Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand
Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the New Zealand Government’s failure to formally recognise the State of Palestine is a bad mistake.
Mr Findlay says New Zealand is not even doing the bare minimum for justice and peace.
“The Government’s position that recognition of Palestine is a matter of ‘when, not if’, is a delay tactic at a time when every day of inaction means the death and maiming of more innocent civilians including children.”
Mr Findlay says the MUNZ view is that “peace is union business.”
He says MUNZ fully supports MUA Queensland seafarer Hamish Paterson who is crewing a vessel as part of the Global Sumud Flotilla.
“Hamish, alongside the Aotearoa – New Zealand delegation of Samuel Leason, Rana Hamida and Youssef Sammour, is sailing to challenge the illegal blockade of Gaza and deliver aid, embodying maritime workers proud tradition of international solidarity.”
He says MUNZ has affirmed its commitment to the international position of organized maritime and transport workers on Gaza and Palestine.
MUNZ backs the policy of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), which supports the formal recognition of the State of Palestine as a crucial step towards a just solution.
MUNZ also stands with the International Dockworkers Council (IDC), which has condemned the actions of Israel in Gaza.
In New Zealand, MUNZ supports the position of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU), which demands a solution that recognises the Palestinian people’s inalienable rights to self-determination and sovereignty.
Mr Findlay says dockworkers internationally have shown leadership where governments have failed.
“Genoa dockers have carried out strike actions in solidarity with Palestine, including blockading ports in protest against Israel’s actions, while unions in Belgium, Italy, and the USA have carried out solidarity actions at their ports.”
MUNZ stands shoulder to shoulder with the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA), which has repeatedly called for sanctions, demanded an end to military exports to Israel, and joined protests aimed at disrupting complicit shipping lines.
MUNZ and the MUA share a long history of progressive political action around issues such as apartheid, nuclear weapons, liberation struggles and supporting working class solidarity.
MUNZ demands the New Zealand Government formally recognises the State of Palestine and uses its voice to prevent further bloodshed and oppression.
