A banner of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) reads, “Recognize Palestine, Boycott Israel” as thousands of Norwegians march through Oslo city streets in a May Day parade, May 1, 2016. (Activestills.org)
The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO), the country’s largest and most powerful labor group has approved a far-reaching economic boycott against the Israeli regime, in a significant display of European labor solidarity with Palestine.
The motion was approved by a resounding 88 percent majority during LO’s national congress, which took place in Oslo, Norway, from May 8 to 9.
The LO “will introduce an economic boycott of Israel, with 240 votes for economic boycott, and 69 votes against,” the Palestine Committee of Norway said.
The resolution states that LO now demands the Norwegian State Pension Fund, domestic companies, and financial institutions divest from all businesses with Israel and those tied to the regime.
Hamas lauded the move in an official statement, describing it as a “courageous step that aligns with truth and justice and a victory for the rights of the Palestinian people.”
The group urged international labor organizations to follow Norway’s lead by shunning what it called a “fascist entity” and bringing its violation s to light.