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Protesting helps

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13 June, 1999Campaigns against violations of trade union rights have contributed to improve labour standards.

GENEVA: Union activists have escaped certain death, many have been freed from prison and an increasing number of governments are now thinking twice before choosing the path of confrontation with trade unions, according to the ICFTU "state of the unions" report. It is the annual survey of violations of trade union rights in 119 countries.
The report itself, as a part of a wider campaign, including prompt protests and interventions, well-coordinated action, alliances with other human right groups and increased support from ICFTU affiliates, has definitely contributed to major breakthroughs, it is said.
The list of countries banning independent trade unions outright is getting shorter year by year, but much remains to be done.
In 1998, 123 people were murdered for being trade unionists, 98 of them in Colombia.
1,650 individual trade unionists were attacked or injured. Countries which stand out in this respect are Kenya, Indonesia and Croatia.
3,660 people were arrested for carrying out trade union activities. In South Korea, by the end of the year, 488 had been arrested.
21,427 workers worldwide were sacked simply for being trade unionists. For instance, legislation brought in under Margaret Thatcher is still being used against workers in the United Kingdom.
There are reasons for continued and intensified campaigns, it is said in the report.