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 On 16th November SIGTUR supported an International Day of Action against killings and human rights repression in the Philippines. Trade unions (UnionsWA) and church leaders were joined by other community groups in condemning the Arroyo Government for turning a blind eye to murders and gross human rights violations.
Background: In the Philippines from January 2001 until June 30, 2006, 64 leaders, members, organizers and
supporters of trade unions and informal workers organizations have been killed. They are part of the more than 750 victims of political killings under the Arroyo regime.
There are more than 982 cases of trade union and human rights violations recorded against 77,028 workers. Apart from the killings, assaults on the picketline, illegal arrests and detention, death threats, intimidation, abduction and harassment have become commonplace.
Protesting outside the Philippines Consulate in Perth, Western Australia. Community and trade union members mourn the assassinations of workers, church leaders and journalists in the Philippines.
A complaint to the ILO against the Arroyo Government for violating ILO conventions 87 and 98 has been made.
For a more complete report on the Western Australian protest see STOP THE KILLINGS (http://stopthekillings.org/?q=node/141&PHPSESSID=7e647927ffe45674159f08e085b0631e)
protest action also took place in Melbourne and Sydney as well as Canada (Vancouver), Germany, Japan, South Korea, United Kingdom and the USA (Seattle, Washington DC and Los Angeles).
DOWNLOAD PROTEST LETTER if you would like to join with us in our efforts to stop the killings in the Philippines.
The Philippines Consul was presented with protest letters and petitions from the community. A protest picket was maintained during the day with a community candle lit prayer vigil held in the evening.
SIGTUR Philippines contacts are Tess Dioquino Secretary,KMU International Department
and Elmer Labog Chairperson, KMU
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