Action is key: two inspiring examples of worker solidarity

International solidarity has been a key aspect in defeating injustice across the world. The trade union movement needs to be integral to this and lead through decisive action. Our speakers will highlight two examples of how workers and the trade union movement can take decisive and effective action in support of freedom, equality and justice for the Palestinian people.

Lara Kiswani is Palestinian American and the Executive Director of the Arab Resource & Organizing Centre (AROC) which serves thousands of poor and working class Arabs and Muslims across the San Francisco Bay Area. AROC founded the Block the Boat campaign, which forged community-trade union links that has stopped Israeli ships from unloading goods in the port of Oakland for over 10 years and counting.

In July 1984, shop worker Mary Manning followed union advice and refused to handle grapefruit from apartheid South Africa. Ultimately ten Dunnes Store workers were on strike for 21 months leading to Ireland banning the import of all goods from apartheid South Africa. Nelson Mandela said that the strikers demonstrated to South Africans that "ordinary people far away from the crucible of apartheid cared for our freedom".

Hussein Ezzedine is an active member of ASLEF Scotland and SPSC Trade Union Officer. He will lead the discussion on what we can do in Scotland to intensify solidarity with the Palestinian people as workers.

Host or Publisher Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign