Archive for February 2010
Congress protest against Iran
Posted on February 18, 2010
David Begg: "Solidarity with the Iranian trade Union movement."
In a letter to the Iranian Ambassador Mr. Ebrahim Rahimpour the General Secretary David Begg protests against Iran denying its labour force the most basic rights. He writes that "the Iranian government has targeted independent unions for repression and many of their leaders are now in prison. Strikes and labour celebrations are not tolerated and workers are effectively deprived of representation. Arrests, intimidation and legal persecution are common."
David Begg emphsises Congress solidarity with the Iranian trade union movement and gives ICTU's full support for their basic demands:
- Abolishment of executions.
- Immediate and unconditional release of labour activists and all other social movements activists from jails.
- Immediate and unconditional freedom in formation of trade unions.
Congress and LECODU's succesful partnership project in Lesotho
Posted on February 15, 2010
"This project is rescuing embattled and marginalized workers of Lesotho and their families".
ICTU and the Lesotho Congress of Democratic Unions have, together with Irish Aid, developed this trade union capacity building project. The first year has been successful and LECODU is now represented in all 10 districts of the country. Previously LECODU only had committees in two of the districts.
HIV/AIDS
The HIV/AIDS information campaign, which is a part of the project, is expanding. In Lesotho, where 25% of the population is infected and more than 300,000 children are orphans due to the epidemic, HIV/AIDS is an issue of high priority for the trade union movement. The existence of the ten district committees has contributed to a more decentralised and effective HIV/AIDS information campaign work.