27th November 2025
The Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO) is proud to support ICTU’s Workplace Day of Action in solidarity with the people of Palestine on Friday, 28 November. Thousands of workers across Ireland are expected to take part, responding to the call from Palestinian trade unions for coordinated international solidarity that challenges the ongoing injustice and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While a fragile ceasefire has allowed limited aid to reach civilians, the humanitarian situation remains devastating. It is crucial that the international community continues to push for accountability, lawful sanctions and a lasting peace. Trade unions on this island have long recognised that workers should not be placed in unconscionable situations where they are facilitating trade or procurement linked to violations of international law.
At July’s ICTU Biennial Delegate Conference, Congress adopted a wide-ranging motion calling for leadership on Palestine solidarity. It committed affiliates like INTO to play an active role in coordinated workplace and community action aimed at ending Irish, UK and EU complicity in genocide. It further called for trade unions to use collective bargaining structures to secure ethical procurement and to challenge public contracts involving companies linked to human rights abuses, illegal occupation or supply chains complicit in genocide.
Palestinian workers have called on unions worldwide to stand with them, not only through protest, but by challenging the complicity of governments, corporations and institutions in enabling oppression. As teachers and trade unionists, INTO members are role models in their local community and their advocacy in defence of human rights and global justice will be an important expressional of solidarity, alongside workers from across society.
INTO is encouraging members and workplaces to take part in Friday’s Day of Action in simple, safe and visible ways. Suggested actions include:
- Standing together at lunch breaks for a moment of solidarity.
- Taking photos outside your school with signs or messages of support and sharing them on social media.
- Emailing your local TDs, Ministers and cabinet members urging them to pass the Occupied Territories Bill and to take decisive action in line with international law.
Members are also encouraged to join local or national marches and events over the weekend.
INTO General Secretary John Boyle said:
As trade unionists and teachers, we cannot remain silent in the face of such a grave situation. On 28 November, we are asking our members to stand in solidarity with Palestinian workers and their families, and to add their voices to this growing call for peace, justice and accountability.
On Friday, let us stand together in solidarity, support ethical action, and continue to press for meaningful change.
