Congress supports the People of Palestine

Mike Kirby

The plight of the Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied territories was raised on the final day of Congress.

A statement from the General Council was delivered by UNISON Scotland Convener Mike Kirby and a composite motion condemning the continued Israeli occupation of Gaza.

When making the statement on behalf of the General Council Mike Kirby paid tribute to retiring PCS Scottish Secretary Eddie Reilly for his commitment to the cause of the Palestinian people. Mike spoke of a visit and Eddie had made to Israel and Palestine on behalf of the STUC.

They had been, he said the subject of Much criticism in the press for only meeting with Palestinians "Eddie's response was robust. 'we met plenty of Israelis as we travelled around. They all wore uniforms and carried guns."

Mike reported on the actions that the STUC has taken to progress the motion passed last year on boycotting, disinvesting and imposing sanctions on Israel.

He also updated on the review of relationships with Histadrut, the Israeli trade union organisation after it condoned the excess of 'Operation Cast Lead" in Gaza, and due to reports it was organising in the illegal settlements. A further report will be made to unions in October.

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