The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) has called a national workplace day of action in solidarity with Palestine on Friday 28th November.  

In advance of the upcoming day of action, Fórsa will host a seminar on economic solidarity with Palestine on Saturday 22nd November. This seminar will be an opportunity for members and activists to develop practical skills and knowledge and focus on meaningful action. 

The event builds on motions adopted at our 2024 biennial conference relating to economic activity with Israel and in the Occupied Territories. We will explore how we, as trade unionists, can use our collective power and influence to promote justice and equality. 

The seminar will be delivered through a series of in-person workshops at Nerney’s Court from 10.30am to 3pm. Participants will share ideas, discuss strategies, and learn practical ways to engage in acts of economic solidarity with the Palestinian people. 

This event is open to all Fórsa activists whether you are already involved or just starting out. Together, we can make a real impact. 

Register here to take part.

ICTU Day of Action - Friday 28th November  

Following this week’s violent Israeli raid on the offices of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) in Nablus, in the Occupied West Bank, trade unions in Palestine need our solidarity now more than ever.  

Palestinian workers, remaining steadfast in pursuing their struggle for freedom and justice, have called on workers around the world to stand in solidarity with them. 

On 28th November, join ICTU and unions across the island to take action calling for an end to genocide and to mobilise for greater workplace action in solidarity with the people of Palestine. 

Discuss with your colleagues in your branch what kind of action is best suited to your workplace and its circumstances.  

Some options for taking action include:  

• Taking a photo outside your workplace at lunchtime with banners and signs and sharing personal statements of solidarity.
  
  
• Join a moment of solidarity at 1pm before proceeding for a photo.
  
  
• Lunch-and-Learn Sessions: Organise workplace discussions or virtual lunch-and-learn sessions about Palestine and how we can make our support for BDS more effective / increase the number of trade union members attending national and local protests. 
  
  
• Email the Taoiseach Micheál Martin, the Tánaiste Simon Harris, members of the cabinet and in particular your local Ministers and TDs (from either Fine Gael or Fianna Fáil) urging them to pass the Occupied Territories Bill without delay. You can find them on the members page of the Oireachtas website. Remember that independents who are supporting the government also have considerable influence. You don’t need to go into much detail, but the most important message to get across is that you, a constituent and voter, need to see this government take decisive action now to pass the OTB. 
  
  
• Circulate a petition calling for the divestment of pension fund holdings from companies complicit in Israel’s attacks, such as arms companies supplying Israel with the weapons used in these attacks.
  
  
• Consider becoming an apartheid free zone.

More information, including resources, will soon be available on the ICTU website.

On Friday 28th November, answer the call of Palestinian trade unionists by taking action in your workplace. 

Join a union that wins. Join Fórsa.