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Solidarity demonstration for democracy in Burma
3 October 2007
Protestors filled the streets outside the Burmese embassy in London, UK, last Friday in a massive show of solidarity for the people of Burma and their struggle for democracy.
Organised by the UK-based Trades Union Congress, the demonstration was part of a global response to pro-democracy protests in Burma led by Buddhist monks over the past few weeks. Representatives from the trade union movement, including the ITF, and human rights organisations, such as Amnesty International, joined Buddhist monks and members of other religious faiths to lend their backing to the Burmese protestors.
Speaking at the rally, the ITF’s Sangam Tripathy, outlined the federation’s work with the Seafarers’ Union of Burma, which operates in exile in Bangkok, Thailand. The union, he stated, was working for decent pay and working conditions for Burmese seafarers, who were suffering as a result of “fear and insecurity”.
He outlined the union’s commitment to the pro-democracy movement, stating: “The SUB is committed to democracy and has been at the forefront of the fight for freedom along with the Free Trade Union of Burma.”
In Nepal, representatives of the ITF-affiliated Nepal Yatayat Mazdoor Sangh participated in a protest rally organised by three Nepalese union organisations. The protestors handed in a letter of protest to the Burmese embassy in Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, the ITF coordinating committee in Thailand took part in a joint action involving a number of parties including non-governmental organisations, students, trade unionists, Burmese people and Buddhist monks. As part of the action, participants issued a joint statement. This included a condemnation of the violent suppression used by the Burmese military regime and a call for governments in the region to end their support for the junta.
Yesterday, the International Trade Union Confederation stated it would press the several hundred multinational companies suspected of having business links with Burma to “stop propping up the brutal regime”. More information:
http://www.ituc-csi.org/spip.php?article1464
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