Trade unions challenging antisemitism is not optional

Many within Britain’s Jewish community feel targeted and fearful in their daily lives – from the school run to the workplace . 

We stand in clear and unwavering solidarity.

No one should face hate, intimidation or violence because of who they are or what they believe. Workplaces and communities must be places of dignity, respect and safety - not fear. 

For trade unions challenging antisemitism is not optional. It goes to the very heart of who we are. 

Our movement has a proud history of confronting hatred and extremism. At Cable Street trade unionists stood shoulder to shoulder with the Jewish community to defeat Mosley’s fascists - demonstrating the power of collective action in the face of division and hate.

But we have always had to recognise that trade unions reflect society, and fight to ensure we root out prejudice wherever we find it.

And the current rise in antisemitism demands a renewed effort. An approach that is active, visible and determined. We must meet this moment with the same clarity and courage that defined those earlier struggles.

Since 2019 the TUC’s education programmes have supported union representatives in challenging antisemitism alongside all forms of racism.

Our training lays out the long and shameful history of anti-semitism in the UK, and helps build understanding of its deep roots.

And it includes practical guidance to help distinguish between legitimate criticism of the actions of the Israeli government  and antisemitic tropes or conspiracy theories. That distinction is crucial.

However, recent events have made clear that there’s a long way to go to embed and refresh this understanding. We now need to update and expand this work and ensure that union reps have the confidence, knowledge and tools to respond effectively wherever antisemitism appears.

This will be a vital part of our broader new Unity Works campaign which is about bringing workers together to stand against division in all its forms - including antisemitism, Islamophobia, misogyny and scapegoating.

The campaign is rooted in a simple but powerful truth: while we may come from different backgrounds or hold different beliefs we share far more in common than what divides us.

We all want decent jobs, safe workplace, secure lives and to be treated with respect.

Moments like this week’s summit underline why this matters so much.

Antisemitism is not only a threat to Jewish people - it is a threat to the wider values of equality, solidarity and collective strength that define the trade union movement.

We will not leave this work to others. Unions will step up - in our workplaces and in our communities – to challenge antisemitism and to stand always for unity over hate.