|
|
Change low graphic options | Change language | Skip content to navigation
Page context: Home > News online
Union movement condemns Mugabe trade union arrests
14 May 2008
The global union movement has issued a vehement condemnation of the recent arrest of leading trade unionists in Zimbabwe last week.
It has been reported that President Lovemore Matombo and General Secretary Wellington Chibebe of the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions were arrested on 8 May. It is believed that their May Day speeches, which referred to Zimbabwe’s recent election controversy and the ensuing campaign of violence, led to their arrest. They remain in custody at Harare Central Police Station and are reported to have been charged with “inciting people to rise against the government and reporting falsehoods about people being killed.”
In a letter addressed to Zimbabwean President, Robert Mugabe, dated 9 May, International Trade Union Confederation General Secretary Guy Ryder expressed his concern regarding the news of the arrests, recalling the beatings the men were subjected to when they were detained in 2006. He outlined how violence and torture against prisoners had been independently documented and called on the government “to guarantee the physical integrity of the detainees.”
He also added: “Trade union leaders have a right to comment on the election, as the outcome might have an impact on economic and social policies affecting trade union members. Under International Labour Organization (ILO) Convention 87 on freedom of association and the right to organise, ratified by your country, you have an obligation to refrain from arresting trade union leaders carrying out legitimate union activities.
“The ITUC strongly urges you to immediately release Mr Lovemore Motombo and Mr Wellington Chibebe and drop all charges against them.”
Ryder also stated that the ITUC would report the arrests to the ILO Committee on Freedom of Association as well as to other supervisory bodies of the ILO.
Two months ago, Ryder wrote to Mugabe condemning the use of torture against leaders of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe.
Related press:
24 April 2008
Arms ship ‘returning to China’: ITF response
The ITF, which has helped mobilise workers across Southern...
30 April 2008
China arms ship poised to dock in Luanda, but dockers refuse to handle cargo
The ITF today stated that, contrary to some reports, it...
22 April 2008
China arms ship update and position. ITF: ‘return to China only option’
Update as of 16:00, 23 April 2008
No assurance has been...
Related news:
24 April 2008
Arms shipment destined for Zimbabwe 'to return to China'
The ITF has cautiously welcomed indications from the Chinese...
22 March 2007
ITF condemns Mugabe raid on Zimbabwean trade union congress
The ITF has joined the International Trade Union Confederation...
Back to current news online stories
Section home:
News online
Other pages for News online:
About News Online | What is RSS | ITF Headlines on your Website
RSS feeds
Download our free RSS news feeds:
English |Español |Français |Deutsch |Svenska
What is RSS?
Main Sections:
Home | About us | Solidarity | Flags of Convenience campaign | Seafarers | Dockers | Civil Aviation | Railways | Road transport | Urban Transport | Fisheries | Tourism | Inland Navigation | Women | Education | Young workers
Transport International Magazine
accessibility | site help | site map
ITF House, 49-60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DR | +44 20 7403 2733 | mail@itf.org.uk
