STOCKHOLM: The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) has voted in favour of a boycott against Israel, which is expected to affect cultural, economical and academic ties. Condemnation has come from Isreali politicians, diplomats and unions.
By a vote of 197 for and 117 against, the LO congress passed the motion even though the representative General Council has not been in support of such a step.
According to Norwegian media organisation NRK, the newly elected president of LO, Hans-Christian Gabrielson, had warned delegates that a boycott could have negative consequences for Palestinian workers and trade unions.
The Israel embassy in Oslo condemned the decision. Ambassador Raphael Schutz wrote in an e-mail to news agency AFP:
”This immoral resolution reflects deeply rooted attitudes of bias, discrimination and double standard towards the Jewish state”
Swedish LO though have no plans to follow suit. ILO expert Oscar Ernerot explains their position:
”In Sweden we actively support a two state solution and that Israel will cease to occupy Palestine. That is why we collaborate with the Isreali labour union Histadrut”
The Norwegian LO has 900 000 members which is about one-fourth of the national workforce.
