Unions backed the workplace day of action for ‘Ceasefire Now – Stop Arming Israel’ bringing thousands of workers across the country out in solidarity with Palestinian and Lebanese people

This article was originally published by Stop the War.

October’s Ceasefire Now – Stop Arming Israel Day of Action saw a widespread return to workplace activity in solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people. Thousands of workers in hospitals, schools, universities, libraries, town halls and elsewhere came together to demand an end to Israel’s genocide.

From Plymouth to Glasgow via Tower Hamlets and York people took time out of their day to signal to the government how deeply unpopular its inaction over Israel’s escalating drive to war continues to be. Polls show the British public broadly supports ending arms sales to Israel and we need to escalate pressure from our places of work to reflect this fact.

The backing of Unison and UCU has meant more workers involved than ever before. But the fact is we need more activity. The horrific daily massacres currently occurring in Gaza and Lebanon necessitate that the trade union movement do all it can to call on the Labour government to stop arming Israel. We call on all the unions to back our Days of Action for Palestine and encourage their members to get active on this issue.

You can see below some of the hundreds of actions from the 10 October Day of Action:

Big turn-out at King’s College, London:

Thanks to the hundreds of workers and students who walked out today and raised their voices for justice and peace! We will not stop until Palestine is free! #FreePalestine #HandsOffLebanon 🇵🇸❤️🇱🇧✊🏽 pic.twitter.com/wGWkAsV2RM

— KCL UCU still demands pay restoration (@KCL_UCU) October 10, 2024

UNISON members in Tower Hamlets taking action:

1. We are the Workers 2. We won't be silenced. 3. Stop the bombing Now Now NOW! Our divest 4 Palestine banner did a tour today to mark the 'Workplace Day of Action' 4 Gaza. It started out at 8am at CF Girls School & then to the Town Hall for a lunchtime gathering. Ceasefire now! pic.twitter.com/l3wVONxu90

— Tower Hamlets UNISON (@UNISON_TH) October 10, 2024

Staff and students at Kingsway College call for a ceasefire:

Staff and students at WKC call for an immediate ceasefire and send solidarity to Palestine and Lebanon #CeasefireWDOA @STWuk @ucu @LondonUCU pic.twitter.com/RS3SEs3Vg4

— UCU Westminster Kingsway College (@UcuWkc) October 10, 2024

Lots of #CeasefireNow activity in Manchester:

Great lunchtime events for the #CeasefireWDOA happening across Greater Manchester, including @NorthWestUNISON @unisontheunion members who have already collected £80 for @MedicalAidPal
Let’s end today at the evening rally in St Peter’s Sq with a great line-up of union speakers!! pic.twitter.com/Dcq8xWWUR8

— GM Stop the War Coalition (@GMSTWC) October 10, 2024

A good turnout in Portsmouth:

#CeasefireWDOA good turnout from Adult Social Care at Workplace Day of Action lunchtime protest in Portsmouth ⁦@PSCupdates⁩ ⁦@STWuk⁩ ⁦@PortsTC⁩ pic.twitter.com/xdlUJzUhdT

— Jon Woods (@jontoryhater) October 10, 2024

UNISON shows its solidarity with Palestine:

Great to have Unison getting right behind the #CeasefireWDOA today!#StopArmingIsrael https://t.co/YK4EOIxi3K

— Stop the War (@STWuk) October 10, 2024

You can find more examples following the #CeasefireWDOA hashtag.