An international civil society and trade union mission of solidarity.
The Ukrainian people continue to resist, both on the front line and on the home front, knowing that Russian occupation would be incomparably worse than what they currently endure. They defend their sovereignty and democracy, but insist that international law must be applied in practice. Russia must withdraw from Ukraine.
Last winter, solidarity campaigns organised by European and international civil society organisations helped Ukrainians survive. This year, even greater, better coordinated, and more visible solidarity will be needed.
In November, a solidarity convoy of Ukraine supporters from most European countries will travel across Europe to Kyiv. The convoy’s purpose is to transport purely humanitarian aid. There will be three routes: a southern route from Barcelona, a northern route from Oslo, and a central route from Edinburgh, Dublin and London via Brussels. Our aim is to show that the Ukrainian people have the support of trade unions and civil society across Europe.
The Russian onslaught against Ukraine continues into a fifth winter. Blitzed by the destruction of civilian housing and energy infrastructure, with temperatures as low as -30C, this is going to be a terrible winter for Ukrainians. We’re appealing to supporters of Ukraine – you and/or your trade union or other organisation – for help. The Ukrainian trade unions and civil society need you.
Help us bring a minibus and generators from Scotland to help the Ukrainian people survive a terrible winter of cold and missiles.
From Scotland, we are fundraising for a minibus that will bring generators to help the Ukrainian people survive a terrible winter of cold and missiles. After the delivery of the convoy’s much-needed supplies, the minibus will be handed over to the Children’s Summer Camp of the Trade Union of Education and Scientific Workers (TUESWU). With over one million members, TUESWU is Ukraine’s largest trade union and is affiliated with the Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine (FPU), Ukraine’s largest trade union federation.
TUESWU is refurbishing a disused school outside Kyiv to create a camp. The minibus will be used for transport to help build the camp, and then to carry children when it opens. The camp has an emergency shelter to protect users against air strikes and shelling, and to ensure children can continue to learn in safety. The National Education Union in England and Wales (NEU) is already supporting this project.
The Convoy is so far supported by the FPU, which has three million members. Scottish elected representatives who have signed up so far include: Labour, Katy Clark MSP, and Paul Sweeney MSP; SNP, Jenni Minto MSP, Seamus Logan MP, Paul McClennan MSP, Cllr Graham Campbell; Scottish Green Party, Ross Greer MSP co-leader, Kate Nevens MSP; MEPs from across Europe. Initial trade union convoy contributors include the Scottish Unison branches, whose delegation of senior officials brought their solidarity and aid to their fellow trade unionists in front-line Kharkiv last year.