The Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) and the UK’s Trades Union Congress (TUC) have condemned the violence and those that incite it. Both unions have committed to “stand against hate and bring working people together in solidarity”.
In a joint statement, Owen Reidy, ICTU General Secretary, and Paul Nowak, TUC General Secretary, have said: “After the horrendous knife attack in Belfast and the murder of Henry Nowak in Southampton, we stand with the victims’ families in urging calm and reconciliation. It is disgraceful that rather than honour their wishes, some have chosen to capitalise on these tragedies to sow division and fuel violence.
“From Belfast to Glasgow to Southampton, we have seen repugnant acts of hate on our streets. Families burnt out of homes. Violent mobs forcing communities to shelter in their places of worship. Gangs of men trying to stop nurses from going to work simply because of the colour of their skin.
“We need to call this out for what it is – pure racist thuggery, which has no place in modern Britain and Ireland. Politicians must take responsibility for their words too. Nigel Farage has a huge social media following. He and other politicians have a responsibility to think about the language they use.
“We need leaders who want to bring this country together – not tear it apart. When you call for ‘cold hard rage’ you have to understand that this is where it leads. Politicians whip up division and communities are left to pick up the pieces.
“We need leaders willing to take a proper stand against ‘social media plutocrats’ such as Elon Musk who stoke the flames and encourage civil unrest. Trade unions across Europe have met to discuss peacebuilding. In conflict after conflict, malignant actors have preyed on desperation, turning people to violence when they feel they have no stake in society.”
Both union leaders said that working class people of all backgrounds have more in common than that which divides them. “Trade unions need to do what we have always done: stand against hate and bring working people together in solidarity,” they noted.
