A leading trade union in Northern Ireland has been obliged to withdraw a motion calling for the boycott of certain Israeli goods because the resolution had no basis in fact

NIPSA is the largest trade union head-quartered in Northern Ireland and represents public sector workers. It has a long history of hostile activity towards Israel.

The motion, put forward at the trade union’s annual conference in Enniskillen last week, noted with dismay “the passing of legislation in Israel that effectively creates segregation on buses,” and called for the Union’s general council to lobby to ban settlement goods in response.

Northern Ireland Friends of Israel co chair, Steven Jaffe, said: “We welcome the withdrawal of the motion and hope it leads to  reflection by Union leaders against unfair hostility to Israel. We very much look forward to engaging with Union members who want to make a positive contribution towards peace in the Middle East. Northern Ireland trade unions have much to offer given their experience of fostering cross-community dialogue, and both Israelis and Palestinians could learn much from their example”.

NIFI was approached by a couple of concerned members of the Union. Steven says: “We were able to confirm to them that the allegation had no basis in fact – of course no such law exists. I am proud that they then made representations to their Union to ensure this motion did not go unchallenged”.

“We are grateful for assistance from Trade Union Friends of Israel and  Trade Union Links with Israel and Palestine who we approached for help”.

Steven is a consultant to the Board of Deputies on communal engagement with Israel and his work is part-funded by the Jewish Leadership Council.