The union advanced a motion to back the BDS movement and provide protection for members attempting to create a de facto arms embargo on the Jewish State
July 15, 2025 13:35
Unite, one of the UK’s largest unions, has passed a motion to back its members in the defence and aerospace industries if they refuse to build, handle or transport weapons that could be bound for Israel.
The body’s policy conference passed a statement last week, supporting “worker-led campaigns to boycott the handling of Israeli goods and services in their workplaces and campaigns for divestment from Israeli companies in their workplaces and the wider economy”.
It also committed to backing a “full arms embargo” on the Jewish State and providing protection for members who refuse to participate in the weapons manufacturing process if they believe the products could reach Israel.
This likely means that the union would back members disciplined by their employers for refusing to engage in work related to the arms trade with Israel
A statement from the union read: “The Executive Council condemns in the strongest terms the genocidal actions of the Israeli government committed in Gaza and the West Bank.
"BDS has been shown to be an effective, peaceful strategy in campaigning in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
“Unite has a moral and internationalist obligation to stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.”
The motion also encouraged Unite chapters to formally affiliate with the controversial Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and participate in BDS campaigns, as well as working with the PSC to “engage and inform members and reps in specific sectors and industries”.
Its passage represents a significang development in the intense debate within the union about the issue of pro-Palestine activism.
While affirming its support for the Palestinian cause, Unite has previously condemned groups like the now-proscribed Palestine Action for staging disruptive protests at sites operated by defence firms which employ its members.
Last year, the union’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, wrote in a letter to members that there was “no contradiction for a trade union to hold a position of solidarity with Palestinian workers, while at the same time refusing to support campaigns that target our members’ workplaces without their support”.
"We cannot and will not endorse any organisation which decides unilaterally and without any discussion (let alone agreement) with the workers themselves, to support the targeting of our members’ workplaces or their jobs,” she added.
However, this stance due criticism from some segments of the membership, who argued that such protests were a legitimate aspect of “preventing genocide”.
The recent motion appears to take account of this split, stating: “Prior to taking action Unite will engage with members and reps in any affected sectors. We will not take any action that will put members’ jobs at risk without their consent.
"While site reps continue to defend people’s right to protest, we cannot condone protestors who abuse or blame our members for the actions of the Israeli government.
"However we do advise reps where they are confident and comfortable to engage with protestors to refute any myths and try to find common ground where possible.”
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