TUC condemns coup in Honduras

Honduras

TUC statement

3 July 2009

The TUC has joined in the condemnations of the military coup carried out in Honduras on 28 June with the aim of overthrowing President Manuel Zelaya and expelling him from the country.

The trade union confederations in Honduras - the CGT, CUT and CTH - have expressed their commitment to the poll and their support for the democratically elected president. The leadership of the Honduran trade union movement has also denounced that, aside from the military coup, lists are being drawn up of the social and political leaders to be detained over their support for the poll. Such a move could result in serious repression with unpredictable consequences. The Honduran trade union movement has called an indefinite general strike.

The TUC responded to calls for solidarity from the Honduran trade union movement by seeking the support of the British Government for condemnation of the coup and we welcome the statements made by the British and US Governments, as well as the actions of the World Bank, the Organisation of American States and many others.

The TUC calls for the immediate return of President Zelaya, together with full respect for the will of the people in the Republic de Honduras.

The TUC supports the calls made by the International Trade Union Confederation and its Americas Region (TUCA) for the international community to take immediate action. The international trade union movement has expressed its solidarity with the people of Honduras, its labour and social movement, in their call for a return to democracy.

'A swift return to democracy and respect for fundamental rights in Honduras is essential,' said Brendan Barber, General Secretary of the TUC. 'The TUC fully supports its sister trade unions and the Honduran people in their actions to reject this overthrow of the President, and calls for his restoration.'

For further information see:

the statement of the International Trade Union Confederation;

the latest from the Trade Union Confederation of the Americas and their original statement;

the statement of the British Government; and

information from Global Union Federations representing transport, food and textile workers