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ITF denounces anti-union repression in Guatemalan port
12 October 2006
The ITF has condemned the occupation of a port in Guatemala by 350 riot police in the wake of industrial action by dockers.
Dockers of the ITF-affiliated dockers’ union, Sindicato de Trabajadores Empresa Portuaria - Quetzal (STEPQ), began industrial action on 11 September, establishing a lawful permanent assembly for one hour and increasing the duration of the assembly by an hour every week.
Their action was in protest over plans to privatise the port, the company's failure to negotiate a collective agreement and trade union oppression. They were also demanding the sacking of the head of the port Juan Eduardo Garrido Valdez.
On 9 October, dockers were met by the heavy-handed presence of some 350 riot police, who entered the port; a day later it was reported that seven people had been dismissed for taking part in an "illegal strike".
In a letter dated 9 October to Guatemalan President Oscar Berger Perdomo, ITF General Secretary David Cockroft, referred to the situation in the port as being under "martial law". He demanded that the policemen leave the port facility; that workers be allowed to continue working and that all harassment be halted. He also called for proposed dismissals to be suspended; for a negotiation process to be set up; for an end to repression and for the security of trade union leaders to be guaranteed.
He reminded the President of the government’s obligations under International Labour Organization Conventions 87 and 98 on the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining; Guatemala ratified the conventions in 1952.
The dispute has been brought to the attention of the Labour Justice department and the ITF has issued an urgent action to dockers’ affiliates calling for solidarity. Meanwhile, the dockers’ assembly continues.
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