31 March, 2006Violations of government interference with union activities cited.
MEXICO: The IMF has launched a complaint with the International Labour Organization against the Mexican government protesting the government's recent action to illegally discharge the head of the IMF-affiliated Mexican Metalworkers' Union.
Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, the democratically elected general secretary of the National Miners' and Metalworkers' Union (SNTMMS), was forcefully removed from his position after speaking out against the Mexican government and mining company in response to a tragic mine accident in Pasta de Conchos that left 65 miners dead, many of them members of SNTMMS.
Gomez, who launched an independent investigation into the mine explosion, was replaced by a government-appointed representative.
Citing Conventions 87, rights violations by the Mexican government include:
IMF affiliates throughout the world have shown their solidarity to our Mexican union brothers and sisters through letter writing campaigns, public pressure, and demonstrations.
To send a letter of solidarity on behalf of SNTMMS workers see previous news story.
Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, the democratically elected general secretary of the National Miners' and Metalworkers' Union (SNTMMS), was forcefully removed from his position after speaking out against the Mexican government and mining company in response to a tragic mine accident in Pasta de Conchos that left 65 miners dead, many of them members of SNTMMS.
Gomez, who launched an independent investigation into the mine explosion, was replaced by a government-appointed representative.
Citing Conventions 87, rights violations by the Mexican government include:
- Illegal intervention by the Mexican government in independent union activities
- Forced dismissal of union leadership
- Seizing union assets
- Government appointment to union elected positions
IMF affiliates throughout the world have shown their solidarity to our Mexican union brothers and sisters through letter writing campaigns, public pressure, and demonstrations.
To send a letter of solidarity on behalf of SNTMMS workers see previous news story.