We were very pleased that the speakers at the 4 March Ukraine Solidarity Campaign rally at the UK Parliament, for the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, included Andrea Egan, new General Secretary of public-service union UNISON. The UK’s largest trade union, with around 1.3 million members, UNISON affiliated to USC in 2024. It was great to have its new leader, already such a powerful presence in the labour movement, speaking vocally in solidarity with Ukraine.

An extract from Andrea’s speech is below (republished from UNISON social media, with thanks).

As well as raising Ukraine in their branches, etc, UNISON members can join the UNISON Members for Ukraine network to exchange information and coordinate.

Above: Andrea Egan (in centre, red hair), with some of the other speakers after the meeting. From left: Yuliya Yurchenko, UK representative of the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine and USC committee; Stephen Russell, TUC International Officer; Chris Ford, USC Secretary; Mariia Pastukh of Ukraine solidarity collective Vsesvit; Yuliia Bond, Community Lead, Ukrainian Association of Wales; Kate Jones, Green Party of England & Wales co-TU Liaison Officer; Mick Antoniw, Senedd member for Pontypridd and USC committee; Tanya Vyhovsky, State Senator from Vermont

“UNISON continues to stand in full solidarity with our sibling trade unions and workers in Ukraine, as we did when Putin launched his illegal invasion four years ago. We are appalled by the continued devastating attacks on civilians, and the public services they so desperately need to survive.

“And it is of course our colleagues in public services who are keeping Ukraine going – the health workers caring for those who have been attacked; those working in energy and water who respond when critical infrastructure is deliberately attacked; my fellow social workers who are supporting those whose lives have been devastated by war.

“The response of the Ukrainian trade union movement has been extraordinary, as they turn to supporting vulnerable members with essential supplies. Including many with disabilities trying to survive a bitter winter without heating or electricity. They also continue to fight to defend workers’ rights and pay against attacks from government and employers.

“I’m proud of the role that my union and particularly our branches and members have played and continue to play in supporting our trade union colleagues in Ukraine. Whether it’s helping send reconditioned ambulances, essential medical equipment or supplies, contributing to appeals, or supporting Ukrainians here in the UK who have been forced to leave their homes and loved ones to escape the UK.

“Earlier today I met with UNISON activists who had recently visited trade unions in Kharkiv and Kyiv. We spoke about the work so many of our branches are doing, including with the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign to provide practical solidarity. We also talked about the importance of our continued campaigning, for support for Ukraine’s struggle for liberation from Russian imperialism; the immediate withdrawal of all Russian troops, in line with the policy passed by our National Delegate Conference in 2024.

“Under my leadership that solidarity with Ukrainian unions and workers will continue and grow. We will continue working to provide practical and political support as our colleagues continue to defend their country, their democracy and rights and their public services against an illegal invasion.”

Leave a comment