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International Awareness - other ways to give support

UNISON campaigns for decent working conditions across the globe. We encourage members and branches to take responsible action in support of global justice whenever possible. National UNISON takes action to protect all trade unionists and help trade unions to build and strengthen their organisations.

Fairtrade

As a UNISON member, you can show solidarity with your fellow workers across the world, who are working to put the food on your table.

International trade may seem a remote issue, but when commodity prices fall dramatically it has a catastrophic impact on the lives of millions of small scale producers, forcing many into crippling debt and countless others to lose their land and their homes.

Consumers can help by buying products bearing the Fairtrade logo. You'll know that in the role of consumer you're helping to improve the situation for producers. These products are bought direct from farmers at better prices, on the basis of a fair trade.

Convert your workplace

Enjoy a Fairtrade espresso at the office. There are hundreds of Fairtrade certified teas and coffees to choose from, as well as Fairtrade hot chocolate, sugar, bananas, and vending machines, all at competitive prices. Visit: www.fairtrade.org.uk.

Oxfam Trade Justice Action

(This section was taken from Oxfam's mailing list)

25,000 people wake up to Trade Justice!

Supporters at the Trade Justice Vigil.

The global week of action for trade justice was a fantastic success! Hundreds of thousands of people in 70 countries across the world took part in all sorts of activities ranging from concerts to demonstrations, roadshow to exhibitions.

A campaigner keeps warm and makes a point at the same time. Credit: Kate Raworth, Oxfam In London, 25,000 people took part in an all night vigil outside the Houses of Parliament demanding that Tony Blair wake up to trade justice. Thanks to everyone who helped put trade justice firmly on the political agenda during the week!

In London, 25,000 people took part in an all night vigil outside the Houses of Parliament demanding that Tony Blair wake up to trade justice. Thanks to everyone who helped put trade justice firmly on the political agenda during the week!

More information:

www.maketradefair.com/en/index.php?file=gwoa.htm

Don't buy Coke!

UNISON members passed a motion to support a boycott of Coca Cola products at UNISON's National Delegate Conference in June 2004.

The Coca Cola company owns hundreds of different products. The most popular products include:

Coca Cola (including diet, cherry and vanilla versions)
Appletiser
Bacardi mixers
Canada Dry
Dr Pepper
Evian
Fanta
Five Alive
Kia Ora
Lilt
Oasis
Sprite
Sunkist

For more information about the Coca Cola boycott

visit www.colombiasolidarity.org.uk

Computer Aid

ComputerAid International recycles unwanted computers in Britain for use in trade unions, schools and community organisations in developing countries.

This helps to strengthen organisations which can have the most impact in improving the living conditions of some of the world's disadvantaged communities. UNISON is a UK partner of the charity which collects and repairs computer equipment before shipping it to countries around the world.

OK. so they can only accept the computers in person if you take them to London but visit the site and they'll explain how you can send it them by a parcel firm for a small sum.

The Global Centre

Has a base in Exeter. Visit their site at www.globalcentredevon.org.uk. They have a number of links to local and international initiatives, notably the campaign to Make Poverty History, and various other interesting things going on.

The Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign

The Exeter Palestine Solidarity Campaign is a local group that is broad-based, and comprises individual members of the community who are supportive of the Palestinian cause. they have around 230 members many of whom are actively involved in local and national events/campaigns.

PSC's (and our local group's) core values are:

Campaigning against oppression and dispossession suffered by the Palestinian people.
Supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and their struggle to achieve these rights, including the Right of Return in line with UN Resolution 194.
Promoting Palestinian civil society in the interests of democratic rights and social justice.
Opposing Israel’s occupation and its aggression against neighbouring states.
Opposing anti-Semitism and racism, including the apartheid and Zionist nature of the Israeli state.

August	Read about the Fasayil School - A Jordan Valley Success Story.
August	Sign the on-line petition to end the Palestinian Nakba.
August	Read report on UK MPs calling for talks with Hamas.
August	Palestinians, Israelis and Internationals from 15 countries will sail to the Gaza Strip to deliver medical equipment, find out more and how you can support this action.
August	Read the latest Zionist narrative "Recognising the Jewish 'Nakba'". Maybe true, but why not let all refugees return to their original countries?
EVENTS
25 September	Next HETA (Hebron Exeter Twinning Assoc.) meeting - Tues. 7.30pm at Lizi's place in Exeter, phone Lizi 077385 63398 for more info.
October	Twinning trips to Palestine being organised by the National Twinning Network.