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Anti-union repression on the
rise worldwide The International Confederation of Free Trade Union’s (ICFTU) Annual Survey on trade union rights violations has raised the alarm about violence against labour activists. The survey, which covers 132 countries and territories across the world, notes 223 cases of murdered or "disappeared" trade unionists in 2001 (14 more than in 2000), with a terrifying record number of 201 assassinations or disappearances in Colombia alone. Over 4,000 trade unionists were arrested, 1,000 injured and 10,000 were fired from their jobs. The survey identifies the stubborn anti-democratic stance of certain states and the fierce competition caused by the global economy as major contributors to attacks on union activists and members. Here are a few examples for the repression faced by union activists around the world. Colombia In Colombia, over 200 trade unionists were assassinated or reported missing in 2001, amounting to a 25% rise in murders and disappearances compared to 2000. Unionists from the public services have been the hardest hit, suffering about 65% of the violations, particularly as a result of their determined stance in political talks on fiscal adaptations and privatisation. China In China, any attempt to create a free trade union can be rewarded with huge prison sentences and even life-imprisonment, interspersed with unbearable conditions of detention. Burma In Burma independent unions activists are forced underground or else risk incurring heavy prison terms. The military junta routinely imprison or even torture protesters, recognizing the key role unions can play in the pro-democracy movement. Africa On the African continent, where there is a serious democratic deficit, the incipient war between the public authorities and the unions has also led to many arrests, intimidation and even the loss of lives. In Zimbabwe three strikers from a steel firm were murdered. But Swaziland is also in the running for the title of African champion of anti-union repression. Bangladesh On 2 May 2001 in Bangladesh, the General Secretary of the Jatiyo Sramik union, Iqbal Majumber, was shot dead when leaving his office. He was a pioneer within the union movement in Bangladesh and at the forefront of the struggle against privatisation and deregulation. For more information about violations of trade union rights around the world visit www.icftu.org |