In a historic move, the United Auto Workers (UAW) has become the largest labor union to advocate for a permanent cease-fire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. UAW International President, Mancilla, made the announcement, emphasizing the importance of building a lasting peace and a global community of solidarity.

The UAW International Union's call for a cease-fire is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that workers, oppressed people, and the poor around the world can achieve the justice they deserve. Mancilla stated, "The call for a cease-fire and the desire to build a global community of solidarity is as important as anything else that we're doing in this country."

To support their stance, the UAW's International Executive Board will establish a working group to study the history of the region and the union's economic ties to the conflict. This demonstrates their commitment to understanding the complexities of the situation and finding ways to contribute to a peaceful resolution.

UAW President, Shawn Fain, expressed his pride in the union's call for a cease-fire in Israel and Palestine, highlighting the union's consistent history of standing for justice across the globe. Fain emphasized the UAW's past actions, such as opposing fascism in WWII and mobilizing against apartheid South Africa and the CONTRA war.

The UAW's call for a cease-fire has garnered support from other labor organizations, including the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers of America (UE), the Coalition of Labor Union Women (CLUW), and the American Postal Workers Union (APWU).

The APWU strongly condemned the violence perpetrated by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,000 Israeli civilians and the kidnapping of more than 200 people. However, they criticized Israel's response, citing the death of over 10,000 innocent civilians, including 4,000 children, as a result of the relentless and indiscriminate bombing campaign on Gaza. The APWU accused Israel of committing war crimes by blocking the flow of essential supplies to the Gaza Strip, leading to a dire humanitarian situation.

Amidst this advocacy for a cease-fire, it is worth noting that the UAW recently ended a six-week strike on October 30. The union reached tentative labor agreements with the Big 3 car manufacturers in Detroit. President Biden's show of solidarity with UAW workers by joining them on the picket line in September brought unprecedented attention to the labor struggle.

As the UAW takes a stand for peace in the Israel-Hamas conflict, it adds another chapter to its history of advocating for justice and equality. The union's call for a permanent cease-fire serves as a reminder that workers' rights and social justice extend beyond national borders, aiming to build a more united and peaceful world.