Activists Protest Abuse Of Mexican Workers
Thursday, February 17, 2011(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)
Chanting “No more worker silence - no more thugs and
violence,” well over 100 fired-up labor rights activists marched on the
Mexican Embassy at noon yesterday, calling for an end to the Mexican
government’s reported involvement in the ongoing intimidation and labor rights
violations of workers in Mexico. “If the laws were obeyed, miners would come
home to their families every night,” said United Mineworkers President Cecil
Roberts (top, at left), who called the 2006 Pasta de Conchos mine explosion –
which killed 65 miners – “industrial homicide.” After an emotional reading
of the names of miners “beaten to death by government and private thugs” for
their union activity, Roberts called on the American government to “look a
little bit closer” at the exploitation of workers in Mexico. “Our nation
needs to put pressure on Mexico to end this right now,” added Roberts. “If
you want democracy in your workplace, join a union. If you want a higher
standard of living, better health and safety, a better nation and a better
world, join a union.” Roberts, Metro Council President Jos Williams (bottom,
second from left), AFL-CIO Director of International Affairs Cathy Feingold
(bottom, at left), the CWA’s Annie Hill and new Association of Flight Attendants President Veda
Shook then delivered a letter to a Mexican Embassy representative calling on the
Mexican government to “enforce the law, comply with fundamental labor rights
and bring an end to the repression of Mexican workers.” The demonstration was
part of a worldwide Global Action for Workers’ Rights in Mexico which included
60 actions in more than 30 countries. “This is not a one-time visit,”
Williams vowed. “If we don’t get a positive answer, we will be back!”
- report by Adam Wright; photos by Chris
Garlock