Protest letter regarding killing of El Salvadorian Trade Union leader

Congress House, Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3LS

H.E. Roberto Ricardo Avila Avilez
Ambassador
Embassy of the Republic of El Salvador
8 Dorset Square
London
NW1 6PU

Dear Ambassador

Assassination of Victoriano Abel Vega

On behalf of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) representing British workers and the 6.5 million members of our affiliated unions it is with deep regret that I write to you to raise our grave concern over the killing of Victoriano Abel Vega. Señor Abel Vega was the General Secretary of the Sindicato de Trabajadores y Empleados Municipales de la Alacaldia de Santa Ana (SITRAMSA) a union affiliated to our sister confederation the Central Autonomo de Trabajadores Salvadoreños.

We request that you convey our concerns to your government along with our call for an urgent investigation into this killing and increased protection for trade unionists in your country

According to information received by the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Señor Abel Vega was murdered on his way to the capital to meet with other union leaders in order to discuss a potential complaint to be submitted to the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The complaint was in regard to the unfair dismissal of employees in the Santa Ana municipality which the unions believed to be in breach of El Salvador's new obligations under ILO conventions 87 and 98 on freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining which the Salvadorian government has recently ratified.

We along with the international trade union movement welcomed these ratifications, but are deeply troubled that trade unionists attempting to raise issues in connection with them are facing death threats and now actual assassination.

The ITUC has written directly to President Funes to call for a full criminal investigation and holding to account those responsible.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary