United Auto Workers calls for Gaza ceasefire

The United Auto Workers, one of the largest unions in the US, has called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The announcement came on Friday, on the last day of a five-day hunger strike demonstration in front of the White House.

"I’m proud today to announce that the UAW international has joined the call for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine," Brandon Mancilla, UAW director, said at a press conference on a rainy day, which he also shared on social media.

He continued, "From opposing fascism in WWII to mobilizing against apartheid South Africa and the Contra war, the UAW has consistently stood for justice across the globe. A labour movement that fights for social and economic justice for all workers must always stand against war and for peace."

From opposing fascism in WWII to mobilizing against apartheid South Africa and the CONTRA war, the @UAW has consistently stood for justice across the globe. That is why I am proud that the UAW International is today officially calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.

— Brandon Mancilla (@mancillabrando) December 1, 2023

Mancilla went on to say that they would move forward with forming a divestment and transition working group to study the history of Israel and Palestine.

“Our international executive board will also be forming a divestment and just transition working group to study the history of Israel and Palestine, our union’s economic ties to the conflict, and explore how we can have a just transition for US workers from war to peace.”

The UAW represents around 400,000 auto workers and 580,000 retirees, making it the largest US union so far to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. Other major unions, including the American Postal Workers Union, have also called for a ceasefire.