Action at Tesco Newcastle Store: This is what worker solidarity looks like!

A number of Trade union organisations from Unison, INTO, Unite, NIPSA, NASUWT and IWW, as well as several Palestine solidarity organisations took part in an important show of solidarity in Newcastle Co. Down at the weekend. The action held outside the Tesco Store was in support of a Tesco worker currently suspended, pending disciplinary, for refusing to handle Israeli products.

The worker involved, was said to have been suspended early in October after declining to follow the unconscionable demand to check-out a number of Israeli produced items. In turn, they now face disciplinary action for having a conscience and not supporting genocide.

During the solidarity event, a number of speakers took the megaphone to condemn the actions of Tesco management and called for an end to the workers suspension and any forthcoming disciplinary action.

At the event an IWW representative told those gathered in solidarity that "We would like to extend our love and solidarity at this time with our fellow worker suspended for taking action, for speaking out NOT remaining silent at a time when the genocide is still continuing in Palestine. 

"At this time we remember that It was back in 1984, when eleven Dunnes Stores workers refused to handle goods from apartheid South Africa and went on strike. As a result of this action, they spent 3 years on the picket line in Henry Street, Dublin, receiving just £21 per week, however their solidarity action finally forced the Irish government to boycott apartheid. Through their actions, these workers, with the support of the people Ireland led the way in assisting the international call to the end apartheid regime. 

"Just last year, we marked the 40th anniversary of this historic anti-apartheid strike by a group of young workers at Dunnes Stores. In the shadow of that occasion, workers throughout the world were making the connection with their actions, with the ongoing boycott campaign of Israeli products amidst the genocide and occupation of Palestine by the Zionist Israeli regime. 

"Over the past year workers across the world, from Australia to Italy, from Berlin to Belfast have picketed shops and protested on the streets in their thousands. They have taken direct action against the unfolding genocide on the people of Palestine blockading ports and factory gates to stop arms shipments and the sale of Israeli products. Throughout history, workers have repeatedly stepped forward to raised their voice or to use the power of their labour against injustice and exploitation. 

"On day's such as today's,  we remember our fellow worker Judi Bari and the actions they and their comrades participated in to help defend our earth through direct action, mutual aid and genuine solidarity. Principled and guided by their sense of solidarity and social justice. 

"This is what worker solidarity looks like!"

"Today, the Industrial Workers of the World have and continue to actively oppose the ongoing occupation and genocide of the Palestinian people by taking part in solidarity actions from strikes, pickets, occupations and boycotts and have supported others in solidarity. Here today we stand by our fellow worker who has been suspended from work for taking direct action by refusing to handle Israeli goods at a Tesco Store. For an act of solidarity similar to that of the Dunnes Stores strike in opposing the apartheid regime. 

"The Industrial Workers of the World calls for an end to the targeting of workers and demand their immediate reinstatement as a respected member of staff. In doing so, we call upon Tesco Ltd. to bring an end to their sale and distribution of Israeli goods at their stores, which undoubtedly has an impact upon workers.  Without question, the trade union movement must not remain silent at this time. They must act now to extend its full support and solidarity for this fellow worker and endorse calls that they are immediately reinstated back to their post without restrictions or ramifications. 

"Today we have activists from throughout the country. From Derry to Dublin. We say to you to go back to your campaign groups and your trade union groups and echo the calls from here today. Let everyone know that An Injury To One Is Still An Injury To All! 

"Up The workers! Long live Palestine!"

As the event came to a close, activists walked through the Tesco supermarket to further highlight todays action, a spokesperson for the IWW Ireland Branch said of today's event in Newcastle "We are so thank full to each and everyone who participated in today's action. I'm sure the worker involved, as well as their immediate family, would be equally overwhelmed by the level of solidarity expressed here in Newcastle today. It has to be an emotional time for them all, and to feel that they are not alone. The people and the trade union movement stand with them and the decision they have taken.

"Many have asked 'What can we do now?' when they leave here today, 'How can we help the campaign?' Well, if anyone out there is wondering what they need to be doing at Tesco's Stores throughout the island of Ireland, the may look no further than what we have witnessed here today in Newcastle. This is what worker solidarity looks like!

"All of us must continue to stand by this brave worker and any others who follow the example they have now set. The trade union movement across must remain vocal by actively supporting workers taking similar actions. Demand Tesco to immediately withdraw disciplinary action and allow this and other workers to follow their conscience by refusing to participate in the distribution of any Israeli products."

It's time for Tesco to remove all Israeli goods and stop supporting genocide.

SOLIDARITY WITH THE TESCO WORKER!

Sign petition; https://www.change.org/stop_funding_genocide_tesco