6 February, 2012
From the International Metalworkers' Federation
Trade unionists around the world will mobilize during the week of February 19-25, calling on the Mexican government to stop its attack on workers and implement steps to allow for workers to organize independent democratic trade unions of their choosing.
Last year more than 50,000 union members, students and human rights activists from some 40 countries participated in the Global Days of Action, launched on February 14 in Mexico and Australia simultaneously. For six days union members came together in an unprecedented show of solidarity. Thousands of letters were sent to the Mexican government, more than 50 meetings were held at Mexican Embassies throughout the world, and massive demonstrations throughout the week, inside and outside of Mexico, marked the strength and urgency of our message: STOP the attack on workers, we demand Trade Union Rights in Mexico, NOW!
The impact of our global actions were felt around the world. On February 24, just weeks after Global Action Days launched, political prisoner Juan Linares of the National Miners’ and Metalworkers’ Union of Mexico was released from jail after being unjustly imprisoned for more than two years. Building on our 2011 actions, independent unions in Mexico, together with their respective global union partners, have come together as a movement of force, challenging retrogressive labour legislation, Mexico’s scandalous “Protection Contract” system, and exposing corporate and political corruption.
Despite an escalation in action and outcry from unions in Mexico and at the international level, workers continue to be denied fundamental rights, independent unions face violent and political attack, and corporate impunity is at an all time high.
During the week of February 19-25, 2012, in honour of the Pasta de Conchos miners who died in a mine blast on February 19, 2006, members of the international labour movement are again asked to take action.
POSSIBLE ACTIONS INCLUDE:
Request a meeting with Mexican Embassy/Consulate representatives to discuss trade union rights in Mexico.
-
Organize a small delegation to deliver a statement or letter to your local Mexican Embassy/Consulate.
-
Send a letter to your local Mexican Embassy/Consulate.
-
Engage national policy makers to join meetings with
-
Embassy representatives or to send similar letters to the Government of Mexico.
-
Publicize actions taken in defense of trade union rights in Mexico on your union’s website and in its publications.
Print-ready posters and model letters are available to be used for actions and mobilizations. Posters are available in English, French, Spanish and Russian. The original In design artwork file is also available upon request if you wish to add logos or additional information, contact: [email protected]. Model letters are available in English, Spanish, French, Russian and German.
Please be sure to keep us informed of all actions taken, send photos, letters, and reports to: [email protected] and [email protected].