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27 April, 2003All trade unionists everywhere have a responsibility in strengthening international solidarity, and helping to work towards a sustainable peace.
GENEVA/GLOBAL: In this year's IMF message for the First of May, the IMF general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, stresses the importance of global trade union solidarity. With the many forces which are dividing the world now more than ever, all trade unions have a responsibility, he insists, to build up links so that nations are helped in working towards a sustainable peace.
"The international trade union movement must mobilise all its forces worldwide because workers everywhere are in great difficulty, and struggling hard," says Malentacchi. "In light of the economic crisis, some must fight to keep already achieved rights. Some continue their fight to acquire fundamental rights, such as to belong to a union or to bargain collectively. Many are fighting to build up democracy in their own countries."
On May 1st, all trade union members -- wherever they live and whatever they do, no matter their colour or creed -- have a responsibility to march in the streets to proclaim their universal values. "Let us seize the day," declared Marcello Malentacchi, "to show that we are a great movement, across all boundaries."
For the full text of the general secretary's First of May Message, go to the IMF website Opinion Column on www.imfmetal.org.