May day: World union movement unites to back Middle East change

May 1, 2011

The ITF is one of the global union federations that are, along with the ITUC (International Trade Union Confederation), declaring their solidarity with the workers in the Arab world standing up for democracy and social justice this May Day.

The organisations, which represent millions and millions of workers worldwide, have signed a declaration supporting progress and change. It states: ‘An unprecedented popular uprising is taking place in most Arab countries to end political despotism, social injustice, and repression. People are mobilising for respect of fundamental liberties and of the will of the people. This uprising is for values that the independent trade union movement has long held dear and considers to be essential: democracy, human rights, including  trade union rights, fairness and equality, guaranteed not only by the adoption of good legislation and regulations, but also through the rule of law. That means moving from arbitrary rule to inclusive governance.’

The declaration can be seen in full at www.global-unions.org

ITF general secretary David Cockroft stated: “There can be no better day than this one to speak out for an end to dictatorship and corruption, and in favour of democracy, human and trade union rights, social justice and decent work. The world trade union movement works for these things 365 days a year, but May the First has a particular relevance this year due to the momentous changes that have been taking place in many Arab nations and trade unions, for whom it now gives a new focus for their efforts towards reform and democracy.”

He continued: “An equally heartfelt surge of support for jobs and representative trade unions is being seen in Mexico today, and in many countries around the globe, wherever workers are coming out in favour of the values and aspirations – decent work, justice and freedom – that unite trade unionists everywhere.”