Israel / Palestine

This resolution, submitted by TfL no.1 branch, was carried unanimously by the July meeting of the Regional Council ...

This LTRC condemns the recent attack on the ships carrying humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

We call upon the RMT to join with the international community to demand that there is an independent enquiry into the incident.

We insist that Israel is not part of this ‘independent’ enquiry, but that they have an enquiry of their own.

Circular number: NP/92/09/AG

Dear Colleague,

RMT members recently showed solidarity with foreign rail workers by demonstrating in support of 40 Israeli Arab citizens sacked by Israel Railways following the Company’s decision to impose discriminatory conditions of employment [pictured].

MEMBERS OF Britain’s largest rail union, RMT, will be taking a protest over the dismissal of 40 Israeli Arab rail workers to the steps of the Israeli Embassy at 1pm on Monday 11th May.

The protest will draw attention to the decision of Israel Railways to change its employment terms so that only Israeli army veterans will now be employed as lookouts at level crossings to prevent collisions between trains and vehicles. The current Arab workforce are exempt from national service and as a consequence have now been handed redundancy notices by Israel Railways.

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow has sent the following letter to the Israeli ambassador. ...

April 27 2009

His Excellency Ron Prosor Israeli ambassador to the Court of St James 2 Palace Green London W8 4QB

Dear Mr Prosor

I refer to the matter of 40 Israeli Arab citizens who were handed redundancy notices on Sunday March 29, effective from the beginning of April, following the decision of Israel Railways to change its employment terms.

Israel Railways is introducing a new rule that could lead to around 150 Arab rail workers losing their jobs - more details here.

Last month, Israel Railways, a state-owned company, launched a new policy denying employment to railroad crossing guards who have no permit to carry weapons - that is: who have not served in the Israeli army. This policy will lead to the lay-off of the approximately 150 Arab railway workers who monitor and maintain Israel's level crossings.

Stratford no.1 branch has submitted the following resolution to RMT's AGM.

This AGM condemns Israel’s military assault on Gaza in December and January.

We reaffirm our existing policy demanding Israeli withdrawal from the occupied territories and an end to Israel’s siege of Gaza.

We ask the Executive to step up its campaigning on this issue in line with current policy, and in particular wish to see RMT run an appeal in support of an appropriate trade union project in the area.

This resolution, submitted by Camden No. 3 Branch, was passed by RMT Women's Conference 2009.

That this Conference mourns the deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians during Israel's brutal assault on Gaza in December and January, including hundreds of women and children.

While not condoning rocket attacks on Israeli civilians, or the regressive and sexist policies of Hamas, we unreservedly condemn Israel's actions in carrying out this attack, and its siege of Gaza.

RMT's London Transport Regional Council and Finsbury Park branch invite you to a Reception to meet and support Tamar Katz (pictured), Israeli army refuser.

Thursday 5 March, 7-9pm, the Twelve Pins pub, next to Finsbury Park station.

Tamar Katz is a 19-year-old Israeli who has refused to serve in the Israeli army. Israel requires all young men and women to serve in its army, and Tamar has served three prison sentences for her refusal. She explains:

RMT's London Transport Regional Council and Finsbury Park branch invite you to a Reception to meet and support Tamar Katz, Israeli army refuser.

Thursday 5 March, 7-9pm, the Twelve Pins pub, next to Finsbury Park station.

Tamar Katz is a 19-year-old Israeli who has refused to serve in the Israeli army. Israel requires all young men and women to serve in its army, and Tamar has served three prison sentences for her refusal. She explains: