Report: 91 trade unionists killed in 2007

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Internatonal Herald Tribune/Associated Press

Report: 91 trade unionists killed in 2007

The Associated Press
Thursday, November 20, 2008

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Ninety-one trade unionists were murdered for defending workers' rights last year, with Colombia and Guinea the worst offenders, according to a report released Thursday by the International Trade Union Confederation.

The confederation, which includes 311 labor unions from 155 countries, said its 2007 survey "reveals an appalling record of union-busting, anti-union laws, intimidation and violence against workers' representatives."

Colombia remained the most dangerous place for unionists, with 39 killed, down from 78 in 2006.

~snip~
"Several governments were only too ready to openly or covertly support unscrupulous employers who deny fundamental rights to their employees," said ITUC General Secretary Guy Ryder.



Read more: http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/11/20/europe/EU-Union-Rights.php

[Kaleko]

1. Do you see a change coming with the Obama admin. in this regard?

Anyone?

[Judi Lynn]

2. Alarm at trade unionist murders tollConfederation says governments not doing enough to protect worke

Alarm at trade unionist murders tollConfederation says governments not doing enough to protect workers' rights after 91 members killed last year
Kathryn Hopkins
guardian.co.uk
Wednesday November 19 2008 17.13 G

More than 90 trade unionists were murdered in 2007 while defending workers' rights, according to a report released today.

The International Trade Union Confederation (Ituc) said 39 unionists lost their lives in Colombia, which had the highest mortality rate among its members.

~snip~
Trade union rights are have been systematically eroded across Europe in recent years, Ituc claimed. In France, the Sarkozy government introduced a law that restricted public transport workers' right to strike. Employers in Belgium have been relying on court orders and fines to prevent strike-related activities, particularly picketing.

Ituc said general bans on striking in the civil service in many European countries, such as Estonia and Bulgaria, have remained in force, despite strong criticism from the International Labour Organisation and the Council of Europe.

A study by the TUC and Personnel Today, also published today, showed that participation in trade union activities in the UK could seriously damage a worker's career prospects.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/nov/19/trade-union-murders