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Solidarity with Palestine

The TUC has long-standing policy in support of justice and freedom for Palestinians. We work closely with the trade union movement in Palestine as we stand in solidarity with all Palestinian workers in their struggle against apartheid, genocide in Gaza and ethnic cleansing in the West Bank.

We undertake advocacy and convene joint trade union advocacy with affiliates directed at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. The TUC supports genuine efforts towards a just, lasting and comprehensive peace that is consistent with international law, delivers a two-state solution, and is underpinned by respect for human rights, including the right to self-determination and the right to return, with democracy and equality for all.  

The TUC and affiliates strongly advocated for UK recognition of the State of Palestine, and we welcome the government’s decision to recognise Palestine. However, recognition should be the first step in a political process that delivers a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. We continue to call for a genuine and permanent ceasefire in Gaza with access to humanitarian aid in line with humanitarian principles.  

Based on democratically agreed policy, our current specific calls on the UK government are: 

  • pressuring the Israeli government to respect international law and end the illegal occupation
  • banning trade with the illegal settlements
  • suspending the UK-Israel trade agreement
  • ending all arms trade and military collaboration with Israel in line with international law
  • working to ensure that reconstruction in Gaza is Palestinian led, involves trade unions, and delivers decent work and quality public services.    

To advance our policy aims, we also work closely with our international trade union networks – the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC); Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC); and European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). In addition, we have built alliances with likeminded Palestinian, Israeli and UK civil society organisations that support Palestinian rights.  

In terms of practical solidarity, the TUC and affiliates have supported campaigns and projects which promote and protect the rights of Palestinian workers, and build capacity in organising and collective bargaining. 

Project work: 

TUC Aid project: https://www.tuc.org.uk/research-analysis/reports/promoting-and-protecting-rights-women-workers-agricultural-sector 

Unison project: https://www.unison.org.uk/news/article/2025/12/twenty-years-of-global-solidarity/ 

NEU/Education International project

Actions and statements: 

TUC General Council statements on Palestine, Israel and the Middle East  

Workplace Days of Action include:

Recent TUC Congress motions: 

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Resources and useful links 

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