Why did you get involved in action for Palestine?
It’s about international solidarity, in particular, the Industrial Workers of the World slogan “an injury to one is an injury to all”. There’s workers like me over there. There’s also bigger things like the scale of catastrophic devastation, the carbon cost. I hadn’t been to political events much before, despite always having a strong political identity. When the escalation happened, I followed content creators online – people in Gaza and people in Aotearoa. I felt like I had to do something. I show up because I want a just and sustainable ceasefire, and peace where everyone is welcome.
What have you been doing?
I found out there are lots of organisations in my region I could get involved with. I started attending the rallies the local Palestine Solidarity Network (PSN) branch organises every week. Now I’m also going to organisers’ meetings. I’ve been educating myself about the history of Palestine, especially since the Nakba in 1948 – there’s more than 75 years of history behind this. It didn’t start in October 2023. I’ve made donations to my local PSN branch and I take a PSA flag to every rally.
How does this kaupapa connect to union values for you?
For me it’s about natural justice and international solidarity, which are the pillars of unionism. The more of us show up, the more resources we have and the more we can do. It’s great for the rallies to have large numbers of people. I would love to see an activated membership – not just around bargaining time but carrying the torch all the time.
How can people join you?
People can educate themselves, they can get involved in the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement, contact their local Palestine solidarity group, or their union. Share information, talk to each other about it.
Come and attend the rallies with us. There’s a community, everyone is supported and welcomed. The rallies are safe, and we look after each other. You have a right to protest as a private citizen and remember that the PSA and the NZCTU back you.
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The PSA has donated $500 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), voted in favour of the October 2023 New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) remit calling for an immediate ceasefire, supported Maritime Union New Zealand through the NZCTU in their pressure campaign to ban ships owned by ZIM Shipping from docking in New Zealand ports, and supported the May 2024 NZCTU National Affiliates Council decision to start a CTU forum to discuss trade union support for Palestine. The PSA follows the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. As supplier contracts come up for renewal we review these. The PSA also asks its caterers to boycott Obela Hummus, and has advised staff to boycott BP/Caltex petrol stations. |