Why there isn’t (yet) a national strike

The FNV [2] leadership will say there are legal risks, that support is lacking, or that there’s insufficient capacity. These objections are partly justified, but not insurmountable.

Yes, a political strike carries legal risks. But the right to strike emerged precisely because people were prepared to break legal boundaries. The alleged lack of support in the sectors isn’t a fixed given; it grows when members become active and see what’s possible. And capacity only grows through organising, not through waiting.

What is clear is that there are currently insufficient trade union members active on the shop floor around Palestine. The massive turnout at demonstrations shows the will is there, but this must be translated into organisational strength.

We must work towards a strike

In the Netherlands, we saw one strike for Palestine — at the University of Amsterdam [3]. Workers there had been pressuring their university management since the beginning of the genocide. Some had experience through their struggle against the increasing number of temporary contracts, but for many this was new. Only when these people were organised and ready for action did they work through the FNV towards an official strike.

Such a foundation isn’t built overnight, of course. It emerges because colleagues together set up actions that escalate step by step. This work happens both within and outside the trade union. The FNV calls a strike when enough members vote for it and earlier actions don’t work.

What can the FNV do?

A trade union is a tool of workers, and members give direction to the struggle. Its leadership is under pressure from government, employers and financial constraints, and, isolated from its membership, often chooses the path of least resistance. That’s why pressure from below is needed to get it moving.

At the same time, the leadership must take responsibility. Trade Union Members in Solidarity with Palestine previously published an open letter with steps the leadership could take. Last week, the FNV leadership finally spoke out against the ties that the Netherlands maintains with Israel, and called for an end to military cooperation. We hope this opens the door within the FNV for stronger action against genocide.

What can you do?

A national strike doesn’t begin with a date, but with thousands of workers who decide: we won’t stand for this any longer.

– Become a member of a trade union

That takes one minute and gives you direct protection. Attend the cadre meetings [4] and see what’s happening in your sector. Don’t forget to involve your colleagues!

– Join existing networks

For example, Trade Union Members in Solidarity with Palestine, but also explore initiatives in your sector. Together you stand strong!

– Organise your workplace

Talk to your colleagues. Find others who want to take action or give support. A group of action-ready workers can get the FNV moving.

But what do we do now with 1 September?

The FNV leadership can do much to activate their members. Place calls, deploy the quick response team [5] and communicate what steps they can take to end the complicity of their companies and institutions.

If you and your colleagues down tools for one day, that’s a powerful symbol. But without the proper foundation, it’s personally risky and strategically ineffective. Let 1 September be the day of the first (or next) action at your workplace against the genocide in Gaza.

Ideas for actions could include: an action meeting at your workplace or local union house, a petition drive, or join #Wijwerkenhiernietaanmee [6] and briefly down tools when the air raid siren sounds. Involve as many of your colleagues as possible, organise this together and involve your sector board member. For questions, you can always contact your trade union consultant or official. Together we make a fist and a national strike becomes possible.

This statement from Trade Union Members in Solidarity with Palestine was submitted to Paraat [7]. Placed on Grenzeloos with permission from VSMP.