives as they attempt to respond to the huge increase of those requiring treatment. The displacement of nearly 80% of the population of Gaza has created a public health crisis, with overcrowding and the lack of sanitation resulting in an increase in outbreaks of communicable diseases.

UNISON calls for an end to the targeting of civilians, refugee camps and critical public services, including healthcare, and calls on the Israeli government and Hamas to respect international law. The union reaffirms the right to public services, including clean water and sanitation.

UNISON condemns the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and reaffirms its call for a ceasefire and full access to humanitarian assistance. We reiterate our condemnation of the heinous crimes by Hamas on 7 October and call for the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

UNISON also condemns any victimisation and harassment of Jewish and Arab anti-war protestors in Israel.  We condemn the use of sexual violence in war on any side.

UNISON calls for a renewed impetus from world leaders, including the UK government and the Opposition, for an immediate ceasefire, peace and a political solution to the crisis, resulting in an end to the occupation and a contiguous Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. To that end, UNISON call on the British Government to recognise Palestine as an independent state.

Before the latest conflict, Gaza had one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world. Since then, a further 182,000 jobs have been lost, according to estimates from the International Labour Organisation. In the West Bank, at least 152,000 Palestinians have lost their jobs in Israel and the illegal settlements due to the closure of crossings and other restrictions on Palestinian workers. Increased restrictions on freedom of movement have also limited the ability of Palestinians to access work within the West Bank.

UNISON calls for an end to the punitive measures that undermine the Palestinian economy and the right to decent work, including the 17-year blockade of Gaza and restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement in the occupied West Bank.

UNISON continues to encourage branches and members organising around Palestine in their workplaces and encourages them to mobilise for both national and local protests.

The article UNISON condemns the resumption of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns the resumption of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire

UNISON condemns the end of the humanitarian pause between the Israeli government and Hamas and the resumption of ground operations and bombardment of Gaza by the Israeli state.

For seven days the artillery and missiles largely fell silent, allowing just a fraction of the humanitarian assistance that is so desperately needed into the strip. Since then, hundreds more Palestinian civilians have been killed and homes destroyed.

Gaza’s healthcare system is only partially functioning, due to bomb damage, the killing of almost 200 health workers, and a shortage of medical supplies, electricity and clean water.

Health workers continue to risk their lives as they attempt to respond to the huge increase of those requiring treatment. The displacement of nearly 80% of the population of Gaza has created a public health crisis, with overcrowding and the lack of sanitation resulting in an increase in outbreaks of communicable diseases.

UNISON calls for an end to the targeting of civilians, refugee camps and critical public services, including healthcare, and calls on the Israeli government and Hamas to respect international law. The union reaffirms the right to public services, including clean water and sanitation.

UNISON condemns the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and reaffirms its call for a ceasefire and full access to humanitarian assistance. We reiterate our condemnation of the heinous crimes by Hamas on 7 October and call for the immediate and safe release of all hostages.

UNISON also condemns any victimisation and harassment of Jewish and Arab anti-war protestors in Israel.  We condemn the use of sexual violence in war on any side.

UNISON calls for a renewed impetus from world leaders, including the UK government and the Opposition, for an immediate ceasefire, peace and a political solution to the crisis, resulting in an end to the occupation and a contiguous Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel. To that end, UNISON call on the British Government to recognise Palestine as an independent state.

Before the latest conflict, Gaza had one of the highest rates of unemployment in the world. Since then, a further 182,000 jobs have been lost, according to estimates from the International Labour Organisation. In the West Bank, at least 152,000 Palestinians have lost their jobs in Israel and the illegal settlements due to the closure of crossings and other restrictions on Palestinian workers. Increased restrictions on freedom of movement have also limited the ability of Palestinians to access work within the West Bank.

UNISON calls for an end to the punitive measures that undermine the Palestinian economy and the right to decent work, including the 17-year blockade of Gaza and restrictions on Palestinian freedom of movement in the occupied West Bank.

UNISON continues to encourage branches and members organising around Palestine in their workplaces and encourages them to mobilise for both national and local protests.

The article UNISON condemns the resumption of violence in Gaza and calls for an immediate ceasefire first appeared on the UNISON National site.