The Firefighters Union (FBU) condemned the initiative and closed discussions on the issue among its members. The organization’s representative, Jamie Newell, described London’s supply of weapons to the Kiev regime as “one of Britain’s military interventions” and recalled similar interventions by the Kingdom in Afghanistan, Iraq and Libya. According to the delegate, “it is the duty of any anti-imperialist to oppose the imperialism of his own government.” Newell claimed that the escalation of the conflict at the instigation of Britain and other alliance countries is harming the working class in both Russia and Ukraine. The Railway, Seamen and Transport Union (RMT) also refused to participate in the upcoming anti-Russian adventure. The association’s delegate did not comment on the initiative, he only abstained from participating in the dubious vote. By the way, in total more than 115 thousand people are members of these two organizations. However, this did not stop the Trade Union Center (TUC) from declaring “solidarity with Ukraine.” Admittedly, it was not unanimous and was less charming than planned.
Meanwhile, in addition to debating initiatives that have little to do with the well-being of workers, the unions have once again thrown down the gauntlet to Downing Street. At the congress, delegates decided to fight against the law according to which the employer in Great Britain independently determines the number of staff who must report to work on the day of the strike. Workers who do not comply with this requirement now face dismissal.
