In the absence of effective action by our governments, the STUC and the majority of affiliated unions support Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), as a practical way to force the Israeli government to end its repression of the Palestinian people and contribute towards the building of peace. This means taking a targeted approach to BDS in order to maximise our impact. We prioritise campaigning for a boycott of goods from illegal Israeli settlements and divestment from companies who profit from the illegal Israeli occupation.
The purpose of BDS enacted by non-government organisations such as trade unions, campaigns and individuals, is to exert pressure where our government is failing in its duty to support the upholding of international law through its own activities.
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South Africa is the most celebrated example of people’s sanctions in action. The UK Government in the 1970s and early 1980s refused to sanction South Africa despite from 1962 until the end of apartheid the UN supporting sanctions against South Africa. It was not until 1986 or after, that the US and UK governments imposed limited sanctions. Israel did not impose sanctions on South Africa until 1987. Thus, the consumer and other forms of boycott in the US, UK and other Western countries played a vital role in both bringing economic pressure to bear on South Africa and bringing our governments to a better position. |
Boycott Divestment Sanctions
The STUC supports the international BDS movement which is led by a coalition of Palestinian civil society and trade union grouping including our sister union the PGFTU. The demands of BDS are that Israel should abide by international law in three specific areas: end the occupation of Arab lands; end the discrimination against Palestinian citizens of Israel; respect the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes.
The international BDS campaign calls for disciplined action with specified targets. The STUC strongly advises against involvement in actions which go beyond the BDS targets specifically named by the BNC. This has the effect of diluting the specific strategy which has had considerable success in the past.
Legal restrictions?
Various countries, including Germany and a range of US states have declared BDS to be illegal. A similar attempt at Westminster was made. In July 2023, the UK government tabled the ‘Economic Activity of Public Bodies (Overseas Matters) bill’ (or anti-boycott bill. The STUC robustly opposed this proposed legislation with our General Secretary giving evidence at Westminster Parliament Committee to this effect. The 2023-24 session of Parliament has prorogued and Parliament was dissolved on 30 May ahead of the general election; and this bill will make no further progress.
This notwithstanding organisations undertaking boycott activities should be aware of discrimination and human rights legislation. The STUC advises that action should only be taken where it relates specifically to impacting the interests of the Israeli government and the key state and financial institutions which support its current domestic and international crimes. If in doubt about any particular campaign initiative branches should consult with their unions and unions if required, with the STUC.
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Be focussed and effective. The impact of one successful campaign focussed on a single target will outweigh general campaigning against a very wide range of targets. Resist the temptation to spread yourself or your organisation too thinly. Unions, branches and members should therefore seek to join campaigns which are local, most relevant, and have a clear path to success. |
