The Scottish Trades Union Congress convened from 20–22 April 2026, and adopted a strong ‘‘Apartheid Free Zones Scotland’’ motion which commits the General Council to ensure that all STUC workplaces become Apartheid Free Zones.
The motion was powerfully moved by former Labour MSP Neil Findlay on behalf of West Lothian Trades Union Council.
Congress voted to reaffirm the STUC’s commitment to Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS), including Apartheid Free Zones (AFZs) and for existing commitments to be fully implemented.
Delegates were reminded that they all return to a branch where they should propose declaring an AFZ.
Meanwhile, the General Council holds a clear mandate to act and must do so in line with conference decisions.
Though AFZ had been endorsed at the 2025 Congress, things have now been taken further and the pressure is on to deliver.
Motion 112:
Apartheid Free Zones Scotland
“That this Congress notes and welcomes the many motions carried last year cementing our continued and committed support for the Palestinian people and the commitment to Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) of Israeli goods and services.
“Congress believes declaring your workplace, trade union, or community group an Apartheid Free Zone (AFZ) is pledging to support the principles of the BDS Movement and boycotting Israeli products and institutions, and those international companies who profit from Israel’s human rights abuses.
“Therefore, Congress calls on the General Council to:
- uphold the previous commitments and STUC policy to support the BDS movement and increase the visibility of the STUC and wider trade union movement in the BDS campaign;
- declare all STUC workplaces as Apartheid Free Zones;
- encourage all affiliates to declare their respective unions and workplaces as Apartheid free zones; and
- work with affiliates, AFZ, and Scottish Palestine Solidarity Campaign (SPSC) to promote and encourage the campaign.”
Mover: West Lothian Trades Union Council
Relevant resolutions on ethical procurement and the International crisis were also adopted, and can be found in the Library of Motions