Category: international

Blog: Donate to aid efforts in Israel and Gaza

We are all horrified by the devastating violence we have seen in Israel and Gaza in recent weeks. I know that many UNISON activists are eager to respond to the crisis, so we are encouraging all our branches to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.

UNISON condemns the brutal and heinous attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel, and the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of the people of Gaza. We are calling for a ceasefire, the immediate and safe release of hostages and for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Gaza’s fragile health system was already close to collapse before the latest escalation, due to the 16-year blockade on the narrow strip of land. The bombing of Gaza and further severe restrictions on access to water, energy and essential medical supplies have seriously exacerbated the health crisis, with 14 out of 35 hospitals and 71% of primary healthcare facilities no longer able to function.

It is essential that we do all we can to support our colleagues working to save lives in the most appalling circumstances in Gaza and Israel. That is why UNISON has already donated £10,000 to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross, and we are asking UNISON branches to give generously to these emergency appeals too.

MAP has a team working in Gaza to get essential supplies to healthcare providers. It is also working with the Palestinian Red Crescent and is establishing operations in Egypt. The Red Cross is working to provide critical support both in Gaza and Israel in response to the crisis, working with the Palestinian Red Crescent and Magen David Adom.

Over 1,400 Israelis and 8,500 Palestinians had been killed by the end of October, and many thousands more injured, sadly, so many of them are children. Please do all you can to support the essential work of these organisations and help our colleagues in Gaza and Israel save lives.

Donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)

Donate to the Red Cross

The article Blog: Donate to aid efforts in Israel and Gaza first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Donate to aid efforts in Gaza and Israel

UNISON is horrified by the devastating violence seen in Gaza and Israel in recent weeks.

General secretary Christina McAnea says: “I know that many UNISON activists are eager to respond to the crisis, so we are encouraging all our branches to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.

“UNISON condemns the brutal and heinous attack by Hamas against innocent civilians in Israel, and the indiscriminate bombing and collective punishment of the people of Gaza. We are calling for a ceasefire, the immediate and safe release of hostages and for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.”

Gaza’s fragile health system was already close to collapse before the latest escalation, due to the 16-year blockade on the narrow strip of land.

The bombing of Gaza and further severe restrictions on access to water, energy and essential medical supplies have seriously exacerbated the health crisis, with 14 out of 35 hospitals and 71% of primary healthcare facilities no longer able to function.

Christina continues: “It is essential that we do all we can to support our colleagues working to save lives in the most appalling circumstances in Gaza and Israel. That is why UNISON has already donated £10,000 to support the critical work of Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross, and we are asking UNISON branches to give generously to these emergency appeals too.”

MAP has a team working in Gaza to get essential supplies to healthcare providers. It is also working with the Palestinian Red Crescent and is establishing operations in Egypt. The Red Cross is working to provide critical support both in Gaza and Israel in response to the crisis, working with the Palestinian Red Crescent and Magen David Adom.

Over 10,000 Palestinians and 1,400 Israelis have been killed by the conflict so far, and many thousands more injured, sadly, so many of them are children.

Christiana adds: “Please do all you can to support the essential work of these organisations and help our colleagues in Gaza and Israel save lives.”

Donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)

Donate to the Red Cross

The article Donate to aid efforts in Gaza and Israel first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

UNISON supports the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to allow the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. The union condemns the rising death toll of Palestinian civilians – especially among children – caused by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

We express our concern at the collapse of vital public services – particularly healthcare – and reiterate our call for the release of all the hostages being held by Hamas.

UNISON encourages our members and branches to take action calling for a ceasefire, including joining peaceful protests and contacting their members of parliament. UNISON will be making donations to Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross and encourages branches to do the same.

UNISON is deeply concerned by the dramatic increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. Anti-racism and the right to treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of race or creed, are fundamental values of our union. All members should be able to feel safe in their places of work and the communities in which they live.

Finally, UNISON calls on the British government and the international community to support a ceasefire leading to renewed talks aimed at achieving a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, as the only way to secure long-term peace in the Middle East.

Previous statements

The article UNISON calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

UNISON supports the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel to allow the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance. The union condemns the rising death toll of Palestinian civilians – especially among children – caused by Israel’s bombardment of Gaza.

We express our concern at the collapse of vital public services – particularly healthcare – and reiterate our call for the release of all the hostages being held by Hamas.

UNISON encourages our members and branches to take action calling for a ceasefire, including joining peaceful protests and contacting their members of parliament. UNISON will be making donations to Medical Aid for Palestinians and the Red Cross and encourages branches to do the same.

UNISON is deeply concerned by the dramatic increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents. Anti-racism and the right to treated with dignity and respect, irrespective of race or creed, are fundamental values of our union. All members should be able to feel safe in their places of work and the communities in which they live.

Finally, UNISON calls on the British government and the international community to support a ceasefire leading to renewed talks aimed at achieving a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel, as the only way to secure long-term peace in the Middle East.

Previous statements

The article UNISON calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON statement on Gaza hospital bombing

UNISON condemns the bombing of the al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. The targeting of a hospital, resulting in the tragic loss of lives – including those of health workers, patients and civilians taking shelter – constitutes a war crime under international law.

We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones. 

UNISON reiterates its call for both Israel and Hamas to respect international law and for the international community to immediately put in place meaningful negotiations to end the conflict and to stop it escalating to other countries in the region.  

We also call for the role of the UN and aid organisations to be respected and facilitated, so that humanitarian corridors can be opened up and aid can get in, and call for the immediate safe release of those who have been kidnapped.

UNISON supports the call for peaceful protests calling for an end to the conflict, stands in support of trade unionists in the Middle East, and condemns the worrying rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the UK. 

UNISON reaffirms its belief that only a two-state solution – a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel – can bring about lasting peace.

The article UNISON statement on Gaza hospital bombing first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON statement on Gaza hospital bombing

UNISON condemns the bombing of the al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. The targeting of a hospital, resulting in the tragic loss of lives – including those of health workers, patients and civilians taking shelter – constitutes a war crime under international law.

We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones. 

UNISON reiterates its call for both Israel and Hamas to respect international law and for the international community to immediately put in place meaningful negotiations to end the conflict and to stop it escalating to other countries in the region.  

We also call for the role of the UN and aid organisations to be respected and facilitated, so that humanitarian corridors can be opened up and aid can get in, and call for the immediate safe release of those who have been kidnapped.

UNISON supports the call for peaceful protests calling for an end to the conflict, stands in support of trade unionists in the Middle East, and condemns the worrying rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks in the UK. 

UNISON reaffirms its belief that only a two-state solution – a viable Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel – can bring about lasting peace.

The article UNISON statement on Gaza hospital bombing first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns violence in Israel and Gaza and calls for international law to be upheld

UNISON joins the international trade union movement, including the International Trade Union Confederation, in condemning the appalling violence against civilians in Israel and Gaza. We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones and call for the immediate safe release of those who have been kidnapped.

Israel has been devastated by a brutal and heinous attack that has claimed the lives of many hundreds of innocent civilians. Gaza is being subjected to an intensification of the 16-year blockade, with access to water, electricity, medication and food being denied by the Israeli government. The resumption of an indiscriminate bombing campaign has already claimed hundreds of civilian lives.

The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and the collective punishment of the people of Gaza by the Israeli government will do nothing to end the occupation and bring about peace. It risks exacerbating tensions in the region and worsening the crisis for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

We urge Hamas and the Israeli government to respect international law and call on the international community to ensure human rights are protected. The need for peace, a viable two–state solution and the implementation of United Nations resolutions have never been greater.

The article UNISON condemns violence in Israel and Gaza and calls for international law to be upheld first appeared on the UNISON National site.

UNISON condemns violence in Israel and Gaza and calls for international law to be upheld

UNISON joins the international trade union movement, including the International Trade Union Confederation, in condemning the appalling violence against civilians in Israel and Gaza. We send our condolences to all those who mourn the loss of loved ones and call for the immediate safe release of those who have been kidnapped.

Israel has been devastated by a brutal and heinous attack that has claimed the lives of many hundreds of innocent civilians. Gaza is being subjected to an intensification of the 16-year blockade, with access to water, electricity, medication and food being denied by the Israeli government. The resumption of an indiscriminate bombing campaign has already claimed hundreds of civilian lives.

The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and the collective punishment of the people of Gaza by the Israeli government will do nothing to end the occupation and bring about peace. It risks exacerbating tensions in the region and worsening the crisis for millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

We urge Hamas and the Israeli government to respect international law and call on the international community to ensure human rights are protected. The need for peace, a viable two–state solution and the implementation of United Nations resolutions have never been greater.

The article UNISON condemns violence in Israel and Gaza and calls for international law to be upheld first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Showing solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade unions

Pictured above, left to right: TUC general secretary Paul Novak, Catherine West MP, Christopher Mung and Chair of UNISON’s International Committee Liz Wheatley, who hosted the event at UNISON Centre

UNISON hosted an event in solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade union movement earlier this week to mark the second anniversary of the disbandment of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) after extreme pressure from the Chinese government.

The union continues to stand in solidarity with the remaining independent, democratic trade union movement, which remains under huge pressure.

In June 2019, two million people took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against an extradition law proposed by the Hong Kong government. Following the protests, which lasted months, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong.

In January 2021, Winnie Yu – a registered nurse and chair of the Hospital Authority Employee Alliance (HAEA) – was arrested for her pro-democracy activities.

Carol Ng

Carol Ng

After a vitriolic government-controlled media campaign that spring, Carol Ng, the former chair of the HKCTU and the British Airways Hong Kong Cabin Crew Union was imprisoned for her pro-democracy activities, together with Lee Cheuk-yan, general secretary of the HKCTU and chair of the Hong Kong Alliance – a pro-democracy organisation known for hosting the annual June Fourth Candle Light Vigil in Hong Kong commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. They all remain in prison.

In August 2021, the HKCTU’s largest affiliate, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, dissolved, citing “huge pressure” from mainland China. And in September, the charges against Mr Cheuk-yan worsened to inciting subversion of state power under the national security law for his role in the Hong Kong Alliance.

Given the risk of arrest, HKCTU chief executive Christopher Mung was forced to flee and has since relocated to the UK. By this time, the decision to disband the HKCTU was already on the cards, and on 3 October 2021, the executive committee took the decision to do so.

Lee Cheuk-yan

Lee Cheuk-yan

UNISON’s history with the HKCTU goes back to the mid to late 2000s. On the decision to organise this week’s event, Nick Crook, the union’s head of international said: “UNISON is proudly internationalist. We will always offer solidarity to those within our international trade union family.

“And now, with 170,000 Hong Kongers arriving in the past few years and many of them in the public sector, we open our arms and offer them a new home within UNISON.”

Speakers at the event included Mr Mung, now the founder of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, TUC general secretary Paul Novak and Labour MP Catherine West MP, who is the shadow minister for Asia and the Pacific.

Mr Mung said: “Democracy is the soul of the trade union movement and only democracy can bring true respect and protection to the working class. Despite facing frustration and crackdowns, we have no regrets in our pursuit of democracy”.

Mr Novak said: “Whatever happens, we’ve got to stick together. The Chinese government can undermine independent trade unions. It can take away the legal rights to organise and represent workers. It can interfere in this country to try to stop us offering solidarity. But it will never, never, break our spirit.”

Catherine West PM said: “In Hong Kong trade union rights have been severely curtailed as the rights promised to the people of Hong Kong have been steadily eroded.

“Solidarity is at the heart of the trade union movement and it is right that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, with our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong in condemnation of the deteriorating situation they are facing at home, and continue to stand up for the rights and freedoms of those who have fled to the UK.

“Whatever we face, our movement is strong and Labour will do all that we can to continue standing up for Hong Kong.”

The event also saw two exhibitions on display – The History of the Hong Kong Independent Trade Union Movement and Hong Kongers in the UK.

The article Showing solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade unions first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Showing solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade unions

Pictured above, left to right: TUC general secretary Paul Novak, Catherine West MP, Christopher Mung and Chair of UNISON’s International Committee Liz Wheatley, who hosted the event at UNISON Centre

UNISON hosted an event in solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade union movement earlier this week to mark the second anniversary of the disbandment of the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions (HKCTU) after extreme pressure from the Chinese government.

The union continues to stand in solidarity with the remaining independent, democratic trade union movement, which remains under huge pressure.

In June 2019, two million people took to the streets of Hong Kong to protest against an extradition law proposed by the Hong Kong government. Following the protests, which lasted months, Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong.

In January 2021, Winnie Yu – a registered nurse and chair of the Hospital Authority Employee Alliance (HAEA) – was arrested for her pro-democracy activities.

Carol Ng

Carol Ng

After a vitriolic government-controlled media campaign that spring, Carol Ng, the former chair of the HKCTU and the British Airways Hong Kong Cabin Crew Union was imprisoned for her pro-democracy activities, together with Lee Cheuk-yan, general secretary of the HKCTU and chair of the Hong Kong Alliance – a pro-democracy organisation known for hosting the annual June Fourth Candle Light Vigil in Hong Kong commemorating the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre. They all remain in prison.

In August 2021, the HKCTU’s largest affiliate, the Hong Kong Professional Teachers Union, dissolved, citing “huge pressure” from mainland China. And in September, the charges against Mr Cheuk-yan worsened to inciting subversion of state power under the national security law for his role in the Hong Kong Alliance.

Given the risk of arrest, HKCTU chief executive Christopher Mung was forced to flee and has since relocated to the UK. By this time, the decision to disband the HKCTU was already on the cards, and on 3 October 2021, the executive committee took the decision to do so.

Lee Cheuk-yan

Lee Cheuk-yan

UNISON’s history with the HKCTU goes back to the mid to late 2000s. On the decision to organise this week’s event, Nick Crook, the union’s head of international said: “UNISON is proudly internationalist. We will always offer solidarity to those within our international trade union family.

“And now, with 170,000 Hong Kongers arriving in the past few years and many of them in the public sector, we open our arms and offer them a new home within UNISON.”

Speakers at the event included Mr Mung, now the founder of Hong Kong Labour Rights Monitor, TUC general secretary Paul Novak and Labour MP Catherine West MP, who is the shadow minister for Asia and the Pacific.

Mr Mung said: “Democracy is the soul of the trade union movement and only democracy can bring true respect and protection to the working class. Despite facing frustration and crackdowns, we have no regrets in our pursuit of democracy”.

Mr Novak said: “Whatever happens, we’ve got to stick together. The Chinese government can undermine independent trade unions. It can take away the legal rights to organise and represent workers. It can interfere in this country to try to stop us offering solidarity. But it will never, never, break our spirit.”

Catherine West PM said: “In Hong Kong trade union rights have been severely curtailed as the rights promised to the people of Hong Kong have been steadily eroded.

“Solidarity is at the heart of the trade union movement and it is right that we stand together, shoulder to shoulder, with our brothers and sisters in Hong Kong in condemnation of the deteriorating situation they are facing at home, and continue to stand up for the rights and freedoms of those who have fled to the UK.

“Whatever we face, our movement is strong and Labour will do all that we can to continue standing up for Hong Kong.”

The event also saw two exhibitions on display – The History of the Hong Kong Independent Trade Union Movement and Hong Kongers in the UK.

The article Showing solidarity with Hong Kong’s independent trade unions first appeared on the UNISON National site.