TUC protests at murder of Guatemalan health worker

H.E. Mr Acisclo Valladares Molina
Embassy of Guatemala
13 Fawcett Street
London
SW10 9HN

Dear Ambassador

Assassination of Health Sector Trade Unionist Eswin Carol Galvez

On behalf the TUC, British workers and the 6.2 million members in our affiliated unions I write to highlight the murder of another trade unionist in Guatemala.

Mr Eswin Carol Galvez, a doctor at the Retalhuleu hospital and a member of the SNTSG was shot dead as he was about to enter his home, shortly after New Year. His killing follows closely after the assassination of several other health union members and activists at the end of 2010.

His murder at the start of 2011 is a tragic indication that Guatemala is likely to continue to be the second most dangerous country in the world in which to be a trade unionist.

As I stated in my letter of 07 October 2010 these murders form the most blatant aspect of a far wider policy which seems designed to destroy any form of independent trade union organisation and meaningful social dialogue in Guatemala

I would again take this opportunity to refer you to the ITUC report detailing the escalation of attacks between 2005 and 2010 which can be found at http://www.ituc-csi.org/guatemala-el-costo-de-la-libertad.

I note with deep concern that we have yet to receive any response to our numerous communications regarding the killing of trade unionists in your country. I reiterate our request to meet with you to discuss the situation and consider what support we can give to secure additional assistance to assist the work of the Commission Against Impunity and other measures to support the meaningful implementation of the rule of law in Guatemala.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary