The event is one of the initiatives put together off the back of the ITF youth mission to Palestine back in May. The delegation, which included representatives from the MUA, Unifor, SATAWU and Unite the Union, met and interviewed several young transport workers during their time in Palestine, who told them that they needed an office space and more opportunities for education. Read the delegation blog.
Dan Crumlin, MUA representative on the delegation and event organiser said: “The fundraising night on Friday was a powerful celebration of the Palestinian people and their strength. We wanted to do something practical to help in providing Palestinian unions with the resources and facilities they need to continue their important work empowering workers in the region. Our donation will go towards purchasing office space, as well as computers, printers, phones and general supplies. The fundraiser will also help strengthen relationships between unions, building a foundation for an exchange programme between young workers in Australia and Palestine. As unionists, we can come together to support Palestinian justice and peace in the Middle East.”
Participants also watched a video message of thanks and solidarity from the GUTW union in Palestine. You can view it here.
The delegation to Palestine had other results, too. Unifor is continuing to fund the truck drivers assistance project there, SATAWU is to contribute education materials and support, and Unite is considering involvement in an exchange programme between young transport workers in the UK and Palestine.
See more from the fundraiser on the MUA Facebook page. [Link to https://www.facebook.com/MaritimeUnionAustralia]
