In light of recent remarks by President Trump suggesting U.S. ownership of Gaza and calling for the permanent relocation of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, we –the Australian trade union global justice organisation– see these proposals with utmost concern as they contradict international law and infringe upon the fundamental human rights of the Palestinian people.
Decades of union solidarity with Palestine
The Australian trade union movement has a well-documented history of supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination in a free and independent Palestine. Calls for lasting peace and justice have remained consistent, as reflected in the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) statements since at least 2009.
As unionists, our shared values guide our actions in moments of global crisis. As the ACTU reaffirmed in 2024:
“The Australian Union movement is a movement of peace and respect for all races and nationalities. We oppose war, racism, and oppression. We act in solidarity.”
The ACTU has consistently called for an end to the occupation of Palestine and recognition of Palestinian sovereignty. Their 2020, 2021, 2023, and 2024 statements reinforce their unwavering position:
“In line with the ACTU’s commitment to a two-state solution with the security of borders for both nations, we call on all countries to recognise, without delay, Palestine as a sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital. This will confirm the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination in a free and independent Palestine.”
Commitment to international law
The Australian trade union movement’s stance on Palestine aligns with international law, United Nations mandates, and democratic principles. The ACTU has repeatedly urged the Australian government to take a firm stance against violations of Palestinian rights.
In 2020, when Israel announced plans to annex Palestinian land in the West Bank, the ACTU called on the government to “strongly condemn” the move:
“This move is in serious violation of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the Geneva Conventions, UN resolutions, and the rights of the Palestinian people. This annexation plan must not be allowed to proceed.” (ACTU, 2020)
This position has remained steadfast in subsequent years. The ACTU has consistently called for:
“An end to the occupation of Palestine and a just and sustainable peace in accordance with resolutions 242 and 338 of the UN Security Council, with the removal of illegal settlements, the withdrawal of Israel from all Palestinian lands along with the dismantling of the separation wall.” (ACTU, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024)
Upholding justice and peace
The Australian trade union movement remains committed to advocating for Palestinian self-determination, opposing illegal occupation, and standing in solidarity with all those fighting for peace, justice, and human rights. As global tensions rise, we join the calls for an end to violence and for diplomatic efforts to uphold international law and human dignity.