Worldwide Protest against Trade Union Repression in Zimbabwe

Worldwide Protest against Trade Union Repression in Zimbabwe

The international trade union movement spearheaded by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) strongly condemned the arrests of, and brutal attacks on, trade unionists by the Zimbabwe Police on 13 September 2006 following peaceful protests over the economic and social crisis in the country and organized a day of action on 22 September 2006.

In London, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and its affiliates, in collaboration with Zimbabwe Vigil, organised a protest in front of the Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe against police brutalities in Harare and other cities. Some sixty protestors braving autumnal downpours demanded that the Government of Zimbabwe drop all charges against trade unionists, that those responsible for the assaults be brought to justice and that all Zimbabweans be allowed to exercise their democratic rights without interference from the State.

In a press release, Brendan Barber, TUC General Secretary, said:

'Trade unions are the only democratic institutions left in Zimbabwe and that has made them a target for brutal repression. Working people in Zimbabwe should have the right to come together and to speak out against poverty and unemployment. Today we are adding our voices to those of trade union members all over the world calling on the Zimbabwe Government to stop attacking trade unions, drop the criminal charges against their leaders and punish those responsible for assaulting them.' On 14 September 2006, the TUC General Secretary, in a letter addressed to President Mugabe, demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all trade unionists.

Alison Shepherd, President of the TUC, joining the protestors, said that British trade unionists kept a close watch on the situation in Zimbabwe and that Friday's protest demonstrated the depth of their support for their Zimbabwean colleagues. Several members of the TUC General Council including the International Spokesperson, Sally Hunt, and representatives from all major unions - Unison, Amicus, TGWU, GMB, Prospect, ATL and NUJ among them - and the International Transport Federation (ITF) took part in the protest.

Similar protests were held in front of embassies of the Republic of Zimbabwe.

For further information visit; http://www.ituc-csi.org/?displaydocument.asp?Index=991225054&Language=EN