Rail unions demand Scottish government drop firm complicit in Israeli crimes

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The Scottish government announced a shortlist of five manufacturers selected to compete to replace ScotRail’s suburban rail fleet in the coming years, among them Spanish firm Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles (CAF).

CAF not only operates the Jerusalem Light Railway, but is helping to expand it further into land illegally occupied by Israel, actions sufficient enough for it to be added to the UN database of complicit businesses, and it to be made a key target by the Palestinian Boycott, Divestment and Sanction (BDS) National Committee.

Writing to the Scottish government to point out the contrast between the Scottish Parliament’s support for BDS on Israel and the shortlisting of the firm, RMT said: “As the owner of ScotRail, there is a clear responsibility on the Scottish government to intervene to ensure CAF is excluded from the ScotRail procurement process for the new suburban train fleet.”

Aslef Scottish organiser Kevin Lindsay warned: “We, alongside other rail unions and the STUC have adopted a position of BDS towards Israel.

“Unlike some, if we adopt a policy we see it through. That means if this company was to end up winning this contract we would boycott those trains.

“We will not drive trains operated by a company that is complicit in war crimes. That’s why we are urging the Scottish government to have the courage of its convictions and remove this company from the bidding process.”

STUC deputy general secretary Dave Moxham said: “It would be unconscionable that a company which is deeply involved in the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements should receive funds from the Scottish taxpayer.

“The Scottish government and now the UK government have rightly condemned the use of settlements by the Israeli government in the West Bank as a means of denying Palestinian statehood. 

“The expansion of the Jerusalem Light Rail system connecting illegal settlements with West Jerusalem constitutes a war crime under international law. 

“We therefore urge the Scottish government to act now and in line with the Parliament’s position on BDS and remove CAF from the bidders shortlist.”

Transport Scotland was contacted for comment.