CFMEU - Mining and Energy Division
Australian Unions Join Global Action On Workers’ Rights in Mexico
Trade unions around the world affiliated to the International Metalworkers Federation (IMF), the International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers' Unions (ICEM), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), UNI Global Union and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) are taking action in support of the Mexican Miners' Union and the other independent unions in Mexico.
Calling for trade union rights in Mexico, the global days of action are taking place from February 14 to 19, which coincide with the fifth anniversary of the deaths of 65 miners at the Pasta de Conchos mine disaster in Mexico on February 19, 2006.
In Australia, unions will rally at the nation’s Parliament House in Canberra on Friday 18 September from 11.30am. The action has been co-ordinated by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU), with support from AWU, AMWU, CFMEU, MUA and others. A meeting with the Mexican Ambassador will also be held.
The Australian rally will be addressed by senior Australian and international union leaders.
Andrew Vickers, General Secretary of CFMEU Mining & Energy Division and chair of ICEM’s Global Mining Sector said trade unions will continue their international protests until the Mexican Government properly recognizes trade union rights in its country.
“The appalling behaviour of the Mexican Government, epitomized by the outrageous persecution of the Mexican Miners’ Union, is intolerable and a disgrace to a country that purports to be part of a decent international community,” said Vickers.
"Not only are the few independent and democratic unions in Mexico under attack, Mexican workers’ rights are systematically violated through the extensive use of employer-dominated 'protection contracts' entered into by numerous global companies without workers’ knowledge or participation."
