Trade Unionism under Occupation: The Case of Palestine
What does it mean to be a trade unionist under Israeli occupation? The struggle for decent work, labour and trade union rights has been a central part of the Palestinian people’s history, even under the harshest imaginable conditions. In June 2025, in a historic decision, the International Labour Organization (ILO) officially recognised Palestine as an observer state by an overwhelming majority — a major step forward for Palestinian labour rights and representation within the multilateral system. Meanwhile, since 7 October 2023, over 60% of employment in Gaza has been lost, and around 155,000 jobs in the West Bank have disappeared. Palestinian trade unions have filed a complaint to the ILO on behalf of more than 200,000 workers who have not received their wages since then, while Israeli occupation forces violently raided trade union offices in Nablus in October 2025.
Speakers
Shaher Saed
Secretary General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and President of the Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC). A veteran trade unionist, active in the Palestinian labour movement since 1978, with extensive experience in social protection, collective bargaining and agreements, occupational health and safety, and leadership of the workers’ movement in Palestine.
Aisha Hmouda
Member of the General Secretariat of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) and Chair of its Wages Committee. Former Gender Secretary of the PGFTU and member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Trade Union Confederation (ATUC) and the Palestinian Agricultural Union. Aisha holds a degree in Business Administration and is an international expert in gender participatory auditing.
How to arrive
- Metro
- L4 Jaume I - L1 / L4 Urquinaona
- Bus
- V15, 47, 120, H16