British Midlands Regional TUC Supports UNT

The British Midlands TUC has agreed a motion at their 2005 AGM expressing full support for the Venezuelan independent trade unions – the National Union of Workers of Venezuela (UNT).

The motion was moved by the West Midlands County Association of Trade Union Councils (CATUC) by Steve Hart. The motion was seconded by Nick Kelleher on behalf of UNISON West Midlands Region, who gave a powerful speech in support of the motion which included recognition of:

• The Fascist opposition determined to undermine democracy

• The UNT has the majority of trade unionists in Venezuela

• The UNT supports the use of 10,000s of Cuban doctors who are providing a free healthcare system paid for by progressive taxation.

• Their support of the most democratic Constitution in the world supported by national Referendum

• Most workers have joined democratic trade unions in the UNT

• 10’000s of Cuban doctors provide a national healthcare system free at the point of use - in exchange for oil.

• A land reform programme is giving land to millions

• Illiteracy has been eliminated

The Midlands TUC agreed to:

• Express its solidarity to the trade unionists of the UNT.

• Support the Venezuelan people in their effort to extend social and economic freedom

• Support and promote Solidarity campaigns within Britain that support the popular reforms.

• Encourage solidarity activities to be co-ordinated via venezuelasolidarity.org.uk

Andy Goodall, Venezuelasolidarity.org.uk co-ordinator said “This important decision is the first of what we expect will be many acts of solidarity by the British trade Union Movement. This is particularly important at this time with the UNT asking for international solidarity. This is necessary regarding the upcoming vote at the ILO on an employers request for an investigation. This has got to be exposed by the ILO for what it is – a desperate attempt by billionaire businesses to undermine the democratic revolution happening in Venezuela”.

In June 2004, FEDECAMARAS (the employers' association of Venezuela) – with the full support of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and representatives from bosses' organizations in 22 countries, including the United States, all of them notorious for their anti-union activities – invoked Article 26 of the ILO Constitution and proposed that a Commission of Inquiry be established in relation to alleged violations of Trade Union Freedoms in Venezuela.

The March 8-24, 2005 meeting of the Governing Body of the ILO is scheduled to take a vote on this request by FEDECAMARAS

Nick Kelleher, Wolverhampton Trade Union Council. Stated “ We hope that this can be taken up at a national trade union level and that all trade union branches take every opportunity to express support for the campaign to build solidarity with Venezuelan workers”.

The British Midlands TUC has agreed a motion at their 2005 AGM expressing full support for the Venezuelan independent trade unions – the National Union of Workers of Venezuela (UNT).

The motion was moved by the West Midlands County Association of Trade Union Councils (CATUC) by Steve Hart. The motion was seconded by Nick Kelleher on behalf of UNISON West Midlands Region, who gave a powerful speech in support of the motion which included recognition of:

• The Fascist opposition determined to undermine democracy

• The UNT has the majority of trade unionists in Venezuela

• The UNT supports the use of 10,000s of Cuban doctors who are providing a free healthcare system paid for by progressive taxation.

• Their support of the most democratic Constitution in the world supported by national Referendum

• Most workers have joined democratic trade unions in the UNT

• 10’000s of Cuban doctors provide a national healthcare system free at the point of use - in exchange for oil.

• A land reform programme is giving land to millions

• Illiteracy has been eliminated

The Midlands TUC agreed to:

• Express its solidarity to the trade unionists of the UNT.

• Support the Venezuelan people in their effort to extend social and economic freedom

• Support and promote Solidarity campaigns within Britain that support the popular reforms.

• Encourage solidarity activities to be co-ordinated via venezuelasolidarity.org.uk

Andy Goodall, Venezuelasolidarity.org.uk co-ordinator said “This important decision is the first of what we expect will be many acts of solidarity by the British trade Union Movement. This is particularly important at this time with the UNT asking for international solidarity. This is necessary regarding the upcoming vote at the ILO on an employers request for an investigation. This has got to be exposed by the ILO for what it is – a desperate attempt by billionaire businesses to undermine the democratic revolution happening in Venezuela”.

In June 2004, FEDECAMARAS (the employers' association of Venezuela) – with the full support of the International Organization of Employers (IOE) and representatives from bosses' organizations in 22 countries, including the United States, all of them notorious for their anti-union activities – invoked Article 26 of the ILO Constitution and proposed that a Commission of Inquiry be established in relation to alleged violations of Trade Union Freedoms in Venezuela.

The March 8-24, 2005 meeting of the Governing Body of the ILO is scheduled to take a vote on this request by FEDECAMARAS

Nick Kelleher, Wolverhampton Trade Union Council. Stated “ We hope that this can be taken up at a national trade union level and that all trade union branches take every opportunity to express support for the campaign to build solidarity with Venezuelan workers”.