ITF president Paddy Crumlin said: “The outstanding characteristic of the steadily growing demonstrations has been how peaceful they are. The same commitment to peaceful protest is evident among all those taking strike action. That fact must be respected by the authorities. The use of tear gas and pepper spray against them cannot be defended and must not be repeated.”
He continued: “Occupy Central, students and trade unions have joined together to demand democracy and social justice. Trade unions around the world share those values.”
“China’s National Day offers an genuine opportunity for the Hong Kong government to begin a genuine dialogue.”
ENDS
A statement is also available from the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC): www.ituc-csi.org/hong-kong-workers-strike-in
ITF statement on Hong Kong protests and strike
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