29 May 2025
Unions call for 'moment of reflection' for peace in Palestine
- Workers asked to pause and reflect at 1.05pm on Wednesday, June 4th in light of ongoing tragedy in Gaza
- June 4th marks UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression
Over the last eighteen months, Israel's brutal assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 15,000 children and injuries to 34,000.
In light of this ongoing tragedy, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions is now calling on workers across the island of Ireland to observe a moment of reflection on Wednesday, June 4th, marking the International UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
At 1:05pm on Wednesday 4th June, workers will be encouraged to stand together in their workplaces for a moment of respectful reflection, as a simple act of solidarity and remembrance for the loss of life and violations of international law.
In response to widespread requests from trade union members for a shared moment of communal grief, Congress is inviting all workers—along with their families, colleagues, neighbours and employers—to remember these victims.
Commenting, ICTU General Secretary Owen Reidy said
Over the last 18 months, we have watched in horror as the death toll in Gaza has continued to mount, with innocent men, women and children subjected to terrible violence. Union members, like much of the Irish public, have been appalled by Israel’s wanton violations of international law.
We saw during Covid how moments of national reflection can bring us together and offer hope through solidarity. The UN Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression provides an opportunity to pause and reflect on these tragic events and their devastating impact on the people of Gaza, particularly the children who have suffered so greatly.
Speaking on behalf of trade union leaders in Northern Ireland, ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy added
The trade union movement in the North has impeccable bona fides when it comes to calling for peaceful and democratic solutions to conflicts locally and abroad. We have over decades led civil society responses to political violence, but the scale of what is being imposed on the Palestinians by the Israeli government calls for a principled mass response from across our society.
This initiative is not a work stoppage, and employers are being asked to support this solemn commemoration.
ENDS
CONTACT: John O’Farrell
