Honduran Trade Union leader assassinated

H.E. Mr Ivan Romero-Martinez
Embassy of Honduras
115 Gloucester Place
London
W1H 3PJ

Dear Ambassador

Assassination of Trade Union Leader Juana Bustillo

On behalf of the British Trades Union Congress (TUC) representing British workers and the 6.2 million members of our affiliated unions I write to raise our serious concerns about the increasing level of attacks against trade unionists in Honduras.

In particular I wis0068 to highlight the murder of Juana Bustillo, President of the social security workers union SITRAIHSS. Sr. Bustillo was killed in the city of San Pedro Sula on the 17 September following his participation in a demonstration organised by the National Resistance Front.

His killing fits a pattern of persecution, repression and violence aimed at workers and trade unionists which has escalated severely since the events of June 28 2009.

In a recent letter to President Porfirio Lobos, Sharan Burrow, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation noted that it was 'essential that efforts be stepped up, through a constructive dialogue with civil society and trade union organisation, to establish genuine rule of law in Honduras.'

The TUC of course echoes this call and requests that you raise our concerns directly with your government.

Yours sincerely

Brendan Barber

General Secretary