TRADE UNION LEADERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD CALL FOR A VETO ON THE DRAFT LAW NO 5371 - The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine initiated a worldwide campaign to sign a petition against introduction of the draft law No 5371. A petition to this effect has already been posted on the LabourStart website and … Continue reading Ukraine: Support workers’ struggle for labour and union rights
UNION AID: SUPPORT UKRAINE MINEWORKERS’ RESISTANCE
Help us raise funds to support Ukraine's miners' unions, supporting their members resisting the Russian invasion. Donate Here: Union Aid Crowdfunder Ukraine's miners trade unions – the Independent Trade Union of Ukrainian Miners (NGPU) and the Trade Union of Coal Industry Workers of Ukraine (PRUP) – have made urgent appeals for aid to assist their … Continue reading UNION AID: SUPPORT UKRAINE MINEWORKERS’ RESISTANCE
UKRAINE MUST WIN: MODEL MOTION FOR LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
The 2022 Labour Party Annual Conference takes place in Liverpool from Sunday 25 to Wednesday 28 September. Every CLP, trade union and other affiliated organisations are entitled to send delegates and motions to Annual Conference. The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign has produced a model motion which takes a clear position of solidarity with Ukraine and its’s … Continue reading UKRAINE MUST WIN: MODEL MOTION FOR LABOUR PARTY CONFERENCE
JOINT APPEAL BY UKRAINIAN TRADE UNIONS AGAINST ATTACK ON WORKERS RIGHTS
We publish below a joint appeal to President Zelensky by all the trade union federations of Ukraine in opposition to the Law 5161 introducing “zero-hour” contracts and Law 5371 abolishing labour rights in Small and Medium Enterprises, which were approved in their second reading by the Ukrainian Parliament on July 19. These laws will abolish … Continue reading JOINT APPEAL BY UKRAINIAN TRADE UNIONS AGAINST ATTACK ON WORKERS RIGHTS
Union Aid Arrives for Miners Resistance in Ukraine
Ukraine Solidarity Campaign coordinating with trade unions, NUM, GMB and ASLEF has delivered a vehicle and medical equipment to mineworkers in Ukraine. This is part of an ongoing effort to raise finances for aid to the mineworkers trade unions in Ukraine whose members are engaged in resisting the invasion. The supplies, including a heavy 4x4 … Continue reading Union Aid Arrives for Miners Resistance in Ukraine
URGENT FINANCIAL APPEAL TO AID THE UKRAINIAN MINEWORKERS RESISTANCE
Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the mining communities of Donbas have faced relentless attack and bombardment. In response mine workers through their trade unions and labour collectives have organised to aid and support to the resistance, helping miners in the volunteer Territorial Defence Force, local battalions of the National Guard and the Armed … Continue reading URGENT FINANCIAL APPEAL TO AID THE UKRAINIAN MINEWORKERS RESISTANCE
Campaign success: Cancel Ukraine’sdebt
Ukraine’s lenders have agreed to campaigners’ demands to suspend the country’s debt repayments for around two years. This will free up billions of dollars to enable the Ukrainian people to address the severe humanitarian crisis and costs of the Russian invasion. The Ukrainian government yesterday requested that government creditors and bondholders agree to a suspension of repayments … Continue reading Campaign success: Cancel Ukraine’sdebt
Ukraine: While workers defend the country, parliament turns against them
Trade Unionists organised in the Territorial Defence Force Ukraine's Parliament has passed two bills that obliterate workers' rights to collective bargaining and other fundamental labour protections, and allow employers to put up to 10% of their workforce on "zero hour" contracts leaving them without any control over their working lives. If signed by President Volodimir … Continue reading Ukraine: While workers defend the country, parliament turns against them
Major Attack on Workers Employment Rights Passed in Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada, or parliament of Ukraine, took recent votes on a series of labor bills that would have severely damaging effects on Ukrainian workers already suffering from the wartime economic crisis. 1.) After postponing several attempts to conduct a second-reading vote on Draft Law 5371, parliament overwhelmingly passed the bill today with an amendment that it will only apply during martial law. Among … Continue reading Major Attack on Workers Employment Rights Passed in Ukraine
RMT conference demands release of Belarus rail workers
The July 2022 Annual General Meeting of UK rail and transport union RMT - currently engaged in national strike action to defend wages, jobs and conditions on the railways - passed the following in solidarity with rail workers in Belarus, jailed for taking action in solidarity with Ukraine. workers Submitted by AWL on 6 July, 2022 - … Continue reading RMT conference demands release of Belarus rail workers
RIGHT TO WEAPONS. HOW CAN LEFTISTS SUPPORT UKRAINE?
Unions Stand with Ukraine demonstration in London. The left and internationalists must recognize that a front against imperialism is impossible without armed resistance. Russia's invasion in Ukraine is currently the most brazen and cynical imperialist attack in the world. Behind the criticism of arms supplies to Ukraine is the ill-concealed desire to defeat the Ukrainian … Continue reading RIGHT TO WEAPONS. HOW CAN LEFTISTS SUPPORT UKRAINE?
STATEMENT ON ATTEMPTS TO CONFISCATE PROPERTY OF UNIONS BY FEDERATION OF TRADE UNIONS OF UKRAINE The Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine strongly condemns the attempts to illegally confiscate the trade union property. As it has come to be known, the Economic Development Committee of the Verkhovna Rada, taking advantage of martial law in Ukraine, … Continue reading
Ukraine, Resistance and Reconstruction: Issues for the post-war recovery
The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign recently hosted a special Parliamentary briefing on Ukraine, Resistance and Reconstruction: Issues for the post-war recovery. https://videopress.com/v/W5mpGqSj?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true The Russian invasion of Ukraine is recognised as the largest European conflict since World War II. Ukrainian resistance has been an inspiration and discussions are beginning on how best to organise Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The rebuilding … Continue reading Ukraine, Resistance and Reconstruction: Issues for the post-war recovery
To Noam Chomsky, Vladimir Putin and all worried about ‘fighting to the last Ukrainian’
Olga Bryukhovetska You say we are too small to fight And they’re too big to lose You say it is not really right But stronger always rules You say aggressor was provoked And comes as hurricane You say to us your dirty joke Like it or not – obey The workers were told the same … Continue reading To Noam Chomsky, Vladimir Putin and all worried about ‘fighting to the last Ukrainian’
“The right to resist.” A feminist manifesto
The Feminist Initiative Group Sign the manifesto We, feminists from Ukraine, call on feminists around the world to stand in solidarity with the resistance movement of the Ukrainian people against the predatory, imperialist war unleashed by the Russian Federation. War narratives often portray women* as victims. However, in reality, women* also play a key role … Continue reading “The right to resist.” A feminist manifesto
Free Belarus Rail Workers Arrested for Anti-War Sabotage!
PROTEST SATURDAY, 23 JULY 2022 FROM 12:00-13:00 6 Kensington Court, London, W8 5DL, United Kingdom We are gathering outside of the Belarus Embassy in London in support of the Rail Workers of Belarus, who despite facing tremendous repression from the regime, successfully disrupted the russian invasion in Ukraine by sabotaging the railway network. We are … Continue reading Free Belarus Rail Workers Arrested for Anti-War Sabotage!
Video Women’s Forum: Voices from the Warzone
https://videopress.com/v/INO6WULx?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Ukraine Solidarity Campaign recently hosted a Women’s Forum with a range of speakers from Ukraine. Published here is a video of this important event of Voices from the Warzone. Speaking at the event was: YULIYA YURCHENKO, Chairperson,Ukraine Solidarity Campaign IVANNA KHRAPKOChair of the Youth Council of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine OLESIA BRIAZGUNOVAInternational … Continue reading Video Women’s Forum: Voices from the Warzone
War and Resistance Report No. 7
Who is ready to fight this war “to the last Ukrainian”? Marko Bojcun To paraphrase Vladimir Putin, just who is ready to fight this war “to the last Ukrainian”? Ahil Rustamzade, the respected military analyst, recounts in an interview for Kyiv’s Zerkalo tyzhnia on 10 June how Moscow ordered the so-called Donetsk and Luhansk People’s … Continue reading War and Resistance Report No. 7
NEW LABOUR CODE IS A THREAT TO UKRAINIAN WORKERS RIGHTS
A draft bill is before the Ukrainian parliament - No.5371, which poses a threat to the rights of all Ukrainian workers. It is an attempt to use the cover of the war to reduce employment rights, after previous efforts failed before the invasion. This is happening when millions of workers are engaged in the defence … Continue reading NEW LABOUR CODE IS A THREAT TO UKRAINIAN WORKERS RIGHTS
Day of Action Free Aiden, Sahun and Brahim
Protests in Nottingham and London - Ukraine Solidarity Campaign organised protests as part of the European wide day of action in solidarity with Ukraine. Protests in Nottingham and London focused on the POWs being held hostage in Donetsk by Russian forces. We called for the release of Aiden, Sahun and Brahim. https://videopress.com/v/hYhoXSIC?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true Vitaliy Dudin of … Continue reading Day of Action Free Aiden, Sahun and Brahim
Women’s Forum: Voices from the Warzone
8pm (BST), 20.00 UTC + 01. Join this forum to hear the voice of women in Ukraine, on the war, solidarity and resistance. Register Here:https://us02web.zoom.us/.../reg.../WN_h08RudEcSEm45gmjG5LY4A Speakers YULIYA YURCHENKO, Chairperson,Ukraine Solidarity Campaign IVANNA KHRAPKOChair of the Youth Council of the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine NATALIYA LEVYTSKADeputy Chairperson of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions … Continue reading Women’s Forum: Voices from the Warzone
Free Aiden, Sahun and Brahim
Protest at the Russian Embassy These three foreign nationals were fighting for Ukraine in Mariupol and have been ‘sentenced to death’ by a show trial in the Russian proxy ‘Donetsk People’s Republic’.All three men – Britons Aiden Aslin and Shaun Pinner, and Moroccan Brahim Saadoun - were serving in the Ukrainian Marines and army, they … Continue reading Free Aiden, Sahun and Brahim
‘Death sentences’ of British & Moroccan POWs in occupied Donbas show clearly why Russia must be driven out of all of Ukraine
By Halya Coynash of Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group From left Aiden Aslin, Brahim Saadoun and Shaun Pinner Photo from the proxy Donetsk ’republic’ The Ukraine Solidarity Campaign is calling for the release of the three soldiers being held hostage by the Russian forces in Donetsk. On Saturday 25 June 12:00 we have a protest … Continue reading ‘Death sentences’ of British & Moroccan POWs in occupied Donbas show clearly why Russia must be driven out of all of Ukraine
Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
For three months and nineteen days in a row, the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Ukrainian people have been resisting new and new attacks by the Russian occupiers in various directions. Ukraine appreciates all the assistance provided by international partners. The Russian occupiers are using methods that violate the rules of war. They attack … Continue reading Russian War Crimes in Ukraine
Ukraine: making a war of liberation
Interview with Vladyslav Starodubtsev Vladyslav Starodubtsev, an activist of the socialist organisation Sotsialniy Rukh (Social Movement) in Ukraine, spoke to Tom Harris. TH: The war has shifted focus towards the Donbas. What does the shift signify about the course of the war? How does it change the day-to-day experience of the war? And what kind of … Continue reading Ukraine: making a war of liberation
Response to Grayzone article
I’ve been targeted by a Russian hack-and-leak operation Paul Mason Last week an attempt was made to hack my encrypted and secure email account. The circumstances of the attack suggest it is highly likely that a Russian state or state-backed unit carried out the attack. I have informed the police and the NCSC. Today, materials … Continue reading Response to Grayzone article
We must stop letting Russia define the terms of the Ukraine crisis
Slavoj Žižek Russia claimed it may be “forced to take retaliatory steps” if Finland joins Nato. No, it will not be “forced,” in the same way that Russia was not “forced” to attack Ukraine. A question like ‘Did US intelligence-sharing with Ukraine cross a line?’ forgets the fact that it was Russia that crossed the … Continue reading We must stop letting Russia define the terms of the Ukraine crisis
WITH THE RESISTENCE OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE FOR ITS VICTORY AGAINST THE AGGRESSION
As in the days of the Vietnamese people's liberation struggle, we have always been on the side of the oppressed and aggressed peoples, whether by the United States (and its NATO allies) or by the USSR (and its Warsaw Pact allies).We are aware that, crossing the various oceans and continents, the struggle for national and social … Continue reading WITH THE RESISTENCE OF THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE FOR ITS VICTORY AGAINST THE AGGRESSION
Solidarity Message to UCU Congress from Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine
To the delegates of the Сongress ofthe University and Colleges Union Dear colleagues,The Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine on behalf of all Ukrainianeducators extends warm greetings and strong solidarity message to you.Unfortunately, there is a war in our country, the war cynically waged by the russian federationagainst Ukraine, against humanity, against … Continue reading Solidarity Message to UCU Congress from Trade Union of Education and Science Workers of Ukraine
Stand with Ukraine and its labour movement: a letter to UCU Congress delegates and activists
From Denis Pilash, political scientist at Kyiv National University and activist in Ukrainian socialist organisation Sotsialniy Rukh (Social Movement), and Rhian Keyse, Birkbeck UCU and incoming UCU NEC member Dear comrades, At its Congress this week, UCU has the opportunity to take a strong stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and its labour … Continue reading Stand with Ukraine and its labour movement: a letter to UCU Congress delegates and activists
Ukraine, Resistance and Reconstruction: Issues for the post-war recovery
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5AdTrUczOA The Russian invasion of Ukraine is now in its third month in what is recognised as the largest European conflict since World War II. Ukrainian resistance has been an inspiration and discussions are beginning on how best to organise Ukraine’s post-war recovery. The rebuilding of Ukraine will be one of the most challenging undertakings … Continue reading Ukraine, Resistance and Reconstruction: Issues for the post-war recovery
PCS Union affiliates to Ukrainian Solidarity Campaign
The Public and Commercial Services Union Conference voted on 25 MAy unanimously to affiliate with the Ukrainian Solidarity Campaign and support trade unionists in the war-torn country. Conference voted in solidarity with the people of Ukraine and to support their struggle against the Russian invasion. In affiliating with USC, the union will also support the trade union … Continue reading PCS Union affiliates to Ukrainian Solidarity Campaign
As Ukrainian Workers Resist Invasion – a new labour law threatens to abolish their rights.
Ukrainian trade unions and social activists have described as a disgrace a new bill on the simplification of labour relations No. 5371, this attack on workers’ rights is rapidly making its way through the Verkhovna Rada, the parliament in Kyiv. One soldier posted on social media: “While we are miners and metallurgists, teachers and doctors, … Continue reading As Ukrainian Workers Resist Invasion – a new labour law threatens to abolish their rights.
Ukrainian Railworkers Union Address to ASLEF Conference
Volodymyr Kozelskyiv, Chair of VPZU, Free Trade Union of Railway Workers of Ukraine addressed the ASLEF annual congress on 19 May. The VPZU has been doing heroic work in extreme conditions. ASLEF which is an affiliate to the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign, declared that they were proud to send their unwavering solidarity to the Ukrainian railway workers. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQEKuynMQlo&t=63s Volodymyr Kozelskyiv, address to … Continue reading Ukrainian Railworkers Union Address to ASLEF Conference
Sovereignty and War – Yuliya Yurchenko
Yuliya Yurchenko and Paul Jay discuss national identity, sovereignty, and the war in Ukraine. Yurchenko is an activist for the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign and an academic at the University of Greenwich. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWAod432lZA
WORKERS’ SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE – REPORT BACK FROM DELEGATION TO LVIV
7pm, Wednesday 25 MayMarchmont Community Centre, 62 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AB Speakers include three Workers' Liberty supporters who took part in the recent European solidarity delegation to Ukraine; Vitaliy Dudin, President of Ukrainian socialist organisation Sotsialnyi Rukh and a Russian anti-war activist. UK trade union activists who recently took part in a solidarity delegation to … Continue reading WORKERS’ SOLIDARITY WITH UKRAINE – REPORT BACK FROM DELEGATION TO LVIV
War and Resistance Report No. 6
How is the Russian army performing on the battlefield? Marko Bojcun The Russian state under Putin has made a determined effort for the past twenty years to rebuild its armed forces, to equip them with the latest weapons, educate the ranks and professionalise their commanders. Its forces have gained valuable experience fighting in Chechnya, Syria, … Continue reading War and Resistance Report No. 6
VICTORY AND HATRED OF THE ENEMY
BY Zakhar Popovych of Social Movement To survive, Ukraine has no choice but to win a military victory. Victory over Russia, which is seriously affected by fascism. Russian workers can still prevent the worst-case scenario for their country by challenging Putinism. Whether this will be possible also depends on the mood in Ukraine, namely on … Continue reading VICTORY AND HATRED OF THE ENEMY
Report: International conference of European Solidarity with Ukraine
On May 5 and 6, 2022, a two-day international conference of the European Solidarity Network with Ukraine with the support of the NGO "Social Movement" was held in Lviv, Ukraine. The international delegation included left-wing politicians, parliamentarians, trade unionists, journalists from Austria, Argentina, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Denmark, Spain, Germany, Poland, Finland, France and Switzerland. … Continue reading Report: International conference of European Solidarity with Ukraine
What the Left’s fight for worker rights in Ukraine and Russia has in common, and what it does not
By Jeremy Morris It is understandable and right that all the focus of left solidarity should be on Ukraine right now and for the foreseeable future. However, it is useful for left activists in the West to have some awareness of the situation before the invasion and now in Russia. So in this piece I … Continue reading What the Left’s fight for worker rights in Ukraine and Russia has in common, and what it does not
FASCISM AND THE IMPERIALISM OF THE KREMLIN
By Andriy Rumata The essence of any imperialism of human civilization is to expand its influence. In every sense. But imperialism has always taken different forms depending on the social formation. If feudalism's imperialism pursued expansion of its territories by appealing to "religious wars", capitalism's imperialist is looking for entirely other justifications for its imperial … Continue reading FASCISM AND THE IMPERIALISM OF THE KREMLIN
Self-Determination and the War in Ukraine
BY TARAS BILOUS Two months ago, when I wrote “A Letter to the Western Left from Kyiv,” I hoped that the shock of the Russian invasion and the voices of the Ukrainian left would push Western leftists to reconsider their approach. Unfortunately, too many of them have failed to do so. In their analyses of … Continue reading Self-Determination and the War in Ukraine
Communications Workers of America Solidarity with Ukrainian Resistance!
Solidarity with the Resistance of the Ukrainian People! Russian Troops Out Now! WHEREAS Ukraine has long been under the domination of Russian Czars, the Soviet Union, and now Putin; WHEREAS this has meant the suppression of Ukrainian culture, the exploitation of workers, and the abuse of the land and resources; WHEREAS Ukrainian people have continually fought for freedom and self-determination, including the … Continue reading Communications Workers of America Solidarity with Ukrainian Resistance!
Scottish Trade Union Congress stands in solidarity with Ukraine
By Dale Street Despite its limitations, policy on Ukraine adopted by the Scottish TUC at its 2022 congress, held in Aberdeen in late April, was very far removed from the politics of the Stop the War Coalition (STW) and the Communist Party’s Morning Star (MS) newspaper. In his opening address to congress STUC President Pat Rafferty described … Continue reading Scottish Trade Union Congress stands in solidarity with Ukraine
War and Resistance Report No. 5
Marko Bojcun Smoke rises above Azovstal Iron and Steel Works in the southern port city of Mariupol Are we now looking at a long war of attrition? American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin made a surprise visit to Kyiv on 19 April. Blinken announced a marked increase in US weapons … Continue reading War and Resistance Report No. 5
A Marshall plan for Ukraine?
By michael roberts The Great Recession of 2008-9 was a turning point for the US global strategy. Up to then, the general aim was to ‘engage’ important economic powers like Russia and China. Throughout the 1990s onwards, the US government pressed for the opening-up of their economies to multi-nationals and banks from the ‘West’. These … Continue reading A Marshall plan for Ukraine?
LONDON REFUSE WORKERS PROTEST AT EMPLOYERS BUSINESS IN RUSSIA
Camden and Westminster Veolia refuse workers protest in support of fellow trade union brothers and sisters in Ukraine GMB Members protesting outside their depot Members of the general workers union GMB held a protest following the expose their employer Veolia was still operating in Russia. This grassroots action is a model of workers solidarity with … Continue reading LONDON REFUSE WORKERS PROTEST AT EMPLOYERS BUSINESS IN RUSSIA
UNITED AGAINST PUTIN -PROTEST AT RUSSIAN EMBASSY
This May Day weekend Ukraine Solidarity Campaign joined with Russian Against the War in calling a protest at the Russian Embassy on Saturday 30 April. The protest united activists of the labour movement with Ukrainians, Russians, Poles, Belarussians in opposition to the Putin regime and the war on Ukraine. There were calls for freedom for … Continue reading UNITED AGAINST PUTIN -PROTEST AT RUSSIAN EMBASSY
MAY DAY – A UKRAINIAN TRADITION
Ukraine Solidarity Campaign extends May Day greetings to the labour movement and all working people in Ukraine. May Day 2022 is taking place in circumstances of the Russian invasion of Ukraine - we extend solidarity to all the working people of engaged in resisting Russian imperialism and maintaining the essential services in the face of … Continue reading MAY DAY – A UKRAINIAN TRADITION