Tesco reinstates worker suspended over ‘Israeli’ goods refusal

Tesco has reinstated a worker it initially suspended for refusing to handle goods from “Israel”. Many goods that are apparently Israeli may actually come from illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories.

The Tesco Worker Campaign has the details:

We can now confirm that the Tesco worker from Newcastle, Co. Down, suspended and under disciplinary action for following their conscience and refusing to handle goods from so-called Israel, has been reinstated by Tesco and the disciplinary dropped.

The worker has accepted a role where they will not have to handle Israeli products. Tesco insists that these goods come from legal sources, a position we vehemently oppose. These products, often labelled misleadingly, help to fund Israel’s ongoing genocide in Palestine. A landmark UN report about the economy of genocide has condemned their distribution.

We want to make it clear to other workers considering action – union support exists. Retail workers’ union USDAW passed a BDS proposition in 2021, recommending they:

support and protect, with the full force of our Union, any member who wishes on moral grounds to refuse to handle goods originating from the currently occupied lands of Palestine by the State of Israel.

We expect USDAW to continue representing its members in accordance with this policy; there is now a precedent.

In 2025, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) stated that workers in Ireland should not be placed in ‘unconscionable situations’ of facilitating trade with Israel or handling Israeli goods while the genocide in Palestine continues. The ICTU has warned:

As a movement, we are clear: we will not be found wanting in protecting our members where an employer seeks to discipline or dismiss a worker in such circumstances.

The actions of the committed and compassionate activists, in Ireland and GB, who turned out every weekend for the past two months in support of this worker and all workers who want to reject genocide goods, have been hugely uplifting. Your support and solidarity has been immense. Thank you.

Our campaign will continue as we aim to support any worker taking a similar stance to this Tesco worker. For anyone who wishes to take action – rest assured that you will have support from across the nation if you follow your conscience, and refuse to play a part in genocide complicity.

Statement of thanks from the victorious worker

Last September I was suspended from my job at Tesco because I acted on my conscience and started refusing to sell goods from Israel at my checkout. It’s been a tough and overwhelming few months, fighting for what I believe in, while trying to keep my job of over 20 years. Still, I am fully aware that anything I’ve been through pales in comparison to what the Palestinian people have to endure.

I don’t think I’d have been able to keep going without the support of so many, so I’d like to take this opportunity for a few thank yous.

Many thanks to my FWs at the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW Union Ireland) for their online and offline support and unwavering solidarity in Ireland and England. A particular shout out to Wobblies J and J.

To all the BDS groups, especially BDS Belfast for keeping the faith, for all the protests and leaflets, and their work on campaigning for boycott, divestment and sanctions of apartheid Israel.

The ICTU / Global Solidarity Trade Unionists for Palestine, I thank you for the background help and support and for attending the protests.

To Palestine solidarity campaign groups up and down Ireland and England who turned out to protests every weekend, and shared their photos and videos online; also everyone who signed the petition. Your energy and humanity have been uplifting.

The Tesco Worker Campaign has clearly worked tirelessly to keep the campaign alive for such a long time during the suspension. Their hard work has been amazing to watch. Thank you folks so much.

I know this isn’t the end for the TWC, they will continue to offer support and encouragement to any worker who wants to exercise their right to conscientious objection.

Lastly, cheers wee CM from NC. You know who you are and you’re a shining star.

Apologies if I’ve left anyone out.

This case has not been all about me. It’s about every worker with a conscience. We can all make a stand for humanity, in our own way.

Featured image via Tesco Worker Campaign