The Tables Must Be Turned: Trade union internationalism, war & the power of solidarity

Israel’s war on Gaza has been termed a genocide by the United Nations Commission of Inquiry, and several unions have declared that Peace is Union Business, giving us pause to also speak out for those being subjected to other acts of militarism and human rights violations around the world.

But the road to collective consensus has at time been fraught, with assertions from some members that unions should stick to ‘core issues’.

In this talk, Clare will make the case that this narrowing of scope is a response to the disempowerment imposed on trade unions by the raft of neoliberal reforms rolled out in the 1980s throughout much of the western world. While some unionists may hold the view that pragmatism is necessary in a hostile political environment, what is actually happening is unwittingly playing into the hands of those that rule the free market and control and weaken organised labour.

Clare will take attendees on a journey throughout the history of trade union internationalism and how unions have leveraged power to put spanners in the works of the military industrial complex, which is so inextricably linked with the struggle of the working class. It will celebrate this rich tradition, and argue for a glorious reprisal.

Clare is a WSS member, trade unionist and peacelover.

Event Proceedings:
6:00 pm – Doors Open
6:30 pm – Introductions
6:40 pm – Talk from Clare
7:20 pm – Intermission
7:30 pm – Audience Q&A

Drinks and food will be available to order from the bar. As always, we are thankful to Bedlam & Squalor for hosting us.