Global Solidarity Forum 27/28 August 2010 ASTI Solidarity with the trade unions in Palestine and Congress’ BDS campaign How to develop Congress’ BDS Campaign and BDS work in our unions?

Congress BDS Campaign In 2007 an Irish Trade Union delegation paid a visit to Israel and Palestine. Result of 2 motions on the subject at our 2007 Biennial Delegate Conference

Report Conclusion: “The boycott position of ICTU has been explicitly commended and welcomed by almost all the representatives of Palestinian trade unions and human rights groups that we met. It was evident to the delegation that some of those we met were more constrained in their comments on any boycott, because of political sensitivities. Nevertheless the very clear message that we received was that the position adopted by Congress was strongly supported and welcomed.”

Report Recommendation: “To support and promote a boycott campaign of Israeli goods and services and a policy of disinvestment from Israeli companies as a means of encouraging the Israeli government to comply with International Law and to cease the human rights violations of the Palestinian people.”

Dublin Castle Conference

Campaign Planning Group Ann Speed, Siptu Brian Campfield Nipsa Noirin Greene, Unite Jack O Connor, Congress President; John Douglas, Mandate; Patricia McKeown, Unison; Peter McLoone Congress Secretariate

Campaign Plans Liaison with: Trade Union Friends of Palestine; Solidarity Groups – Sadaka and Irish Palestine Solidarity Campaign

BDS Campaign Components: background document consumer facing document – a much shorter version 2 sides of A5; viral ad promoting the campaign; training session for union activists on the campaign in October

Background document The Origins of Congress Policy The Global BDS Campaign Support from Unions globally Why Congress Supports BDS –(I) ‘Security Fence’ or Apartheid Wall? –(ii) Denial of livelihoods –(iii) Operation Cast Lead –(iv) Working Conditions A Consumer-led Boycott

Strong Imagery

Consumer leaflet The Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions campaign (BDS) is wholly supported by Congress and its members. Highlight abuses Parallels with Apartheid regime

Leaflet ctd How can I help? Don’t buy Israeli products.. We believe union members can play a key role in this campaign, in terms of raising awareness and in spreading the message amongst workplace colleagues. Full list of products go to Information on Congress Campaign…

Viral Ad Intercutting still images to make a flash animation and a web button on homepage link to a bds campaign page And / or short video: web button on linked to a campaign page. Voiceover from..?

Training Training session for activists Tailored for individual unions Involve TUFP and Solidarity Groups