India’s trade unions slam Israel’s ‘immoral and disastrous’ need for more Indian workers amid war

Sucheta De, activist and national vice-president of the All India Central Council of Trade Unions, stressed the need to examine the rationale behind sending Indian workers to Israel during the conflict, considering the threat to their safety and the comparatively peaceful conditions in India.

She also drew attention to Operation Ajay that saw some 1,200 Indian citizens return to India from Israel in October last year as the war escalated.

Some Indian workers, however, view the opportunity to work in Israel as a chance to escape poverty and improve their economic outlook, despite the risks.

In November last year, Vikas, 37, a construction worker from Panipat, Haryana interviewed for various jobs in India, such as with the police, the Border Security Force and Central Reserve Police Force.

But he did not receive any job offers and is now eyeing opportunities in Israel. Despite the war, the “pressing circumstances of unemployment and family responsibilities have forced me to take the risk and seek employment in Israel”, he said.

Trade unions unanimously opposed the “export” of Indian workers to Israel as replacements for Palestinian workers.

Tapan Kumar Sen, former Indian parliament member and general secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions, has expressed concern about the impact of cross-border labour mobility. While his organisation does not oppose the concept, he emphasises the need to ensure that it does not harm the rights and opportunities available to Palestinian workers.

“There have been instances where Palestinian workers have been displaced, and Indian workers have been instructed to take their place, which contradicts their trade union’s principles,” Sen said.

He said his organisation had protested against the