As TUC kicks off the focus of the week is on key motions about political representation, the strategy for the future and whether the British Trade Union movement boycotts Israel. A position that could divide our movement and close down dialogue and hope.

The GMB - Britain’s General Union and one of the UK’s biggest has submitted a motion that changes the FBU’s attempt to boycott the Israeli TUC - Histrudrut. The GMB are leading a coalition - including TULIP founder Michael Leahy, General Secretary of Community to oppose these boycotts.

The motion, not debated on conference floor until Wednesday, will be the focus of fringes, conversations and late night debates!

If you are in the area or otherwise interested these are the two fringes going ahead where the Middle East is being discussed:

“The Next Steps for Israeli-Palestinian Trade Union Co-operation” organised by TUFI
Rm 11C, BT Convention Centre @ 12.45

Speaker included Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary; Michael Leahy, Community Union General Secretary and TULIP founder, and John Lyndon at OneVoice.

“Palestine After Gaza - Building Trade Union Solidarity” organised by PSC
Rm 3B, BT Convention Centre @ 17.30

Speakers include:
Mark Serwatka, PCS; Keith Sonnett, Unison; Mike Kirby, STUC; Mick Shaw, FBU; Christine Blower, NUT.

More information on TUC Congress 2009 can be found at www.tuc.org.uk.