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26 June, 2006Team to investigate illegal government takeover of Mexican metalworkers' union
MEXICO: The International Metalworkers' Federation has sent a delegation to Mexico to investigate a tragic mine accident that left 65 miners dead, and the subsequent government takeover of the National Miners' and Metalworkers' Union (SNTMMS).
Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, the democratically elected general secretary of the SNTMMS, was forcefully removed from his position on March 1 after speaking out against the Mexican government and mining company in response to the Pasta de Conchos mine explosion. The government appointed a new general secretary and seized all assets of the SNTMMS and Gomez.
Support for Gomez was reaffirmed by SNTMMS membership who voted overwhelmingly in favour of his leadership at a union congress held in May.
The IMF has launched a complaint with the ILO against the Mexican government citing violations of ILO convention 87.
"The IMF is shocked by the Mexican government's recent attack on worker rights and freedom of association. This could be a critical turning point in the Mexican labour movement. The number of workers who are fighting for their right to form independent trade unions without government interference is growing, and the international business community is taking notice," said IMF director of aerospace and specialist on Mexico, Robert Steiert.
"It is clear that recent action by the Mexican government to take over the Mexican metalworkers' union has not resulted well. Two workers have been killed, metal prices have risen dramatically, and international outrage is growing. We hope our fact-finding mission will help us to better understand the situation in Mexico, and lend solidarity to our striking metalworker brothers and sisters." Steiert added.
The fact-finding mission is in response to overwhelming concern by IMF affiliates and the international labour movement who are shocked by the Mexican governments blatant disregard for internationally recognized labour rights and Mexican labour law.
The delegation will be meeting with key officials in the Mexican government as well as union members and leadership.
Napoleon Gomez Urrutia, the democratically elected general secretary of the SNTMMS, was forcefully removed from his position on March 1 after speaking out against the Mexican government and mining company in response to the Pasta de Conchos mine explosion. The government appointed a new general secretary and seized all assets of the SNTMMS and Gomez.
Support for Gomez was reaffirmed by SNTMMS membership who voted overwhelmingly in favour of his leadership at a union congress held in May.
The IMF has launched a complaint with the ILO against the Mexican government citing violations of ILO convention 87.
"The IMF is shocked by the Mexican government's recent attack on worker rights and freedom of association. This could be a critical turning point in the Mexican labour movement. The number of workers who are fighting for their right to form independent trade unions without government interference is growing, and the international business community is taking notice," said IMF director of aerospace and specialist on Mexico, Robert Steiert.
"It is clear that recent action by the Mexican government to take over the Mexican metalworkers' union has not resulted well. Two workers have been killed, metal prices have risen dramatically, and international outrage is growing. We hope our fact-finding mission will help us to better understand the situation in Mexico, and lend solidarity to our striking metalworker brothers and sisters." Steiert added.
The fact-finding mission is in response to overwhelming concern by IMF affiliates and the international labour movement who are shocked by the Mexican governments blatant disregard for internationally recognized labour rights and Mexican labour law.
The delegation will be meeting with key officials in the Mexican government as well as union members and leadership.