Three trade unions with a strong record of Ukraine solidarity campaigning – general union GMB, train drivers’ union ASLEF and the National Union of Mineworkers – have submitted strong pro-Ukraine text to the upcoming TUC Congress (10-13 September, Liverpool). We congratulate them for doing so. See below for what these unions have submitted.

It is essential Congress passes these motions (or a composited motion closely based on them). As hundreds of Ukrainian trade unionists lose their lives to defend their country from Russia’s brutal invasion and Putin’s fascistic regime, the British labour movement must step up its response to Ukrainian unions’ calls for solidarity.

There is an urgent need for both stronger support for Ukraine against Russia’s war and stronger support for its unions and left as they struggle to defend workers’ and social rights inside the country. We should take TUC Congress as an opportunity to generate that support.

With the exception of a narrow contradictory vote at UCU Congress, every UK union that has debated Ukraine at its conference this year and last has adopted the more pro-Ukraine position available. A strong motion passed at TUC Congress would reinforce that stance, and create momentum to organise the much greater practical solidarity needed.

The Stop the War Coalition, led by Stalinist Andrew Murray, has denounced the GMB’s motion – without including the actual text of it.

Murray’s “key” objection is that the GMB motion calls for “the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territories occupied since 2014”!

Murray calls the likely TUC Congress vote on Ukraine “crunch time”. He is right. This is a crunch opportunity to reject the reactionary, opportunistic politics of Stop the War and stand unambiguously with Ukraine and its working class.

If you’d like to help us organising around / at TUC Congress, get in touch: info@ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org

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Solidarity with Ukraine (GMB)

Congress unequivocally condemns Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.

Congress notes:
1. The systematic repression of free trade unions under Putin and Lukashenko, and their suppression in the occupied territories of Ukraine since 2014.
2. Appeals from Ukrainian trade unions for continued financial and practical aid (including the means of Ukraine’s self-defence).
3. The TUC’s proud history of solidarity with victims of fascist and imperialist aggression, including its support for arms to the Spanish Republic when it too faced a war of survival.

Congress affirms:
a) Its support for civil and labour rights in Russia and Belarus and the immediate release of trade union prisoners.
b) Its belief that there can be no just or enduring peace while the Russian state continues its denial of Ukrainian sovereignty and its programme of ethnic cleansing.
c) Its solidarity with the Ukrainian people, including refugees whose sanctuary has been delayed or denied by the UK Government.

Congress supports:
i. The immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from all Ukrainian territories occupied since 2014.
ii. The continuation and increasing of moral, material, and military aid from the UK to Ukraine.
iii. A peaceful end to the conflict that secures the territorial integrity of Ukraine and carries the support of the Ukrainian people.
iv. Ukrainian unions’ calls for the full restoration of labour rights in Ukraine and a socially-just reconstruction programme that embeds collective bargaining and rejects deregulation and privatisation.
v. TUC facilitation of affiliates’ engagement with the main Ukrainian trade union centres (the FPU and KVPU).

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Solidarity with Ukraine (ASLEF)

Congress notes with grave concern the horrendous human and environmental cost of the Ukraine conflict. Over 17 million people have been forced to abandon their homes and flee, while many others have lost their lives.

Congress also notes the unsurprising fact that those who suffer most in times of war are the working class, and that the labour movement must do all it can to prevent conflict.

Congress recognises however that is not always possible.

Congress notes that as trade unionists we are inherently anti-imperialistic, and that is our job to fight imperialism and tyranny at every opportunity.

Congress acknowledges that trade unions across Ukraine have shown true solidarity and support by offering shelter and food to refugees. ASLEF has worked closely with Ukrainian rail unions and seen the tremendous work that they have done to support workers in these times of conflict.

Congress notes that re-construction of Ukraine must have labour and union values at its centre.

Congress therefore instructs the General Council to
a. Stand in solidarity with the Ukrainian people in the UK, and support them in whatever means available until they can safely return home;
b. Support the re-construction and re-development of Ukraine post war, working with Ukrainian trade unions from both trade union centres, the FPU and the KVPU, in order to engage with a wide range of union members and ideas;
c. Send solidarity to all Ukrainian trade unionists who are fighting for workers’ rights and against imperialism every day.

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NUM amendments to ASLEF motion

To follow first paragraph:

We condemn the aggressive Russian invasion of Ukraine and call for peace through self determination for the Ukrainan people.

After ‘our job is to fight imperialism and tyranny at every opportunity’ add

We recognise that a victory for Putin in Ukraine will be a success for reactionary authoritarian politics across the world.

Add at end

e. To support the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign.

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