US: United Auto Workers Join Protest Against Netanyahu Congressional Visit

The United Auto Workers (UAW), one of the largest trade unions in the US, just announced that it will be joining a mass mobilization to protest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Congress. Tens of thousands are set to mobilize to DC to denounce the visit on July 24.

The UAW, which represents more than 400,000 workers in various sectors, has taken many historic steps to mark its support for the Palestine solidarity movement in the United States. 

In December, the UAW became one of the first major labor unions to call for a ceasefire. And following the brutal crackdown against the Gaza solidarity encampment at the University of California – Los Angeles (UCLA), UAW Local 4811, which represents academic workers within the University of California system, went on strike for the right to protest for Palestine. 

Brandon Mancilla, a member of the UAW’s International Executive Board will be speaking at the mass mobilization on behalf of the union. In regards to the UAW joining the demonstration, the union stated, “Since December, the UAW has been calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine, and for an end to the war on Gaza. This week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to come to Congress to ask our government to keep supporting this war. We reject this insult to all those calling for peace and justice. On Wednesday, July 24th, the UAW, along with the National Labor Network for Ceasefire, is joining a mass mobilization in Washington, DC to oppose Netanyahu’s visit, and to call for an end to all US military aid to this war.”

The mass mobilization, which is set to surround the US Capitol building, is being organized by several grassroots organizations including American Muslims for Palestine, the Palestinian Youth Movement, the People’s Forum, ANSWER Coalition, the Palestinian Feminist Collective, the Arab Resource and Organizing Center, Al-Awda: The Palestine Right to Return Coalition, US Palestinian Community Network, US Campaign for Palestinian Rights, International Jewish Anti-Zionist Network, Palestinian American Organizations Network, American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, the Palestinian American Women’s Association, CodePink, Jewish Voice for Peace, Palestinian Assembly for Liberation, and Writers Against the War on Gaza.