Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
IN A RAIL JAM
Translink rattled by claims worker is selling jars for Israeli charity
TRANSLINK has found itself in a sticky situation over claims a worker is selling jam for Friends Of Israel.
Several employees of NI Railways are understood to have complained to the company.
A source said: “It doesn’t matter if it’s jam, flags or certain football teams – we have to be neutral.”
Translink claimed the proceeds were going to a Christian charity.
A spokesman added: “We are aware of this employee’s fundraising efforts in aid of LIFT.”
A ROW has broken out among Translink workers after claims an employee is selling homemade jam in aid of Friends Of Israel.
It has been reported several NI Railways employees have complained about the alleged sales – conducted during working hours – as all staff are to “remain neutral” in all political matters when they are representing the company.
A source said: “We’re a public company. We cannot, in any way, no matter how big or small, be seen to be ‘taking sides’ in this kind of thing.
“It doesn’t matter if its jam, flags or certain football teams – we have to be neutral.
“This isn’t the first time [the worker in question] has gotten into hot water regarding his political views.
“Before he was collecting money for Help For Heroes – something I would totally support – but at the same time you have to understand there are two sides to everything – especially in Northern Ireland.” One conductor, who did not wish to be named, alleged that several employees have complained about the “Zionist Jam” to management, both formally and informally. They said: “He’s just doing it to wind the rest of us up, in my opinion.
“Why do this during work hours? Why now and why here?
“It’s ridiculous and I know it makes me uncomfortable and many of the passengers – because some of them know what he’s doing.”
Friends of Israel’s official website said it began eight years ago in Spain.
It said it was launched “out of a sense of deep concern about the unprecedented campaign of deligitimitisation against Israel waged by the enemies of the Jewish State”. In recent months, another group, “Labour Friends of Israel”, has made headlines in relation to the UK Labour Party’s anti-semitism debate.
When asked about the allegations, Translink denied the worker in question was selling the jam in aid of Friends of Israel but a Christian charity called LIFT.
A spokesman said: “We are aware of this employee’s fundraising efforts in aid of the charity LIFT.
“Translink supports many employees’ A PROTEST took place last night near Northern Ireland’s friendly with Israel.
A crowd gathered waving Palestinian flags, while a counter-demonstration took place close to Windsor Park.
Sinn Fein MLA Sinead Ennis said:
“Since the outset we have lobbied the IFA fundraising activities for a wide range of causes within the community.
“Any employees with concerns should report them directly to their line manager.”
According to its website, LIFT (Labour In Faith and Trust) is a “Christian mission organisation set up to help those who help others”.
It added: “We believe God’s love can be shown through manual labour and skills. God’s family is made up of ordinary people with different skills and talents.” to cancel this match. This has no place in sport.”
The DUP’S Paul Frew responded: “Football breaks down barriers, it brings people together.
“There is no reason why we shouldn’t play this game.”