'End the war, win the peace'

Unite delegate Heather Gilfillan gave a moving speech in support of the Ukrainian people on the last day of TUC Congress on Wednesday (September 16).

Speaking in support of a key motion on Ukraine, she slammed the “inhumane treatment of energy workers in Russian-occupied Ukraine”.

Heather went on to extend her solidarity on behalf of Unite, the largest British energy sector, including to Ukrainian workers present in hall.

Heather continued, “I am a health worker, and when I see the devastation not just on the front lines, but in schools, hospitals, and homes, I feel angry.

“I’m not speaking here today about the politics of the conflict about Putin or NATO,” she said. “I’m here because I’m a working-class woman, and I know who suffers in war — people like me.”

Heather added, “They used to say, a bayonet is a weapon with a worker at both ends.”

Heather confirmed that most importantly, Unite condemns Russian aggression and calls for an immediate ceasefire followed by a lasting, negotiated peace.

“Unite is also clear in our policy of support for Ukrainian workers and their trade unions,” she added. “Right now, they are defending themselves from Russia. But when peace comes they will have to defend themselves again from the vultures that will circle to buy Ukraine on the cheap and profit from the wreckage.”

“Ukrainian workers put their lives on the line every day,” Helen went on to say. “They have invaders in front of them, and oligarchs and international finance circling behind them.”

Concluding her contribution, Heather emphasised the importance of the labour movement’s solidarity, so, she said, “[the Ukrainian people] can end the war, and win the peace.”

The motion was carried.

By Hajera Blagg

Photo by Mark Thomas