Norwegian Unions Champion Solidarity Across Borders
In recent months, the rollback of U.S. foreign assistance has forced the Solidarity Center to scale back our programs in Palestine and Ukraine, but not our commitment to our partners. Today, the largest confederation of unions in Norway steps up to expand its program with unions in Palestine and Ukraine where the Solidarity Center has been forced to downscale. With funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, LO Norway, will continue support to these critical programs.
By securing work in the two countries, the Solidarity Center is ensuring that the vital efforts enabling workers to negotiate fair wages, benefits and safe and healthy working conditions will continue in the face of funding terminations from USAID and other U.S. government agencies.
“The Norwegian labor movement has long championed global labor solidarity and has been a leading voice for democracy, human rights and trade union values for decades,” says Shawna Bader-Blau, Solidarity Center executive director. “We are grateful for the solidarity of LO Norway so this critical work can continue. Working people everywhere deserve dignity and fair treatment. When we support each other across borders, we all grow stronger and more secure. This is at the heart of the global labor movement.”
With workers struggling to secure good jobs and safe conditions as war wages around them, carrying on support in Palestine and Ukraine is especially critical. Finding employment opportunities has become a major challenge, leaving many workers without a secure income and ability to support their families.
“The aid cuts are about to have brutal consequences,” says LO leader Peggy Hessen Følsvik. “Even though it is not possible for us in Norway, or anyone else, to cover everything that is lost, we must do what we can.”
The Solidarity Center will continue a portion of our work in both countries. Programs in Palestine will focus on promoting women and youth leadership in unions, and bolster workers and their unions in advocating for their priorities in policymaking. In Ukraine, the Solidarity Center will engage with workers in ensuring decent work during the country’s reconstruction, and expand freedom of association.
“Even with significantly reduced funding, we will use all the power we have to ensure that the important involvement with workers to achieve work with dignity will continue,” says Bader-Blau.
“That’s what solidarity means.”