date: Wednesday 21 May 2008

embargo: For immediate release

Wales TUC condemns Colombian violence

The Wales TUC condemned the continuing violence and criminality in Colombia towards trade unionists today (Wednesday) at the Wales TUC annual conference in Llandudno. The Wales TUC called for an end to the killing of trade unionists and the impunity enjoyed by those responsible for their deaths, including sections of the Colombian army.

In a statement, the Wales TUC called on the British Government to freeze all military aid until the human rights record of the Colombian Government improves.

The statement followed a harrowing outline of the challenges trade unionists face in Colombia under the Uribe regime by Eclides Mancipe Tabares and Luis Adan Arguella Martinez of the Colombian firefighters union, supported by Justice for Colombia.

Addressing the conference, the firefighters said: 'We would ask the British Government to replace the military aid they are currently giving to the Colombian Government with humanitarian aid, directed at civil society with the aim of creating better working conditions and delivering social justice.

'The Colombian firefighters' union and CTC Colombian trade union Confederation would like to especially thank the Wales TUC for their solidarity and support.'

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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Contacts:

Media enquiries:
Christopher Hartwell T: 07919 102472 or E: chartwell@tuc.org.uk

Press release (300 words) issued 21 May 2008