SIPTU will support members who refuse to assist in any way with the holding of football matches involving Israel, as the Union renewed its call to the Government to listen to the vast majority of people in Ireland who want the games boycotted.
SIPTU Deputy General Secretary, Greg Ennis, said: “Moving these fixtures from Dublin to a neutral venue behind closed doors does not resolve the issue. It merely moves the Palestinian picket line out of sight. Our position is clear: don’t pass that picket line in Dublin, in Hungary or anywhere else.
“As a key funder of the FAI, the Government has lacked strong and decisive leadership. It has washed its hands of a woeful decision which will have lasting consequences for players, supporters, workers and grassroots football in Ireland.
“These games cannot go ahead, regardless of location or whether fans are present. Workers in broadcasting, transport and other affected employments should not be required to facilitate fixtures which many believe would legitimise Israel while its genocide of the Palestinian people and illegal occupation continue.”
“The Irish people have shown, time and again, that they stand with Palestine and against genocide. The Government’s failure to represent that clear view proves how out of touch it is with its own electorate.
“We cannot expect the Boys in Green, or the workers whose labour would make these games possible, to cross a Palestinian picket line. This is a matter of conscience, safety and basic humanity. SIPTU will stand with any member, or group of members, who refuses to assist in the staging, transport, broadcasting or servicing of these fixtures.”
He added: “Our Union will also be leading discussions with other unions to ensure a united front of support for members who make a stand against these genocide-washing fixtures. SIPTU is calling on the Government, the FAI and UEFA to cancel the fixtures and ensure Ireland is not placed on the wrong side of history.”