Israeli Trade Union Leader visits UK to promote workers’ role in campaign for peace
Ofer Eini, the Chairman of the Histadrut (Israeli TUC), will be visiting the UK for talks with senior trade unionists and government ministers on 21 and 22 January. He will bring with him a message of hope for the future in the region.
The two day visit aims to build constructive dialogue in a climate of Israeli boycott activity within some British Trade Unions, which Mr Eini will emphasise only undermines peace platforms and harms Israeli workers.
He will also promote the role of trade unions in the 21st Century and discuss how the problems we face - such as globalisation and workers’ conditions - need to be tackled together.
Mr. Eini will also be meeting ministers from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office and Department for International Development to discuss the Histadrut’s role in working for peace between Palestinians and Israelis and in the wider Middle East.
Ofer Eini said:
“My visit to the UK is of vital importance to the Histadrut. Not only does it demonstrate international solidarity between the workers of our countries, it also establishes positive links that, in a globalised world, are important if workers are to stop wages and labour standards being eroded”
“For the British Government, I welcome the chance to demonstrate Histadrut’s commitment to the peace process and will wish for continued dialogue to build a permanent peace in the region”
Roger Lyons, Chair of Trade Union Friends of Israel, said:
“The visit of Ofer and the Histadrut is an opportunity for the British trade union movement to understand and engage with Israeli workers and their vibrant trade union movement which fights for their interests, campaigns for better pay and conditions and works for a wider peace.
“This is also an opportunity to boost awareness of how considering boycotts against Israel harms Israeli workers, both Jewish and Arab, while doing nothing to aid the peace process.
“We will also be discussing joint training assistance programmes between British, Israeli and Palestinian trade unions, to rebuild the movement within the region”
Ends
Notes to Editors
Ofer Eini will be visiting the UK from January 21st and 22nd. He will be meeting senior Government Ministers and trade union leaders.
Trade Union Friends of Israel will be hosting a reception for Mr Eini on Monday 22nd January 2007 at 6.00pm in the Macmillan Room, Portcullis House, Westminster.
For further information please call Steve Scott at TUFI on 020 7222 2343 or 07768 693 943