City & Islington College Day of Action for Palestine
On Thursday 9 October, workers across the UK took part in another successful nationwide workplace day of action to show their solidarity with the Palestinian people – a powerful reminder that the movement for justice extends from our streets and into our workplaces.
Building on the momentum of previous workplace actions, workers came together once again to make their voices heard. Across the country, trade unions and activists found creative ways to demonstrate that the fight for Palestinian liberation belongs in every town and workplace.
Round-up of actions
In London, there was a flurry of activity – from a meeting of local government workers in Camden planning their pension fund divestment campaign, to a lunchtime rally outside City & Islington College, and a staff walk-out at King’s College.
Further north, Unison and UCU branches in Manchester joined forces for a joint campaign stall, building support for the upcoming national demonstration in London on Saturday 11 October.
Manchester University UCU & unison, Day of Action for Palestine
In Oxford, UCU and Unite Health members supported an evening march through the city, while the Warwick staff network hosted a talk by Mohammed Usruf from the Palestinian Institute for Climate Strategy, whose manifesto reminds us that ‘climate justice is inseparable from ending occupation, apartheid, genocide and ecocide.’
Across the Midlands, activists held a lively teach-out on the academic boycott of Israeli universities.
In the Northeast, workers in Newcastle organised a film screening of The Land of Oranges, followed by an open discussion on the ongoing Palestinian struggle.
And in Scotland, staff at the University of Dundee held a bake sale with homemade cakes and treats, raising over £400 for the cause.
There was a fantastic show of unity from university staff across the country, with UCU branches organising the largest number of actions on the day, closely followed by Unison and other unions.
A movement that won’t be silenced
Despite more than two years of the genocide in Gaza, the determination of workers and trade unions to campaign for justice remains as strong as ever. Each action – whether a rally, a discussion, or a bake sale – is part of a growing network of solidarity that refuses to let the Palestinian cause be forgotten.
Whilst a ceasefire may have recently been agreed, the anti-war movement must remain vigilant. Israel has broken ceasefire agreements before, and any so-called peace deal presided over by Trump and the United States will ultimately serve Israeli interests in the long run.
The Palestinian struggle has endured for over 75 years, and our movement will continue to stand firm until justice and freedom are won.