May Day 2010
On May Day 2010 Trade Unions Linking Israel and Palestine (TULIP) salutes the Israeli and Palestinian workers and their unions on the one and only holiday that is celebrated by both peoples.
May Day is a day that brings workers of all countries and nations together — a day in which we celebrate what unites us as workers and as human beings.
The historic role of the trade union movement is to build solidarity between all working people by acting as a bridge between nations, not supporting divisions between workers. For this reason we encourage genuine dialogue and reconciliation among union people to bring about justice and peace. And we oppose divisive boycotts, divestment and sanctions.
We are committed to a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, with secure and recognized borders. We reject completely the Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. We oppose Palestinian terror attacks. The trade unions of the world must call upon the political elites on both sides to step back from the brink and make the necessary compromises to end the conflict now.
Over 160 years ago, Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels summarized everything we stand for and believe in in a single memorable phrase. Today, in Israel and Palestine, it is more relevant than ever before:
Workers of the world, unite!
Eric Lee - on behalf of TULIP