Support the November 20 International Youth Strike: ‘Fight for our future, not their wars’
This union branch/trades council notes:
- The increasing outbreak of war and armed conflict is adding to the instability facing young people and workers globally. The world political establishment, representing the interests of big business and the billionaires, is using the spectre of war in an attempt to justify further attacks on living standards and democratic rights.
- Tens of thousands of school, college and university students across Europe are expected to take part in an International Youth Strike on Friday 20 November, walking out of class and protesting under the slogan, ‘fight for our future, not their wars’.
- By taking action on November 20, young people will be building on a growing international fightback to war, such as the ongoing 50,000-strong school strikes against conscription in Germany, as well as last year’s general strike in Italy in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
- More than 25 youth and student organisations across 12 European countries have so far pledged to build the International Youth Strike. In Britain and Ireland this includes Socialist Students, Young Greens (England and Wales), and the Stop the War Coalition.
This union branch/trades council resolves:
- We stand in full solidarity with students walking out and protesting on November 20.We agree to invite a representative from Socialist Students to speak about the International Youth Strike campaign at an upcoming meeting of [this union branch/trades council].
- We also agree to provide a representative from [this union branch/trades council] to speak in solidarity with the International Youth Strike at a local protest on November 20, as well as offering stewarding and organisational support.
- We oppose any reprisals against students taking action to fight against war and for a decent future, such as detentions, exclusions, or arrests. The rights to strike and protest are fundamental democratic rights for students and workers alike. We call on schools in particular not to take action against students. We also call on the local council to support students who choose to exercise their right to protest. We pledge to support any student defence campaigns as necessary.
- We agree to donate [£25/£50/etc.] to Socialist Students to assist in producing leaflets, posters and other International Youth Strike campaign materials.*
