Trade unions rally in London to support Ukraine

Trade unions rally in London to support Ukraine
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Samantha Haynes

By Samantha Haynes


Published: 09/04/2022

- 09:01

Updated: 14/02/2023

- 11:14

The protest is calling on the Government to "provide assistance to Ukraine and to impose tougher sanctions on the Russian Federation"

Trade unions are organising a protest on Saturday in solidarity with Ukraine, calling for the immediate withdrawal of Russian troops and a ceasefire.

The demonstration in London will also demand that the UK Government admits all refugees seeking to come to the UK without further delay.


A march will be held through Parliament ahead of a rally outside Downing Street.

Chris Kitchen, general secretary of the National Union of Mineworkers, who travelled to Kyiv as part of a labour movement solidarity delegation on the eve of the invasion, said: “The atrocities taking place in Ukraine should be of concern to everyone. This is not just a fight over land, it’s a fight for sovereignty and democracy and one that we must do all we can to ensure Ukraine wins.”

Protesters will march through Parliament ahead of a rally outside Downing Street today. Picture date: Thursday March 24, 2022.
Protesters will march through Parliament ahead of a rally outside Downing Street today. Picture date: Thursday March 24, 2022.
Damien Storan

Manuel Cortes, general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staffs Association, said: “We salute the bravery of railways workers who have transported civilians safely out of the country and ensured supplies have got back into Ukraine.

“We commend the bravery of many railway workers who have sabotaged Russia’s war efforts by severing rail links from Belarus and other countries, many of whom have also lost their lives.”

Mykhailo Volynets, who chairs the Confederation of Free Trade Unions of Ukraine (KVPU), speaking from Kyiv, said: “Ukraine needs assistance, primarily military, financial, and humanitarian aid. We ask you to call on your governments to provide this assistance to Ukraine and to impose tougher sanctions on the Russian Federation.”

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