Stop the Killings in the Philippines! Massive show of solidarity from Swedish workers

Kommunal, the Swedish Municipal Workers Union, reports that over 2,000 letters of protest to the President of the Philippines have been sent from their members throughout the country.  In November, Komunal organises its Branch meetings and at every occasion, the President of the Branch raised the issue of the killings and threats against trade unionists in the Philippines. In particular, the letters have called for an end to the intimidation and threats against PSI Executive Board member, Annie Geron, General Secretary of the public sector union, PSLINK.  "'So the Philipines government postbag is full. Let's hope they respond", said Inga Lena Wallin, International Relations Secretary of Komunal. 

PSI supported an international day of action against trade union repression and political killings in the Philippines on November 16, 2006. PSI calls upon its affiliates to send letters of protest to the Arroyo Government condemning and demanding an end to the trade union and human rights violations in the country.

Since President Arroyo came to power in 2001 more than 700 political killings have taken place. These include political activists, farmers’ leaders, students, priests, lawyers, journalists and trade union organisers. The Centre for Human and Trade Union Rights (CHTUR) in the Philippines has reported more than 64 killings of trade union organisers an additional 982 cases of trade union and human rights violations, including assault on the picket line, illegal arrest and detention, harassment and abduction.  Amnesty International notes in a recent report  that "the killings constitute a pattern of politically targeted extrajudicial executions taking place within the broader context of a continuing counter-insurgency campaign" and the fact that the "majority of attacks remain unresolved illuminates a continuing failure by the authorities to act with due diligence in investigating and prosecuting such violations".

PSI recently launched an urgent action appeal to protest the threats and intimidation against Annie Geron, PSLINK General Secretary and PSI Executive Board member, as well as six other staff members. These threats have been continuing for a long period of time, and date back to February 2003, at which time PSI also issued an urgent action appeal to protect Annie Geron and other union members.

PSI calls on its affiliates to participate in this day of action by:

• Sending a letter of protest to the Arroyo Government and concerned agencies. Please remember to copy your letters to PSI (rights@world-psi.org) and the Philippines mission in your country. You may download the attached model letter or use our electronic form;
• Holding a protest action in front of the Philippine embassy or Consulate in your country.
• Asking your government to withdraw support and financial aid to the Arroyo government.

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