Conference rejects ‘critical engagement‘ with Histadrut

#uNDC11 Wednesday’s debate on Palestine hinged on a recommendationfrom a recent UNISON delegation to Palestine that the union adopts astance of critical engagement with the Israeli trade union centre Histadrut: http://www.unison.org.uk/file/reportDelegation02010.pdf

Both sides of the argument were united in their support for the Palestinian cause and speakers in the debate acknowledged the brave and excellent work of the UNISON delegation which travelled to Palestine and Israel late last year. The rejection by Conference of the NEC’s motion 89 (even in the clearly stated context of UNISON opposition to the settlements and theSeparation Wall, an end to the Israeli occupation and support for a  viable Palestinian state) reflected the deep unease of Conference delegates about the impunity by which the Israeli Government and its apologists have avoided being held to account for the Gaza massacre of 2008/9 and the continuing occupation of Palestinian territories in breach of international law.

Looking ahead, a priority for the union at all levels must be to step up solidarity work for the Palestinian people in particular building support for the BDS campaign: http://www.tuc.org.uk/extras/settlementgoodsleaflet.pdf