Palestine
Congress Palestine Israel 2010 Conference News Below:
In 2007 an Irish Trade Union delegation paid a visit to Israel and Palestine.This was as a result of 2 motions (70 and 71 on the agenda)on the subject having been passed at our 2007 Biennial Delegate Conference
Full report available here.
Subsequently, policy was updated by a motion passed at our 2009 Biennial Delegate Conference, which includes supporting calls from Palestinian civil society for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel.
Congress Mid East Delegation, Nov 2007
In April 2010, Congress held a conference aimed at building support for our policy and learn from other trade union actions around the world; to strengthen ICTU's relationship with the labour movement in the Middle East and beyond and to continue to encourage international trade union debates and discussions about how international trade union solidarity can contribute to a peaceful solution that respects both the UN resolutions and human & trade union rights. The Conference was chaired by Congress President, Mr Jack O Connor.
A range of speakers including a number of civil society activists from the region and trade unions from around the world who are actively engaged on this subject participated.
News of 16th April 2010 Conference:
Conference Background Paper available here
Minister Martins Speech available here
Media Coverage:
Pre conference debate between Avital Shapira and Proinsias de Rossa on Today with Pat Kenny, 14th April. (Scroll forward to 1hr 11 mins)
ICTU Seeks ways to support sanctions against Israel (I.Times 17 April
Government opposed to boycott of Israel (I.Times 16th April)
Israel makes no secret of upset at Ictu stance on Palestinians (Irish Times 15 April)
Report of Michael Robinson on 2010 visit to Palestine.
Read Trade Union Friends of Palestine member, Michael Robinson's report on a delegation visit to Palestine in September/October 2010.