THE TUC Congress opened in Brighton yesterday afternoon with delegates supporting the Young Socialists and Workers Revolutionary Party lobby calling for strike action for Palestine.
In the Congress yesterday there were motions opposing racism including in the workplace.
Today starts with motions on schools and school support staff and there is a motion demanding extra funding for SEND. Also this morning there are motions on defence of the NHS.
On Tuesday, there are motions on workers’ and trade union rights, while on Wednesday, the last day, morning there are motions on Palestine.
The Young Socialists and Workers Revolutionary Party lobby urged TUC delegates ‘to call a day of strike action on October 9th to answer the call for global action on that day!
‘End Israel’s genocide in Gaza!’
National Educational Union General Secretary Daniel Kebede told News Line: ‘We want to see BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) and action from the TUC, not just words.
‘At this TUC we are also opposing the Unite amendment.
‘They are trying to remove BDS from the motion. We want action now. The TUC must act now for Palestine.’
Paul W Fleming, Equity general secretary, told News Line: ‘We want action For Palestine on October the 9th. Action now!
‘The boycott of trade with settlements by the Foreign Secretary last week is necessary but not sufficient. Stop arming Israel now.
‘There is a culture of explicit and implicit censorship around Palestine in this country.
‘We have experienced attacks on Equity members falsely claiming their work is anti-semitic.
‘Also as with other unions we have AI issues. Our members must have an inaleniable right over their image, their voice and their personality.’
Alex Summerson, NEU Northern Region, said: ‘The devastation in Palestine is palpable with the destruction of schools, hospitals and family homes.
‘We need a day of workers’ action on October 9th, strike action where possible in every field, with every workplace and every union, including and especially the TUC itself.
‘We have to do more for Palestine, not just in words but in action.’
Julie Crystal, EIS teachers union from Fife, said: ‘I want real action not just words.
‘The genocide is not decreasing, we all know it’s happening. There is no excuse, genocide is genocide.’
Michael Schwaabe, AFA airline workers union, said: ‘I think we should send a very strong signal to show we support Palestine and oppose genocide, and that means action.
‘Strike in every workplace and the TUC should call it.’
Joe Flynn, Croydon NEU, said: ‘There must be strike action for Palestine, our union has a very firm position on this.’
Andrea Egan, Unison general Secretary, said: ‘We will be supporting the motion on Palestine.’
Nick Meade, from the Bakers Union in Salisbury, said: ‘General strike for Palestine!
‘They are very oppressed and its Britain’s fault. Tell me what the British ruling class didn’t mess up.
‘It’s our responsibility to put it right and sort out our mistake.’
Henry Agboola, Hackney TUC and GMB member, said: ‘The TUC has to act and fight for Palestine.
‘The Palestinians are fighting for freedom, they must have their own territory.
‘Britain has to be stopped from arming Israel.’
The Young Socialists and Workers Revolutionary Party held a successful lunchtime meeting before the congress began.
• See report in tomorrow’s News Line
