Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the Water Transport Workers Federation of India representing 3,500 workers at 11 major ports declared to refused to load or unload weapons to Israel on any ship it may be asked to do so, carrying armaments and bound for Israel reported by an Indian media agency.
“Port Workers, parts of labour unions would always stand against the war and killing innocent people like women and children. The recent attack of Israel on Gaza plunging thousands of Palestinians into immense suffering and loss. Women and children have been blown to pieces in the war. Parents were unable to recognise their children killed in bombing which were exploding everywhere,” the union said.
They have taken the decision after seeing any role in enabling ship to carry armaments which may aggravate the war in Gaza and particularly in Rafah.
Calling for an immediate ceasefire, the trade union said “Our Union Members have collectively decided to refuse handling all the types of weaponised cargoes. Loading and unloading these weapons helps provide organisations with the ability to kill innocent people.”
The press release further said, “As responsible trade unions, we declare our solidarity with those who campaign for peace. We call upon workers of the world and peace-loving people to stand with the demand of free Palestine.
The news was confirmed by Water Transport Federation of India, General Secretary T Narendra Rao. He said as quoted by the news website, “We are affiliated to the World Federation of Trade Unions, a global body.
At a recent meeting of the world trade unions, held in Athens after the war in Gaza started, we saw the rousing reception the trade unions representative from Palestine got there as they explained what was going on. We decided them that we would do our bit and not handle any weapon laden cargo, which will go onto assist Israel to kill more women and children as we are seeing and reading every day in the news.”
Though Rao said they had not encountered any reports of any such ship bound for Israel so far, however issuing the statement to express solidarity with Palestine. He said that this would make clear that they would not be a part of any future enterprise to support Israel’s war on Palestinian people, adding that their workers would not help load or unload anything that advances the cause of war.
In the meantime, a Hyderabad based joint venture in which the Adani Group has a controlling stake has manufactured and dispatched over 20 military drones to the Israel Military. Similar to what Adani Elbit Advanced Systems India Limited, had just delivered, Hermes drones are being used in the Israel Defence Forces military campaign in Gaza which has resulted in the deaths of over 28,000 people, including more than 10,000 children, claimed the news website.
The sale of more than 20 Hermes-900 medium altitude long endurance drone (MALE) UAVs to Israel has not been publicly acknowledged by either Tel Aviv or New Delhi. However, the Indian media agency had confirmed to the news website in early February that the deal took place.
On 13th February 2024, the World Federation of Trade Unions issued a call for solidarity with the people of Palestine. They claimed the United Nations and the international community will take urgent decision to prevent this new Nakwa in Palestinian land. The trade union also condemned the hypocrisy of the USA and allies who pretend to be protectors of international law and order, but silently support this genocide.
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