The ITF is backing pro-democracy strikers in Tunisia today, including its three affiliates, Fédération Nationale des Chemins de Fer Tunisien - UGTT, Federation Generale des Ports et Dockers - UGTTand Fédération Nationale des Transports – UGTT, who are taking action following the assassination of opposition politician Chokri Belaid on Wednesday. Mr Belaid, who is due to be buried today, was a respected human rights lawyer and a left-wing opponent of the government which took power after the overthrow of long-serving ruler Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali in January 2011. He was shot dead at close range on his way to work. “The ITF fully supports Tunisian unions in the UGTT, who have an honourable record of fighting for democracy. Their trade union sisters and brothers worldwide salute their courage and constancy,” said ITF acting general secretary Stephen Cotton.
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For more information contact ITF press officer, Sam Dawson. Direct line: + 44 (0)20 7940 9260. Email: dawson_sam@itf.org.uk
International Transport Workers' Federation - ITF: HEAD OFFICE ITF House, 49 - 60 Borough Road, London SE1 1DS Tel: + 44 (0) 20 7403 2733 Fax: + 44 (0) 20 7375 7871 Email: mail@itf.org.uk Web: www.itfglobal.org
