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.

‘As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades’

The first day of UNISON’s women’s conference, chaired by Sharon Foster in Brighton, passed several motions relating to LGBT+ rights, flexible working and female representation in the union.

The day began with an impassioned speech from the union’s president Libby Nolan, who paid particular reference to Labour’s new deal for workers and the ongoing crisis in Palestine, describing it as a ‘war on women’.

First, Ms Nolan said she was “determined that 2024, the year of LGBT+ workers, leaves a strong legacy.”

Commending Labour’s new deal for workers, which promises day one rights for workers and a repeal of minimum service levels legislation, she said: “we need strike action to negotiate if we’re going to get money in people’s pockets, so they don’t have to go to food banks. It’s not a last ditch attempt, it’s always a threat. It has to be a threat.”

Women in Palestine

Ms Nolan also spoke at length about women in the ongoing crisis in Gaza. She said: “We cannot stand here without thinking of Gaza. Of Rafah. There are approximately 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza and 40% of those pregnancies are described as high risk. It’s not a war, it’s an assault.

“They are in a situation of fear and trauma, with no sanitation or clean water. No medicine, no healthcare infrastructure, no pain medications, anaesthesia and no ability to perform C-sections.”

“As women, we must never stop marching and calling for a ceasefire. However powerless we feel, we have to keep Palestine in the news. Gaza will always be a trade union priority. We will continue to demand for a permanent ceasefire and to allow humanitarian access and stop the blockade of aid.”

“There is so much work to be done, but we’re all united as women in this room. We can pull together, and we can win.”

2024 Year of LGBT+ workers

The first motion passed was to “embed LGBT+ equality within the union”. Introduced by a speaker from the national LGBT+ committee, the motion called for the national women’s committee to promote UNISON’s Year of LGBT+ Workers.

Supporting the motion, Liz Wheatley from UNISON’s NEC made a clear statement in solidarity with trans rights. In acknowledgement of the current climate of transphobia in the UK, Ms Wheatley said: “As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades, they are reduced by Tory bigots who try to divide us.

“Together we are stronger, and when we fight together, we can all win more rights.”

Another speaker, who worked in adolescent mental health, made reference to the government’s new trans guidance for schools, which has been criticised by Stonewall as “not fit for purpose”.

She said: “In the 1980s, the trade union movement was at the forefront of the campaign to repeal Section 28. In this Year of LGBT+ Workers, we need to equip ourselves, again, to campaign against policies like that and to take on the rhetoric of the far right.”

Flexible working

Introducing a motion on flexible working, Alison Chisnell from the union’s national women’s committee said: “Flexible working is not a perk, it’s a necessity. But although you have the right to request it, the employer doesn’t have to provide it.”

The motion calls on the women’s committee to raise awareness on women’s rights to flexible working, recognising that women’s need to balance caring responsibilities with paid work.

Speaking in support of the motion, Linda Elvin from Canterbury City local government described how UNISON’s support was integral to her securing flexible working after her first application had been denied. She said: “Around five years ago, I was juggling being a child carer, looking after my mum and working. Thanks to the backing of UNISON, I got my flexible hours.”

Other motions passed included measures to increase the representation of women in leadership positions across the union, increase the support for young women members, improve health and safety conditions for women in the workplace and promote the ‘right to disconnect’ within flexible working policies.

UNISON women’s conference runs from 15-17 February 2024.

The article ‘As a woman, my rights are not reduced by my LGBT+ comrades’ first appeared on the UNISON National site.

NEC plans for the coming year

UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) met yesterday, for the first time this year, to discuss a substantial agenda, including the motions the council will be taking to national delegate conference in June.

In her report opening the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea applauded the achievements of 2023’s Year of Black Workers – not least in building a legacy for going forward.

She noted that this year is the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, adding that she would be encouraging all branches and regions to ensure they supported and made a success of it.

Ms McAnea reported on “a very cold 24 hours in Belfast”, as health, social care and education members took industrial action, which “helped to finally force the return of politicians to Stormont”.

She reported that, with the Northern Ireland Assembly once again sitting, “catch-up health pay negotiations for 2023 can start”. Elsewhere, preparations for the 2024-25 pay claims across the UK are “well under way”, she said.

With so many councils facing financial crisis, the general secretary observed that UNISON, as the biggest union in local government, had been warning for years of the risks of councils going bankrupt because of underfunding from central government.

She applauded the UNISON turnout at the recent Cheltenham demonstration to defend the right to strike. It had been “a good, upbeat event” and the union is continuing to work with the TUC on what would happen if employers attempt to use the anti-strike minimum service legislation.

Ms McAnea also told the meeting that the union is continuing to press ahead with whatever it could do regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.

A ‘fantastically political’ conference

The meeting also received a report from UNISON president Libby Nolan, who reiterated the importance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and Israelis affected by the war in Gaza, and stressed what a vital issue it is for UNISON.

Ms Nolan celebrated January’s “fantastically political” Black members’ conference and also highlighted the importance of the Year of LGBT+ Workers.

In discussions, the meeting highlighted the scale of cuts at councils, with one NEC member saying, “It could be the end of local government as we know it.”

The council received a report into the union’s organising to win strategy, which explained that, by the end of last year, recruitment rates were in “net growth”. The highest such growth was in schools, particularly in school branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There had also been an increase in new activists.

In an industrial action update, the council heard that there is “lots of action going on” at present, with recruitment and retention both up as a result.

The council also approved a report on the union’s finances and heard a further report on the union’s work on the COVID Inquiry, to ensure that those who were working on the front line during the pandemic have their stories put on record, that the lessons are learned and the right people are held responsible for the lives lost.

The article NEC plans for the coming year first appeared on the UNISON National site.

NEC plans for the coming year

UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) met yesterday, for the first time this year, to discuss a substantial agenda, including the motions the council will be taking to national delegate conference in June.

In her report opening the meeting, general secretary Christina McAnea applauded the achievements of 2023’s Year of Black Workers – not least in building a legacy for going forward.

She noted that this year is the union’s Year of LGBT+ Workers, adding that she would be encouraging all branches and regions to ensure they supported and made a success of it.

Ms McAnea reported on “a very cold 24 hours in Belfast”, as health, social care and education members took industrial action, which “helped to finally force the return of politicians to Stormont”.

She reported that, with the Northern Ireland Assembly once again sitting, “catch-up health pay negotiations for 2023 can start”. Elsewhere, preparations for the 2024-25 pay claims across the UK are “well under way”, she said.

With so many councils facing financial crisis, the general secretary observed that UNISON, as the biggest union in local government, had been warning for years of the risks of councils going bankrupt because of underfunding from central government.

She applauded the UNISON turnout at the recent Cheltenham demonstration to defend the right to strike. It had been “a good, upbeat event” and the union is continuing to work with the TUC on what would happen if employers attempt to use the anti-strike minimum service legislation.

Ms McAnea also told the meeting that the union is continuing to press ahead with whatever it could do regarding the ongoing situation in Gaza.

A ‘fantastically political’ conference

The meeting also received a report from UNISON president Libby Nolan, who reiterated the importance of humanitarian aid for Palestinians and Israelis affected by the war in Gaza, and stressed what a vital issue it is for UNISON.

Ms Nolan celebrated January’s “fantastically political” Black members’ conference and also highlighted the importance of the Year of LGBT+ Workers.

In discussions, the meeting highlighted the scale of cuts at councils, with one NEC member saying, “It could be the end of local government as we know it.”

The council received a report into the union’s organising to win strategy, which explained that, by the end of last year, recruitment rates were in “net growth”. The highest such growth was in schools, particularly in school branches in Scotland and Northern Ireland. There had also been an increase in new activists.

In an industrial action update, the council heard that there is “lots of action going on” at present, with recruitment and retention both up as a result.

The council also approved a report on the union’s finances and heard a further report on the union’s work on the COVID Inquiry, to ensure that those who were working on the front line during the pandemic have their stories put on record, that the lessons are learned and the right people are held responsible for the lives lost.

The article NEC plans for the coming year first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Donate to medical charities leading the emergency response in Gaza

The United Nations has stated that Palestinians in Gaza are now facing a major humanitarian crisis. UNISON is urging branches to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.

Gaza’s fragile health system was close to collapse long before Israel’s military assault began on 7 October, due to the tight land sea and air blockade on the strip and years of chronic underfunding.

Now, 115 days into the conflict, healthcare has been decimated, with just 14 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals partially functioning and essential medicines and equipment in short supply.

Save the Children estimates that 10 children a day are losing one or both legs, usually due to blast injuries.

Donate to MAP

Donate to the Red Cross

For decades, MAP has been working with communities, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers in Gaza to coordinate care and medical aid, despite the severe restrictions on access.

MAP has been working against the odds in Gaza to get medical supplies and expertise to where it’s needed most. This has included coordinating international health workers to volunteer their expertise in Gaza’s hospitals, which are suffering from a severe shortage of staff due to the war.

According to the UN, at least 300 healthcare workers have been killed in this period.

The Palestinian Red Crescent and Magen David Adom have been leading the response to the emergency in Gaza and Israel. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have been facilitating trucks of aid with vital medical supplies, tents and blankets, as well as food, water, milk and nappies for children.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has been working to facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza and provide surgeons to hospitals.

The continued bombardment of Gaza has displaced 1.7 million people, forcing most into overcrowded camps, with extremely limited access to clean water and sanitation. Infectious diseases are increasing as a result, further overwhelming a health system that is attempting to deal with an additional 65,000 injured people, despite the severe shortage of life saving supplies.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has declared the entire population at imminent risk of famine.

UNISON has already donated £10,000 to support the emergency response. But we also need every branch to give what it can to help alleviate this desperate situation.

The people of Palestine and Israel cannot wait. Please give what you can today.

Donate to MAP

Donate to the Red Cross

The article Donate to medical charities leading the emergency response in Gaza first appeared on the UNISON National site.

Donate to medical charities leading the emergency response in Gaza

The United Nations has stated that Palestinians in Gaza are now facing a major humanitarian crisis. UNISON is urging branches to donate to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) and the Red Cross.

Gaza’s fragile health system was close to collapse long before Israel’s military assault began on 7 October, due to the tight land sea and air blockade on the strip and years of chronic underfunding.

Now, 115 days into the conflict, healthcare has been decimated, with just 14 out of Gaza’s 36 hospitals partially functioning and essential medicines and equipment in short supply.

Save the Children estimates that 10 children a day are losing one or both legs, usually due to blast injuries.

Donate to MAP

Donate to the Red Cross

For decades, MAP has been working with communities, hospitals, clinics and healthcare providers in Gaza to coordinate care and medical aid, despite the severe restrictions on access.

MAP has been working against the odds in Gaza to get medical supplies and expertise to where it’s needed most. This has included coordinating international health workers to volunteer their expertise in Gaza’s hospitals, which are suffering from a severe shortage of staff due to the war.

According to the UN, at least 300 healthcare workers have been killed in this period.

The Palestinian Red Crescent and Magen David Adom have been leading the response to the emergency in Gaza and Israel. Red Cross and Red Crescent teams have been facilitating trucks of aid with vital medical supplies, tents and blankets, as well as food, water, milk and nappies for children.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has been working to facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza and provide surgeons to hospitals.

The continued bombardment of Gaza has displaced 1.7 million people, forcing most into overcrowded camps, with extremely limited access to clean water and sanitation. Infectious diseases are increasing as a result, further overwhelming a health system that is attempting to deal with an additional 65,000 injured people, despite the severe shortage of life saving supplies.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has declared the entire population at imminent risk of famine.

UNISON has already donated £10,000 to support the emergency response. But we also need every branch to give what it can to help alleviate this desperate situation.

The people of Palestine and Israel cannot wait. Please give what you can today.

Donate to MAP

Donate to the Red Cross

The article Donate to medical charities leading the emergency response in Gaza 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.

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.