Unite calling notice - demonstration in support of Mexican miners
17 February 2011
A demonstration in support of Mexican miners who have been
subjected to fierce repression by the Mexican government will take
place at 13:00 today
(Thursday 17 February 2010 ) outside the Mexican
Embassy at 16 St. George Street, London, W1S 1FD.
In protest against the Mexican Government's constant violations
of human rights, trade union rights and freedoms, unions across the
world will stage a wave of demonstrations outside Mexican
embassies.
Five years ago on 19th February, an explosion in Gruppo Mexico
Pasta de Conchos coal mine killed 65 miners. The Mexican government
has failed to hold the company to account or take action against
those responsible, and has instead systematically attacked and
persecuted the independent miners union – Los Mineros which has
been seeking justice for the dead miners and their families.
Gruppo Mexico even refused to free the bodies of the dead men
trapped inside the mine to allow their families to give them a
proper burial. The leader of the union is still in forced exile and
currently lives in Canada with support from the United Steel
Workers union.
Unons representing workers from across the world are calling
for:
1. The Mexican Government and the company to be held to account for
the accident in the mine, and for the families of the victims to be
properly looked after.
2. An end to the systematic violations of workers’ freedom of
association, along with state interference in union elections.
3. An end to the use of force by the state to repress workers
legitimate demands for democratic unions, better wages and working
conditions, and good health and safety.
4. An end to the campaign of political persecution against the
Mexican Miners '
Union and the Mexican Electrical Workers ' Union.
ENDS
For more information contact: Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315
