Tesco worker suspended for refusing to handle "blood-soaked Israeli goods"
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Tesco has suspended a staff member at a Northern Ireland branch after the employee refused to handle products made in 'Israel', a move that has triggered protests by trade unionists and pro-Palestine activists.
The incident occurred at a Tesco superstore in the town of Newcastle. According to a statement released by the advocacy group BDS Belfast, the unnamed worker has been suspended pending a disciplinary hearing. The group stated the suspension was issued "for refusing to handle blood-soaked Israeli goods."
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Protests and Public Backlash
Following the suspension, demonstrators gathered outside the store on Monday, November 21. Protesters waved Palestinian flags and chanted “shame on Tesco,” calling for the immediate reinstatement of the worker.
BDS Belfast, which supports the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement, issued a strong rebuke of the supermarket's decision.
“This worker declined to follow the unconscionable demand to check out these tainted items, and now faces disciplinary action for having a conscience and not supporting genocide,” the group said in a statement.
An online petition on Change.org regarding the incident has already garnered more than 2,000 signatures. The petition urges the supermarket giant to halt the disciplinary action and calls for a company-wide cessation of 'Israeli' product sales.
Petition organizers highlighted what they perceive as a double standard in the retailer's foreign policy, noting: “It is time for Tesco to stop stocking Israeli products. When Russia invaded Ukraine, Tesco removed all Russian goods from the shelves.”
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Shifting Trade Trends
The controversy comes amidst a broader shift in UK retail regarding imports from the region. Data suggests that UK imports of 'Israeli' goods have fallen by £20 million over the past year, down from £121 million in 2024. Products seeing the steepest decline include avocados, carrots, and couscous.
Other UK retailers have already adjusted their supply chains. In June, Co-op announced it would no longer stock 'Israeli' products, citing "internationally recognised community-wide human rights abuses and violations of international law."
The protests in Newcastle reflect growing public anger over the ongoing aggression in Gaza. According to figures cited by activists, the war has resulted in at least 69,785 Palestinian deaths and 170,965 injuries since October 2023.
Tesco has not yet released an official comment regarding the specific disciplinary proceedings or the protests outside the Newcastle branch.
