🇳🇴✊ Norway’s Largest Union Votes to Boycott Israel

88% of delegates support full economic sanctions—what this means for Palestine solidarity worldwide.

The Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO) just made history. With a massive 88% majority, LO voted for a comprehensive boycott of Israel—covering trade, investments, culture, sports, and academic ties.

This is the strongest labor-led BDS stance in Europe yet, and it's sending shockwaves. Here’s everything you need to know 👇

📉 What Did They Vote For?

LO’s resolution calls for:

❌ A full ban on trade and investment with Israeli companies
🏫 A cultural, sports, and academic boycott of institutions linked to Israel
💰 Divestment by Norway’s $1.8 trillion Oil Fund from any company complicit in the occupation

"LO now expects the State Pension Fund, Norwegian companies, and financial institutions to pull out of companies complicit in the Israeli occupation." — Palestine Committee of Norway

If Israel’s occupation doesn’t end by September 2025, LO is calling for Norway to lead a global economic boycott.

🇵🇸 Global Solidarity Grows

Palestinian groups are celebrating.

Hamas praised LO’s move as a “courageous step that aligns with truth and justice.”

The PFLP said it “confirms the Zionist entity’s increasing international isolation.”

Shaher Saad of the PGFTU called on global unions to follow suit.

Meanwhile, Norway’s Red Party and Socialist Left Party (SV) are backing it with proposals in Parliament to ban settlement-linked business, enforce an arms embargo, and divest from Israeli companies.

🧯Gov’t Pushback—but No Interference

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide warned against a “one-sided” boycott, but admitted the government won’t interfere with LO’s autonomy.

"It’s not up to the government to decide what free academic or cultural institutions believe."

So, while officials aren’t ready to back it, they’re not stopping it either.

🔎 Why This Is a Big Deal

LO represents 1 million+ members and holds real influence in Norwegian politics. Their stance could:

🔄 Shift national policy
🇪🇺 Inspire other European labor groups
💥 Increase pressure on the EU, UN, and global institutions to act

And with the Oil Fund’s $2.1B exposure to Israeli companies, this boycott isn’t just symbolic—it’s strategic.

"This resolution shows strong support among LO’s one million members to introduce boycott, divestment and sanctions.” — Palestine Committee of Norway

🔮 What’s Next?

The Norwegian Parliament votes on June 4 on the Oil Fund’s mandate. Expect fireworks.

LO’s new leadership is already planning implementation. Meanwhile, parties like Rødt and SV are pushing for:

🛑 Arms embargoes
❌ Legal bans on settlement-linked business
🏦 Full financial divestment

Norway recognized Palestine in 2024. Now, its largest union is putting money and muscle behind it.

Boycat Times