CWU donates €50,000 to International Committee of the Red Cross to support the People of Ukraine

The National Executive Council of the Communications Workers’ Union has agreed an immediate donation of €50,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross to support the people of Ukraine.

CWU General Secretary, Seán McDonagh, said the move was in response to widespread calls from CWU members and branches who are appalled at the ongoing Russian onslaught on Ukraine and its people.

“CWU members have been following the horrific events that are unfolding in Ukraine and we want to show our solidarity with the people and workers of Ukraine in a tangible way with this donation from our Humanitarian Aid and Charitable Funds.”

He said: “Our National Executive Council has condemned the breach of Ukraine’s national sovereignty and has called on the government of the Russian Federation to commit to an immediate ceasefire, the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian people, and the withdrawal of Russian forces from Ukraine. There must be a concerted effort at every level to end this conflict and suffering through dialogue, and avoid any further escalation or loss of life.”

Seán McDonagh said that the CWU is fully supportive of initiatives of An Post, Vodafone and eir in providing assistance to refugees. “We have also shown our solidarity with the citizens of Ukraine by lighting up CWU headquarters at William Norton House in the colours of their flag,” he added.

He said: “We are facing the most serious humanitarian crisis originating within Europe since the Second World War and one that we all hoped Europe would never again witness. We commend the resolve of the Ukrainian people as they defend their country and those who have risked everything to find sanctuary in neighbouring countries and further abroad. We also commend those workers in the Russian Federation who have put themselves at great risk by protesting the invasion, despite extreme repression by their government.”