I thought it was noteworthy, and in need of explanation, that Dan Katz’s report of the resounding vote for solidarity with Ukraine at TUC Congress (Solidarity 684) did not mention the Ukraine Solidarity Campaign (USC).
From working with GMB, ASLEF and NUM to ensure pro-Ukraine motions were submitted, to organising or helpful a fight in various unions over the vote, to a high-profile social media campaign generating awareness and pressure, USC’s role was central.
In two unions where Workers’ Liberty did, indeed, play a crucial role in winning strong stands (PCS and, in an impressive turnaround, Unison), the comrades involved worked closely with USC, as well as, I’m sure, with the AWL’s Ukraine organiser. In Unison, which was crucial to the big victory we won, AWL members worked with other USC supporters as well as with the campaign’s trade union officers and others.
USC’s role was even acknowledged officially by it being mentioned in the final composited motion passed — which some in the TUC hierarchy will not have been thrilled about.
It was acknowledged too by our opponents and enemies, some of whom launched an aggressive online campaign against USC in the run up to and after the vote.
The role of USC was also illustrated by the impressive breadth of the platform at its TUC fringe meeting — which Stalinists and supporters of George Galloway attempted to physically disrupt.
AWL members and supporters have played an important role in various aspects of USC’s work. Close involvement with USC benefits AWL as well as the campaign. It was disappointing as well as a little bizarre to see the report ignore USC.
Sacha Ismail, London