Fórsa members gathered last week to discuss the union’s commitment to global solidarity and international activism at the organisation's International Spring School. Delegates reflected on the importance of standing in solidarity with workers globally, from supporting trade union colleagues in Colombia, Turkey and the UK, to contributing to humanitarian efforts in Gaza, Ukraine, Eritrea and beyond.

The Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid was warmly welcomed to Nerney’s Court, as almost 100 activists from across the country gave her a standing ovation. The Ambassador spoke of the ongoing war on Palestine and continued bombardment of Gaza, with the death toll now at almost 30,000. She addressed the horrors and atrocities occurring and expressed her desire to frame the struggle of the Palestinian people in political terms, rather than as a humanitarian crisis.

“For 146 days Israel has crossed every legal and moral line. Nothing justifies killing 13,000 children,” she said. “The Palestinian people were born to live, not born to die,” she continued.

Delegates also learned about the impact of the union’s international solidarity fund. Three percent of members' dues contribute to solidarity programs worldwide. Activists were informed about how the union's recent €100,000 donation to UNICEF's Gaza appeal aided in providing essential assistance.

“With your support, UNICEF has been able to transport significant humanitarian assistance to Egypt for onward delivery through the Rafah border crossing. Our efforts, including eleven airlifts, have been among the first deliveries to pass through Rafah, reaching those in need with unprecedented speed,” said Vivienne Parry, Advocacy Manager at UNICEF.

Vivienne also explained how the funds have helped provide essential tools to assist women in delivering babies in dire circumstances, particularly in areas where there is no functioning healthcare system.

“Health facilities are overwhelmed, operating at three times their capacity, facing shortages of basic supplies and fuel. UNICEF is delivering medical supplies to hospitals and health facilities, including supplies for newborns and kits for midwives,” she said.

Delegates also heard from Ciara Feehely from Vita Ireland and Luis Monje from Public Services International, who delved into projects and initiatives partially funded by Fórsa through its developing world fund. Additionally, European experts including Dr. Brigid Laffan, Alex White, and EPSU General Secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan took centre stage to discuss Europe, its challenges, and the opportunities ahead of elections later this year.

Fórsa’s Liz Fay initiated the proceedings on Saturday morning, taking the audience on a journey by describing the experiences of library members as they continued to provide essential services during far-right attacks. Following her, Niamh McDonald from the Hope and Courage Collective, Ciarán O’Connor from The Institute of Strategic Dialogue, and Nick Henderson of the Irish Refugee Council discussed the rise of the far right in Ireland and offered practical advice on how to engage in important conversations and combat misinformation.

Closing out the two-day solidarity school delegates explored the fight for trade union freedom. ICTU’s David Joyce looked at the International Labour Organisation’s labour rights index, while Hatice Pantir Yilan from Liman-İş Union in Turkey spoke of the persecution of Turkish trade unionists under the rule of Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The final speaker GMB’s Ferdousara Uddin provided insights on the union organises Amazon workers in the UK.

Delegate and activist Linda O’Sullivan said she had “an incredible two days”.

“As an activist, it was my church! I was blown away by the speakers and the engagement from members. I'm incredibly proud and privileged to be part of our great union especially last weekend,” she said.

Fórsa national secretary Richy Carrothers, said that solidarity, both at home and internationally, is a cornerstone and fundamental to the union.

“In the union strategic plan, one of the core values is that the union will continue to stand in solidarity with workers across the world who are in struggle, and I think for us, our trade unionism doesn't stop within our shores. It's very much an international approach. We have always fought for better workers’ rights, pay and conditions, human rights, and equality. And I think those kinds of things, they don't they don't have a border. Events like this one helps to cement that connection and allows us to take stock of the good solidarity work we do every day,” he said.

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