PRO-Palestine activists have been speaking with workers at an Edinburgh weapons factory in the hope of persuading them against production of parts for the Israeli military.
Members of Trade Unions in Communities (TUiC) in the city have been going along to Leonardo UK at the crack of dawn in recent weeks to speak with staff about the Middle East conflict and “the demands Palestinian people are making to end the production in Scotland of arms supplied to Israel”.
Laser targeting systems fitted to F35 fighter jets are made at the factory in Ferry Road.
TUiC is a group of trade unionists from different branches in Edinburgh which seeks to build closer relations with communities and has been involved in a host of activities showing solidarity with Palestinian people.
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Derek Durkin, secretary of TUiC, said in Scottish Left Review (SLR): “We have been gathering outside the gates at 6 or 7 in the morning to speak with workers.
“The aim is not to accuse anyone of complicity, but to share information about the demands that Palestinian people are making to end the production in Scotland of arms supplied to Israel.
“Imagine if enough trade unionists and others got involved in developing a strategy, gathering support, and building a campaign so that the workers in those factories could make a decision to stop producing those weapons without risking their livelihoods dissolving in a flash.
“We cannot allow this carnage to continue and whilst calls for a ceasefire are welcome they are not enough. Until the siege of Gaza and Israeli control of the Palestinian people are ended there will be no peace.”
The factory was targeted in a protest by Palestine Action last month for its links to the Israeli military. Three women were charged in connection with damage caused to the building.
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The group had accused the company of having “blood on their hands” and demanded an “end to the arming” of Israeli forces.
TUiC is also hosting a photo exhibition at its centre in Craigmillar called We Stand with Gaza, created by the Network of Photographers for Palestine.
The group was established a decade ago by Phil Chetwynd from Edinburgh and Rafat Abushaban from Gaza, who got to know each other when the latter was studying in Scotland.
Its aim is to provide a showcase for the best of Palestinian photography both inside and outside the state.
Durkin said in SLR: “One display shows a set of incredible photographs capturing the reality of the siege but also the power of people’s resilience.
“Another display demonstrates the diversity and strength of solidarity in Scotland, as well as Chile, Germany, and the USA. Together they demonstrate the power of resistance and solidarity.”
TUiC is currently looking at organising a march that starts in Craigmillar/Niddie and makes its way to the Parliament or The Mound to join a central rally.
“Think how widely and deeply solidarity will spread if there were marches through communities like ours across the whole country converging by foot or by bus with central marches and protests in towns and cities,” said Durkin.
Leonardo UK has been contacted for comment.
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