SNA (Tokyo) — Fresh from successful contract negotiations with major US automakers, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has taken a stand by officially endorsing a permanent ceasefire as Israel resumes its attacks on the Gaza Strip.

UAW Region 9A Director Brandon Mancilla highlighted the union’s commitment, stating, “From opposing fascism in World War II to mobilizing against apartheid South Africa and the Contra war, the UAW has consistently stood for justice across the globe. That is why I am proud that the UAW International is today officially calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.”

Mancilla announced that the International Executive Board would establish a Divestment and Just Transition working group “to study the history of Israel and Palestine, our union’s economic ties to the conflict, and explore how we can have a just transition for US workers from war to peace.”

Of notable significance is the oblique reference to the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. The pro-Israel lobby has actively sought to criminalize the BDS movement at the state and local levels. As of April 2019, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin had all enacted BDS laws.

UAW President Shawn Fain responded, “I am proud that the UAW International Union is calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Palestine.”

While other elements of the US labor movement, such as the American Postal Workers Union, have also called for a ceasefire, the UAW stands out as the largest single union to do so.

Despite polls indicating that approximately two-thirds of Americans wish to see an end to Israel’s military assault on Gaza, the Biden administration continues to support these actions. Notably, members of both the Democratic and Republican political establishments persist in labeling widespread criticism of the Israeli government’s actions as reflecting the spread of “antisemitism” in both US and international society.

This article was originally published on December 4, 2023, in the “Japan and the World” newsletter. Become a Shingetsu News supporter on Patreon and receive the newsletter by email each Monday morning.